Although it can be a nerve-racking experience you should think of your interview as your time to shine. First and foremost you have to be in a positive frame of mind. Good preparation can help this massively so make sure you are absolutely certain of where you have to go. Planning your route on a map and verifying you know where in the building you need to aim for can help put your mind at peace.
With the commercialisation of the internet there is no excuse for not knowing the background of the company. Primarily, why would you want to work for a company you know nothing about? You should want this company as much as you need them to want you. Secondary, you will require some knowledge on the business for the interview. Familiarise yourself with their clients and competitors, make a mental note of one or two that you are impressed with and can raise in the interview. For example any charitable work they have done, or environmentally friendly projects they have been involved with are always good. Then bring these up in the interview. This will demonstrate you have taken an active interest in the company's performance and history as well as showing your keenness for corporate responsibility, which is an important issue at present.
Prepare some questions you want to ask the interviewer. Think along the lines of, what can this business do for me? Ask them on the progress of the company, any plans for expansion? Or, where they see themselves in 5, 10, 20 years time? Perhaps try to investigate the role you are applying for in some more depth, such as what does the on-the-job training consist of? What day-to-day responsibilities will you be managing?
It is also important that you know what is going on with current affairs. Although an interview is a far cry away from a general knowledge test it is highly likely that they will ask your opinions on the present state of some issue that is relevant to the industry. For example, if you are going for a job with a graphic design agency, they may want to know your views on the Olympic 2012 logo. If you strike up conversation on a mutual interest that is relevant to the company for which you are applying, then exploit the subject as much as you can don't stray away from the discussion. If your interview lasts longer than you expected, that is generally a good sign.
But be warned. Interview success doesn't happen by chance. And these proven interview tips require some understanding and practice.
Ok. So, let's say you get to first base. You're invited in for an interview. Now what?
Well, the worst thing you can do is handle it like a traditional interview. Even the hottest interview tips won't help you if your determined to conduct a standard, old-fashioned interview. Your biggest mistake is to allow the meeting to turn into a Q & A session . . . you sit there passively and answer all the questions as diligently as possible.
Look. You get one shot at the person who may be your next boss. You gotta make it work for you.
So here are 5 practical interview tips for turning a routine session into an exciting and resourceful presentation:
1. Do not launch into a recital of your work history. Let your resume do that. Your face-to-face time is too valuable to bore this decision-maker with information that's only marginally of interest.
2. DO establish a dialogue in which you engage in a serious discussion of the decision-makers goals and needs instead of an interview. Demonstrate that you've taken the time to learn something about the organization and it's direction. Ask intelligent questions and make informative comments about what you've learned.
3. Remember that employers are only interested in learning two things from you . . . what you can do to make a difference to the bottom line . . . and what you can do to make his/her job easier. Only to the extent that you're prepared in advance to answer those questions are you guaranteed to grab his/her attention to your benefit.
4. Demonstrate that you know how to solve the kind of problems the employer is facing. Here's where your past work history can illustrate what you can do going forward. But, frankly, no one is interested in what you used to do for someone else unless you can make the connection to your prospective boss.
5. Be prepared to show how you work by presenting a portfolio of successful projects you've worked on. This portfolio could include samples of your work, letters of recommendation or commentaries from bosses, and co-workers, and letters from customers or happy clients, etc. Be sure to quantify what you've done. Employers are impressed when you can show percentage increases, savings, dollars gained, productivity upgraded, etc.
When you're carefully prepared and follow these proven interview tips, you look and sound like a pro. And this will put you light years ahead of the competition!
Both John Mce & Paul Bowley are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Mce has sinced written about articles on various topics from Careers and Job Hunting, Biking and Strategic Planning. John McE writes articles on a number of subjects including and vocational tips. For more about career success see. John Mce's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.
Paul Bowley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing and Communications, Interview Questions and Debts Loans. Paul Bowley manages EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and innovative e-business strategies . . . since 1985. Check out THE WORLD'S FASTEST JOB SEARCH PLAN! And grab our stunning FREE REPORT!. Paul Bowley's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.