Job Interview Tips

MIAMI - MARCH 27: Javier Munoz waits for a jo...

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Top Job Interview Tips

No matter what the economy looks like, employers are making it harder and harder for prospective employees to gain employment. Making a good impression during the first interview is essential to getting to the next step and possibly landing the job. Here are some job interview tips that will make the process go smoothly.

Get to Know the Company

Take some time and do some research on the company or business of the position that is being applied for. Not only will this look impressive in front of employers but in the process of doing research, many prospective employees may find out interesting information about the company and helpful tips that may just get them the job.

Practice with a Friend

Have a friend or relative role play and practice your interview. While it may not go exactly as practiced it will still help. Practice interview question answers and even facial expressions. During the practice, try to think of new questions and different responses and practice them all out.

Try to Remain Relaxed

While employers may expect nerves it is better to try to stay relaxed and calm. Practicing some relaxation techniques at home or even in the car a few minutes before the interview is supposed to begin will help. Remaining relaxed will aid in coming across as confident. Confidence and self-assurance are two traits employers like to see and are very attractive during a job interview.

Dress Accordingly

No matter where the job is located, dress accordingly. Job interviews are important and it is essential to show respect and concern for appearance. Employers will take notice and appreciate the extra effort.

 

 

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How to Answer the Weakness Interview Question

Going on an interview can be a very stressful experience for most people. You are nervous about making a good impression, you probably want the job really badly and not knowing what you’ll be asked during an interview can be enough to send someone over the edge. When you are scheduled for an interview, the best thing you can do is prepare.

Do some basic research on the company and the position you are applying for. This will help you when answering interview questions. Answer the questions in such as way that lets the interviewer know that you are the best person for this job and that you will be an asset to the company. You can also go online to find out the most commonly asked interview questions so you can prepare your answer ahead of time. You might even want to practice interviewing with your partner or a friend.

Many people are the most nervous about how to correctly answer the dreaded interview question, “What is your greatest weakness?” or “Name one of your weaknesses.” This can throw people into a stupor. Never say that you do not know or that you don’t have any weaknesses, everyone does. Many interviewers don’t want to hear a positive trait that you’ve flipped to a weakness, like telling the interviewer that you are a perfectionist. Instead, talk about a prior problem or issue that you had in a previous job. Tell the interviewer how you identified the weakness and the steps that you did to resolve the problem and that it made you a better worker. It’s a good idea to end your story saying something like, “I’m always looking for ways to better myself.”

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How to Make a Lasting Impression During an Interview

One of the first things to know before an interview is that it is an integrated assessment of your personality, energy, enthusiasm, intelligence, knowledge and experience for the job you are being interviewed for.

The dress attire should be formal, neatly ironed clothing with no flashy colors, such as a bright, multicolored necktie ora wrinkled dress. A detailed knowledge of the subjects related to job description, a history and profile of the company, as well as some knowledge about the interviewers themselves, is very helpful.

Regular exercise and meditation, especially for a few weeks before the interview, is indispensable towards marketing yourself as an energetic and dynamic, yet calm and peaceful person.

You should get plenty of sleep the night before the interview and make sure you do not overeat during breakfast. Consume plenty of fluids and make sure you have a list of all the items you would need during the interview beforehand.

If possible, it is best to carry a laptop with a well designed PowerPoint presentation, a few copies of your two page resume, and at least ten copies of your business cards —preferably with a one inch by one inch size photo printed on them. It is also helpful to have a folder containing your credentials, degrees, and a detailed summary of your past work experience.

You should face the interviewer with a calm demeanor and focus on the questions given by looking directly in the interviewer’s eye. Make frequent eye contact and shift your eyes from the interviewer’s forehead and hair to their eyes and nose while answering your question in a clear and succinct manner.

If you do not know an answer to a question, be frank and honest and ask the interviewer if you can get back to them with the answer at a later time. Do not be cocky or arrogant; rather, exude confidence through your knowledge and experience to help secure the job.

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What to Do (and not do) in a Job Interview

Apart from reading your application, an interview is an employer’s first opportunity to get to know their would-be employee and gauge their potential for a position in the company. This interview can make or break your chances to get the job, so there are things to keep in mind when preparing for an interview.

The Dos
- Be punctual. Arriving on time or even early will show that you are serious about wanting the job. It shows that you respect them enough to show up when expected.
- Dress appropriately. A job interview is a formal environment and you should dress accordingly.
- Present yourself professionally. In addition to dressing appropriately, act appropriately. Speak properly, clearly, and calmly. Avoid slang and peppering your sentences with a lot of “uh”s and “um”s.
- Follow up. Show your potential employer that you are interested and serious about the position by calling and following up on the results of the interview.
The Don’ts
- Disparage previous bosses. “My last boss was in idiot” is not the answer to “Why did you leave your last job?” Show them that you respect the position of the boss by not insulting your old one.
- Act like you’d rather be somewhere else. Don’t keep checking your watch or the clock. This makes it look like you’d rather not be there.
- Lie to build yourself up. Be honest. Don’t claim to have an education or employment history that you don’t. A background check can reveal the lie and ruin your chances of being hired.
- Go in unprepared. Know something about the company to which you are applying. If the interviewer asks a question about the company or why you want to work there, you should have answers.

A job interview can be tough. Remembering points like these can help make the experience a little less unpleasant and possibly make you more attractive to a company.

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