Job Interview Success
Posted on January 16, 2019 by CHS
We can put so much time and effort into perfecting our resume and applying for jobs, that by the time we finally receive a call for a job interview, we realize we’re a bit rusty when it comes to interviews. Our blog will provide tips on how you can prepare for interviews, improve your interview technique, and present yourself professionally for success.
Interview Preparation
The first thing to do once your interview is scheduled is to do some research on the company. Gathering information about the company’s mission, history, and purpose is essential to being prepared for the interview. While researching, also think about the company culture and if this place will be the right fit for you. You can check the company’s website in their ‘About Us’ section, their social media platforms, or see if they are listed on job sites where you can read employee reviews of the company, and salary information. By learning what you can about the company and their background, you can answer questions such as “Why do you want to work at our company?” and “What makes you a good fit for this position?”
Once you’re comfortable with the company’s back ground, prepare questions you can ask your interviewer to show your interest for the position. Questions such as “What are your big picture goals for this position?” and “What is the department’s communication culture? Do you meet frequently or are communication mainly through emails and phone calls?” demonstrate that you are already thinking realistically about the position and picturing your place in the company. To find more questions to ask during your interview, check out the list provided by Forbes.
While preparing for your interview, think of anecdotes to tell about yourself. The interviewer only knows who you are based on your resume and will want to know who you are as a person. Your short story should be applicable to the position you’re applying for and should showcase your qualifications and relevant experience.
Review common interview questions online and brainstorm the answers that you will provide. This will help you to prepare the most effective answers to questions and to avoid being caught off guard with a question that you aren’t sure how to answer in the moment.
Practice, Practice, and Practice!
Once you have gathered all of your questions, answers, stories about yourself, and common interview questions, it’s time to practice! Practicing is the best way to boost your self-confidence, remember everything you would want to say and ask, and stay calm throughout the interview. You can start off by practicing in front of the mirror and making eye contact with your reflection while practicing your body posture and hand gestures. You can also practice answering questions mentally while exercising, or doing household chores such as washing the dishes or taking out the trash. Once you’re comfortable, ask a friend or family to do a mock interview with you. They can look up different interview questions to ask you during practice and give you their feedback afterward.
Personal Presentation
Your qualifications, experience, and personality are crucial in securing your dream job. Also important for first impressions is the way that you present yourself. Your face and attire are the first things your interviewer sees. Dress code varies by company, so it’s advised that you research the company’s dress code policy prior to the interview. It is generally recommended that one dresses professionally, as it is safer to err on the side of being overdressed rather than underdressed. There are, however, three types of attire that may be appropriate, depending on the company: professional with business attire, non-professional with business casual attire, and casual with nice clothing. With business attire, the dress code is a suit jacket or blazer, slacks, a button down shirt or blouse for women, and a tie for men. When it comes to business casual attire, you can lose the suit jacket or blazer. For casual attire, you could wear dark jeans or khakis and a nice top. You can learn about the attire for success by reading the article by Balance Careers.
Job searching and the interview process can be a stressful time for anyone. By preparing yourself with thorough research on the company and practicing the interview process, you can feel more confident and be much more comfortable and prepared during the interview.
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