The interview itself is the most difficult part of securing job. Not only do job interviews consist of many difficult questions, but you will most likely be faced with some fierce competition. Therefore, you should thoroughly prepare yourself each and every job interview.
Unfortunately, job interviews vary from one person to the other and from one industry to the next. However, all job interviews do have some similar characteristics and you can follow some basic rules that will help you face your next job interview with confidence.
Here are three things everyone interviewing for a job should do?
1. Communication ~ Whether it is verbal phone calls or written emails, poorly stated or disorganized communication shows a lack of professionalism. Also, during an interview, don't be shy or soft spoken. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer and carefully listen to everything they say.
Answer the interview questions confidentially without the use of slang or street language. In fact, make sure to use the jargon of the profession.
2. Body language ~ The fact is you are being judged from the second you walk into an interview. That's right, before you even say a word the interview committee is already judging you just based upon your body language.
Do NOT underestimate how important body language is during an interview.
There is no doubt that your physical appearance plays an important role in getting you a job. If you are dress too casually you won't be taken seriously for the job. Dress in a nice suit or other formal clothes that make you look organized, sharp, and controlled. When undecided about what to wear always weigh on the side of caution and dress more formal than less.
Hand shakes also play a big part of body language. A soft handshake doesn't make an impression while a firm handshake indicates you have drive and confidence.
Also, while seated, you should always sit with your back straight, keep a smile on your face, be attentive, and maintain eye contact with all interviewers.
3. Ask Questions ~ Having sat on countless interview committees I am always shocked at how many candidates do not ask us, the interviewers, any questions. Asking questions gives the impression that not just any job will do, but that you are looking for the right job?the right fit for you. As much as possible try to make the interview seem more like a two-way conversation rather than a one-way interview.
Again, while job interviews will vary from person to person and from one industry to the next, by following these basic guidelines you will be much more confident and that will shine through during your interview.
Job interviews are hardly anyone's favourite pastime. In fact many career changers find the interview process boring, nerve wrecking and challenging to say the least. However, with the right attitude job interviews can be a creative and rewarding experience. The following powerful pointers can help you excel at traditional job interviews and make the career changes you desire.
1. Know who you are - It is all too easy to lose one's individuality in the cut throat corporate world. Before embarking on a job interview, take the time to find out who you really are. Self discovery can be achieved through mental reflection, constructive feedback and specialist guidance. Your identity does not consist of material acquisitions and social status, rather your essence, beliefs and values. Enhance your self awareness and your confidence will shine through at job interviews.
2. Know where you're from - To get to where you want to be, you must first evaluate where you are coming from. Whilst preparing for your job interview, it is important to reflect on your career history and general life experience. For instance, if you are unhappy at your current job, map out two separate sections on blank paper. In the first section, list the specific things you're unhappy about and in the second section list what you're happy about (if any). When you have finished, evaluate the results. Are there more negatives than positives or vice versa? When you find new job openings, don't get carried away by the thrill of the opportunity. Rather take stock of the positives and negatives of the new role so that you can compare the results with your current work situation. This will help you make good progress career-wise instead of making choices that could potentially worsen your situation.
3. Know where you are going - Few people set long and short term goals and fewer people know what their life's purpose really is. However, the world respects people who know where they are going in life. Get the edge over other interviewees by defining what career success means to you and outlining the specific steps you can take to achieve your career goals. It's also a good idea to ask yourself how each new job fits in with your life goals. With more focus and clarity, you will advance in your career and achieve inner fulfilment as well.
4. Find the right job - Not all jobs warrant the hassle of interview preparation, so before squandering precious hours, first find job vacancies worth applying for. The ideal job is of course one that will utilise your greatest talents and give you the kind of fulfilment money cannot buy. However, you will also need to consider factors such as pay, commute time, scope for career progression, organisational values, company stability and so on. Rather than applying for work in a random fashion, take time to define your career wants and look out for jobs that meet those requirements in order of priority. When you focus your efforts on suitable job roles, your chances of interview success and career happiness will be significantly improved.
5. Find your talents - Job interviews are a two way process; they're not just about what you can gain from the employer but about what you can offer the latter too. Thankfully job ads are filled with clues as to the specific talents and behaviours employers find desirable. It's a great idea to read the ad at least five times, then to map out three separate columns on blank paper. In the first column, write down all the skills and talents required to perform your ideal job successfully (e.g. computer, supervisory and organisational talents), in the second column write down the typical behaviours required of you (e.g. career minded, self starter and team player) and in the third column list the ethos and values of the organisation (e.g. creative, puts the customer first etc.). Next, ask yourself which of the desired attributes you possess and tick those off the list. If in doubt ask family and friends what your greatest talents are and how those talents match the job description. It is wise to take the time to discover and develop hidden talents and assets because they can significantly increase your perceived organisational value.
Well prepared interviewees perform well at job interviews. Keep the above pointers in mind and you too can outshine your competitors, secure your dream job and enjoy lasting career happiness.
Both Adam Waxler & Ogo Ogbata 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.
Adam Waxler has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Interview Questions and Arthritis Signs. Want to discover some of the greatest "think-outside-the-box" job search strategies ever revealed? Then sign up right now for our FREE one-of-a-kind Cover Letter e-Course @. Adam Waxler's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
Ogo Ogbata has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Career Change and Interview Questions. Ogo Ogbata is the founder of leading lifestyle and career design website CreativityandSense.Com. She helps individuals find (or create if necessary) financially rewarding work that allows time and energy for what matters most in life.. Ogo Ogbata's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.