Amidst technological advancements nowadays, the “back-to-basics” rule still applies when it comes to hiring for a job. It doesn’t matter if you plan to apply for a million-dollar company or a small, independent firm. When you face an interviewer, it all depends on how you present yourself. This is the deciding factor whether you will be hired or not.
So you’ve distributed your resume to potential employers and you’ve determined the right job to apply for. The next step is to schedule a job interview.
When you schedule an interview, you can get acquainted with the assistant or receptionist by phone or in person. Be friendly and polite, as these people can provide information that may be needed to land that job or even give you the background of the company or your potential boss.
Finally, you appear for the interview.
The basic characteristics of being quick, how you speak and carry yourself and even how you dress are all factors that contribute to making a lasting impression that will eventually get you hired.
Here are 7 easy steps for how you can hone your interviewing skills:
1.) Prepare for the interview.
First, dress appropriately. Once the interviewer walks into the room, or once you walk into the room to interview, your appearance will be the first thing to make an impact. Dress appropriately, check your grooming and pay attention to your posture.
Second, practice basic etiquette. Know where the interview will be conducted and have enough time to prepare yourself before the scheduled interview. Turn off your phone to avoid unnecessary distractions.
2.) Research.
Use all of your resources to make sure you know the basics about the company. When asked how you heard or what you know about the company you’re applying for, you don’t want to be caught unprepared.
Know your potential employer. Develop a clear picture of the company profile in your mind.
Make sure you have prepared, but not sound scripted, answers to some basic questions. This is when you rehearse what you will be saying word for word. It is enough that you have an overview of what you will provide to the interviewer, and it is better to be comfortable.
3.) Be cool.
Step forward so that you are now seated and the interview is about to begin. Make a good first impression by giving the interviewer a firm handshake, a friendly smile, and a polite greeting, while maintaining eye contact. Sit down only when you are asked to do so and don’t forget to thank the interviewer for taking the time out of your busy schedule to interview.
Be sure to start on a positive note and set reasonable expectations.
4.) Don’t sell yourself short.
During the interview, answer questions concisely and accurately. The key is to be honest.
Make sure that as a potential employee, you provide your future employer with what you really are and what you can do for the company, not vice versa. Be positive and don’t make a bad impression about your previous employer.
If you are applying for your first job, don’t let your lack of experience hinder you from getting an advantage over more experienced applicants. What you lack in experience, it makes up for in confidence and eagerness to learn.
You can also put yourself in the employer’s place. Ask yourself, if I were on the other side of this desk, what qualities should I look for in a potential employee? Will I benefit if he works for me and can he contribute to the growth of the company?
Don’t be afraid to sell yourself but don’t be overconfident. Just do a wind project that you are sure of yourself and your abilities.
5.) Ask questions.
Should you encounter a difficult interviewer, don’t be intimidated. The one who doesn’t allow you to utter a word should be lightly reminded that you should do most of the talking because he is the one who needs to know more about you.
6.) Wrap it up.
As you near the end of the interview, make sure all the bases are covered. Now is not the time to discuss or ask about the salary and benefits that you will get once employed. Once you’ve got the position and you’re negotiating a job offer, there’s plenty of time for that.
End things by summarizing your strengths and pointing out your positive traits. Finally, as you end the interview, be sure to thank the interviewer again for his or her time, thus leaving a lasting impression.
7.) Follow up.
Send that all-important thank you note after the interview. Thank the interviewer for the time he took with you and for giving you that opportunity. Make sure you know who to contact to follow up on the results.
A lot of research has been done about the interview process.
