5
Interview Tips
Everyone
has to interview at one point in their life if they are applying for
jobs, schools or other roles. Interviews usually make people
uncomfortable because their skills are being put to the test.
Interviews don't have to feel uncomfortable if you PREPARE, PREPARE,
PREPARE.
Rule
1. Research the Company and the job position.
We've
all been asked the same question before, “What do you know about
our company?” This is where you take the opportunity to show the
company how interested in the company. Showing up to the interview
isn't enough. Take this time to fit yourself into their company. The
typical response to this question should be, “I see that [Company
name] works on [what interests you], I find this area particularly
interesting because I [relevant skills you possess]. An interviewer
normally asks this question to start the interview process off and
get a sense of who you are.
Rule
2. Dress Your Best When Interviewing
Women:
Wear comfortable heels/flats. Wear a two piece skirt jacket set or
pants jacket set.
Men:
Wear comfortable shoes. Wear a suit jacket and pants and a tie.
Colors/Patterns:
Choose solids over patterns. Choose neutrals over bright colors. You
will have your chance to stand out. Don't let the interviewer
remember you for your bright shirt/tie, instead impress the
interviewer with your skills. Also know what the color you wear means
or what mood it gives off.
http://www.mysuitshop.com/customtailor/Shirt_And_Suit_Colours_And_Their_Meanings.htm
Rule
3. Write down a list of questions.
We
all know that they are going to ask this question, “So do you have
any questions for me?” Don't say no, prepare a list of questions.
Most interviewers will cover all the easy question you want to ask
such as , “What is the work environment like”, “What is the
dress code” , “What are the work hours” etc. Prepare a list of
questions that will help you stand out such as, “What
are the prospects for growth and advancement?”, “Are you most
interested in a candidate who works independently, on a team,
cross-functionally, or through a combination of them all?” etc
Rule
4. Be Confident
If
you have researched the company, written down questions, prepared for
questions the interviewer may ask, you are already a step ahead. All
you have to do now is be yourself. Relax, make sure you give a firm
handshake and highlight your strengths.
Rule
5. End with a Good Impression
This
last step is crucial. It gives you a great chance to restate how
interested you are in the job. Find out if there are additional
interviews and don't forget to send a thank you note/email.
I've been going on quite a few interviews lately and this post was pretty dead-on as far as good advice is concerned. I just have a couple things to add for anyone who is interested.
ReplyDeletePersonally speaking, as far as dress is concerned, I think it is okay to have a little something to make you stand out. Ladies, I am not talking about hot pink heels. However, a pseudo neutral piece can be very powerful. For example, maroon heels with a black suit instead of the traditional black pump. For the gentlemen, a tie with a simple pattern, such as a pinstripe, can be enough to help you be set apart, without taking away from your skill set.
Asking questions at the end of the interview is DEFINITELY a must. I like to try to connect with the interviewer so I'll often ask questions like:
What is your position in the company and what are your responsibilities? (Even when the person is just HR or university relations, it is still a good way to learn more about who is talking to you. This can also give you the chance to talk about mobility within the company if the person has had multiple positions there.)
How long have you worked at this company? (I usually ask this for credibility. For example the individual's credibility will vary if he/she has worked at the company for 1 year as opposed to 30 years.)
How do you feel about this company as a place to grow and learn? (Obviously since the person is working at this place, they like it to some degree. However, sometimes this question can throw people off if they are unhappy at their current job. This is also a good way to see how passionate the individual is about the company.)
Great post! Hope this helps!
I've been on a bunch of successful interviews, and I would just like to stress again the importance of asking questions. To some interviewers, this is your chance to show them what you've got beyond the interview questions that they've asked you. You can and should look on Google for good question suggestions. Make sure to ask thing about tho company and what would be expected of you. IF possible, ask a questions that relates to something they said during the interview. This will show that you've been paying good attention and have a genuine interest in the position.
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