Having prepared your best for your dream job interview, it would feel pretty bad to miss out something trivial which has the potential to "make or break" your candidacy. There are many things that can cause a serious negative impact in the eyes of your potential employer. Because you should not leave your job search to chance, it is best to have a checklist of things to do and carry to the interview and follow it.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your best foot is put forward. Your preperation will not only shine through on the day of your intereview, but it will show your professionalism to your possible future employer.
General Checklist
1.Do you have a neat haircut and did you shave? 2.Do you have your suit pressed and cleaned? 3.Are your shoes shined?
Checklist of Things to Carry
1.Always have extra copies of your resume 2.Have photocopies of your credentials, including your school certificates and any other certificates of professional training you may have 3.Keep a neat notepad and a good pen 4.A copy of your application with cover letter 5.Your references neatly typed on resume paper 6.Instructions on how to reach the interview location including whom to meet and at what time 7.A list of expected questions and a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer
After you are finished with the above list, you are almost done with your preparation. You should then check the following:
1.Check the directions if you are traveling by car. Also get the car and the spare tire serviced beforehand. 2.If you are traveling by airplane, keep the tickets handy and check the times again 3.Read your resume and cover letter again on your way to the recruiter's office or at the office. Don't forget to read the job advertisement again also. 4.Quietly try to recollect your subject knowledge 5.Losing your confidence in the interviewer's office will immediately remove you from the list of potential candidates. Try to remember how well you have prepared for the interview. 6.Recollect whatever information you have gathered about the organization.
When you get to the interview location, be patient and tell the receptionist or assistant that you have come for the interview. Wait in the lounge if you are asked to. You can strike up small talk with fellow interviewees if there are any. Better still, you can browse through journals or magazines available. These are all parts of showing the interviewer your personality and how it is suited for the job.
1. Trying to wing the interview: Practice! Get a list of general interview questions, a friend, a tape recorder, and a mirror and conduct an interview rehearsal. Practice until your delivery feels comfortable but not canned.
2. Not being yourself: Be yourself and be honest! Don't pretend to understand a question or train of thought if you don't. The interviewer will pick up on this. If you don't know an answer, say so. Relax and be yourself. Remember you're interviewing the company as well as vice versa.
3. Not listening: Focus on the question that is being asked and don't try to anticipate the next one. It's OK to pause and collect your thoughts before answering a question. Pay special attention to technical or work process related subjects that are unique to a given firm or organization. The interviewer may have provided information you will need to answer the question earlier in the conversation. Employers will be looking for your ability to assimilate new information, retain it, and, most importantly, recognize that information as useful to you later in the interview.
4. Not providing enough details: When answering case questions, technical questions or solving technical problems, take the time to "talk through" your thought process. Recruiters are much more interested in seeing how your mind works and how it attacks a given type of problem, than the answer itself. Articulate your problem solving process and verbalize your thinking.
5. Lack of enthusiasm: Maintain eye contact, greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake (not too weak, not too strong), and show common courtesy. Don't be afraid to display your passion for the job/industry and to show confidence.
Both Tony Jacowski & Ken Charnley 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.
Tony Jacowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from University, Six Sigma and Information Technology. Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online and certification classes for lean six sigm. Tony Jacowski's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
Ken Charnley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Cooking Tips and Bankruptcy Law. Ken Charnley is a personal finance enthusiast with dedicated to qual. Ken Charnley's top article generates over 1000000 views. to your Favourites.