In today's job market having a winning interview strategy is more critical than ever. The job interview can be one of the most stressful activities a person can undertake. After all, so much is riding on this one meeting for both the hiring manager and the candidate both parties are apprehensive at best.
One sure way to combat the fear and calm your nerves is through adequate preparation. A good way to prepare for an interview is to put yourself in the interviewer's shoes. What does this person want to know? What is the "question behind the question"? What are the qualities the interviewer evaluates when selecting the ideal employee for this position?
Some examples of highly valued qualities are:
- Integrity
- Dedication
- Self-Motivation
- Sense of Urgency
- Ability to Multi Task
- Ability to learn new concepts quickly
- Excellent Interpersonal Skills
- Reliable and Responsible
You can be certain that with all other things being equal, the candidate who can demonstrate these qualities during their interview will be selected over a similarly qualified individual that does not. So how do you demonstrate these qualities?
TAKE STOCK
Now is the time for you to take a personal inventory. Look at each of the attributes described above and think back across your life, both personal and professional, to find examples where you demonstrated this quality and what the outcome was.
When complete you will have accomplished two very important things.
· Your self confidence is increased as you see that you have indeed accomplished
many things in your life.
· You have created a basis or reference pool from which to draw during your interview.
Keep in mind that along with the interviewers' desire to learn if you have the technical skill and experience required for the position they are equally searching for the above qualities. In fact, effective demonstration of these attributes can often overcome a weaker technical issue in an interview.
When the inevitable question comes¡. "Can you multi task or Are you a quick learner" Not only can you answer yes, but you can be prepared to site an example of a time where you were required to do this and then relate the positive result.
- FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
Whether we like it or not first impressions count. Interviewers form an opinion of us from the first time we speak to them by phone or in person. Think of this first impression as a rating on a ten point scale. Within the first 10 seconds an interviewer makes an initial assessment of us and places us somewhere on that scale.
Where we go on that scale- up or down- is greatly dependant on the next 30 minutes of the interview. It is almost always best to start high! It is much easier to start out as a 8 or 9 rather than a 2 or 3.
Good interviewers know that typically you will look the best you will ever look and act the best you will every act on the day of your interview. Sorry to say it is generally downhill from there. Here are some tips:
- No Gum Chewing
- Avoid Smoking before the interview - yes you can smell it¡and, no, perfume does not cover it.
- Take care with your personal grooming. Hair should be neat and clean. Teeth and breath should be fresh. This may be a good time to see a dentist. Your hands should be clean and manicured.
- Leave the body jewelry at home - yes even your tongue ring (not everyone thinks it's cool)
- Cover any obvious tattoos
- Dress in a style in keeping with the company to which you are applying. If you have to do a scouting trip the day before at quitting time to see how the people who work there are dressed, do so. If the environment is casual then your interview attire should be on the up side of casual. If it is professional, then you can't go wrong with a dark suit, white shirt and conservative accessories.
- Plan your interview attire well ahead of time and consider investing in a special outfit for this purpose.
- Be nice to everyone! Yes, even the receptionist and the security guard¡ you don't know who they are and what influence they have¡ often times the receptionist can kill your chances before you even meet the hiring authority.
- Kill your cell phone and/or pager before entering the building
- Don't be late. Take a test drive the day before. Know where you are going and what the traffic conditions will be. It is OK to arrive a half hour before the interview but it is not ok to present yourself to the receptionist at that time. Enter the building no more than 5 minutes early.
- Unless you have a really good excuse like you were hit by a meteor or were abducted by aliens don't cancel the interview¡ however if you are running late it is better to call and give the interviewer the opportunity to reschedule rather than not showing up at all.
- Make eye contact. Eye contact is one of the most important aspects of nonverbal communication and can make a significant difference in how you present yourself. If you look away when speaking to someone, you're viewed as lacking confidence or interest. If you have a problem looking into your interviewer's eyes, try looking at the "third eye" right above and between the eyes.
- Thank the interviewer for his or her time and ask when it might be appropriate to follow-up.
- Follow-up with a hand written thank-you note (mailed that day) and then follow up by phone as previously agreed
Finally remember that interviewing is a necessary evil and on the positive side, you are also interviewing the company to which you are going to dedicate yourself. Be prepared to ask thoughtful questions about the growth or direction of the company and industry by doing your homework ahead of time. The internet is a very useful tool in this area.
Keep in mind that while salary is important, it can't make up for a terrible working environment. In fact ,salary and benefit discussions should be avoided in the first interview if possible. If pressed, speak in ranges or ask what they feel is a fair salary for someone of your skills and experience.
Dream Team Staffing can help you seek out those employers who meet your salary and working environment criteria before you interview. This help and support allows you to relax knowing you have a third party to guide you through the process.
- Contact a Dream Team Staffing Coordinator today!