By Larry B Gray
After what seems like an eternity it has finally happened. Your stellar resume and cover letter has landed you an interview. Now what? This is the moment you have been waiting for, the moment you can sell yourself and get that dream job.
For a successful interview there are two parts that need to be reviewed, the preparation and the actual interview. Each part will require time and effort.
Remember an interview is a two-way street. Not only are you being interviewed by the company but you are also making a decision if you want to work for them.
Preparation
Prior to the interview you need to do research on the company and learn as much as you can about the following.
- Learn its history.
- Learn the company's Mission Statement and goals.
- Learn its philosophy about its people, the community and the environment.
- Learn about its products, services and markets.
- Where are its locations.
This information will help you shape your answers to the interviewer's questions. It will make you look like you are really interested in the company and the position.
You also need to research how to be interviewed and what are typical questions asked by potential employers. The internet is full of examples of interview techniques and sample questions. Practice your answers to the basics questions and always try to mold your answers to fit their philosophy wherever possible. You will find it easier to handle the hard question when asked.
Review your resume and be prepared to expound upon each of your bullet points. Most interviewers will ask you to elaborate on your accomplishments and successes. This is a time for you to brag.
Another key element to the interview is your appearance. Remember the old rule of "Dress for Success." It is true that most interviewers form a lasting opinion of you in the first few seconds of meeting you based on your appearance. Here are a few tips.
- Everyone needs an interview outfit.
- It should be conservative, tasteful and not a fashion statement.
- Your outfit should be appropriate to the job level to which you are applying.
- I recommend dressing one level above.
- Business casual will be appropriate for most non-executive job interviews.
- Wear appropriate shoes.
- Polished and clean.
- No tennis shoes, flops, or casual sandals.
- Depending on the nature of the job, ladies may want to avoid wearing high heels. This is for safety reasons if there is a facility tour.
- Limit jewelry and especially cologne.
Interviewing
Arrive on time. Often being late can be the kiss of death for an interview. If you are going to be late because of traffic call ahead and let them know. Also, arriving too early does not impress an interviewer. It tends to imply you can't follow instructions. Fifteen minutes is an appropriate time unless they ask you to come in earlier to fill out paperwork.
You should always bring multiple copies of your resume. Offer one to each person you are interviewing with. Most likely they will have a copy but offer one as a courtesy.
Always offer a handshake. It should be firm but not exaggerated. There are still people who will judge you based on your handshake.
During the interview answer all the questions as completely and honestly as possible. Remember to tie in the company's philosophy to your answers whenever possible. When answering a question, don't overdo the answer. Sometimes too much information can hurt.
Don't feel like you have to fill in idle time or lulls in the conversation. When you do this it often results in you saying something you did not mean to. This is a tactic some interviewers use to get you to reveal more information. When you have answered the question, patiently wait for the interviewer to ask you the next question.
If the interviewer asks you a negative question try to answer it with a positive. It is important to turn negatives into positives.
It is alright if you are a little nervous but this is not the time to be humble. It is the time to brag about you, without being obnoxious. Let the interviewer know your strengths.
It is okay to take notes. I always bring a memo pad to jot down information and potential questions I have. But, don't let your note taking interfere with answering questions.
It is also okay to ask questions. Remember you are also interviewing the company. Just don't let your questioning dominate the interview. Keep them simple and use mostly clarifying questions.
Here are a few interview don'ts.
- Don't bring anyone to the interview with you. Even if they wait in the car, don't. You need to be flexible to respond the company's request, such as lunch.
- Don't bring your mother.
- Don't bring your children. If you need an interpreter bring an adult not a child.
- Don't bring up time off and vacation schedules.
- And, most importantly, don't bring up money. Let them bring it up.
The most important tip for an interview is to relax and enjoy it. You can gain a lot of valuable information about a potential employer at an interview. This will help you make an informed decision when they make you an offer that you can't refuse.
Finally, after each interview, thank the interviewer for their time and offer a handshake.
What tips do you have from a successful interview experience?
Larry Gray. I was born and grew up in Eastern North Carolina in the small rural town of Aurora. After marrying my high school sweetheart I moved to Lakeland, Florida where I spent my adult years raising a beautiful family and working in the Citrus Industry, with over 38 years in various leadership and management roles (http://www.larrygraysells.blogspot.com).
Come join me on this great adventure, remembering the past and building the future.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Larry_B_Gray/681983
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