Whether the job hunt has been a long or short one, the call for an interview can be both nerve-wracking and exciting. What are the best ways for job seekers to ensure that they succeed at this important stage of the process?
- Job seekers should first do some research. They should find out about the company they’ll be working for. This will enable them to both explain how they can be of value to the company and how to reply when asked if they have any questions. Asking an intelligent question or two that shows one has some prior knowledge of the company and what it does reflects well on the job seeker.
- With the knowledge gained from research, job seekers should practice. They should think about some common question they may be asked ranging from “Where do you see yourself in five years?” to “What is your biggest weakness?” You can do the Practice in front of a mirror or can have a video, and better to have a role play with a friend. It may be helpful.
- Candidates should dress the part. Although people shouldn’t turn up at interviews looking like they’ve just rolled out of bed or in from the beach, not every interview requires a three-piece suit either. For more casual environments, overdressing for an interview could even be off-putting. Business casual is a good happy medium in these cases.
- Job seekers should project a positive attitude. This can be done in several different ways. They should watch their body language, avoiding fidgeting or slumping. They should keep the focus how they can benefit the company. And they should avoid saying anything negative about previous employers or jobs. Explanations along the lines of looking for new challenges or new directions will suffice if one is hoping to leave one unpleasant job for a better one.
- Finally, job seekers should be sure to end on a good note. A firm handshake with eye contact and a sincere thank you should come at the close of the interview. Within a day or two, a candidate should follow up with a thank you note.
One thing job seekers should keep in mind when going into an interview is that the process is difficult for the interviewer as well. The company and the person in charge of hiring have their own set of concerns. Will they make the right decision? How will they know who the right person is? What if they make the wrong choice? The job seeker’s object is to quell those concerns, and the tips above will help to do just that.
