How To Interview - What To Do and What Not To Do
Job seekers should know that the biggest challenge, nowadays, is just getting noticed and asked to come in for an interview. In order to receive that kind of attention you have to impress somebody in the very beginning. A professional cover letter and a powerful resume that jumps up and says, "You need me working for your company," is a large part of the battle, but the real challenge is ahead of you.
How well you do on your interview will either make or break you, so you need to be prepared for this. What's the best way to prepare for that interview? You're going to go through "B.I.T." or Basic Interview Training. The harsh reality is simple --- you're going to have a much better chance at landing that job if you train for your interview. The other truth comes from that old cliché, "Failing to plan means that you are planning to fail." This is no different.
The bottom line, you're going to train for that interview to do one thing --- to impress the right person in order to
get the job. If you're confident, engaging, and enthusiastic, you might just be the person that they are looking for, so let's get cracking. It's time to "prepare to impress." The following is a list of some helpful tips that will enable you to have a successful interview.
- Do some research on the company you are interviewing with. One of the most impressive things you can do in that interview is let that person know that you know what their company is all about.
- Appearance is everything. Dress for the interview as you would on the job.
- Make sure you get to the interview EARLY! If you get to that interview on time, you're already late, and that won't give your prospective employer a good impression. Make sure you know where you're going and have proper directions.
- The interviewer's name and title should get burned into your brain from the moment you meet. Here's another area that tends to impress that interviewer --- remembering their name and title. Moreover, unless they tell you otherwise, it's Mr. or Ms.; no first names.
- Don't let them see that you're nervous. It's impossible not to be, but try not to make it too obvious. Just be yourself and RELAX!
- If you are given the opportunity to ask questions, make sure that they are relevant. First rule of thumb --- do not ask how much the job pays. Let the interviewer bring up any salary issues.
- B.I.T. means training to answer questions in the interview. Prepare yourself for questions that are always asked in every interview. Be ready to tell the interviewer about your strengths, your weaknesses, and so on.
- Bite your tongue about former employment. Other than asking how much you're being paid, the most critical mistake you can make is to "bad-mouth" your former boss or company.
- Practice, practice, practice. Having a friend or family member conduct a mock interview with you is always suggested. It can help you strengthen any weak spots so that you have a more successful interview.
- Thank You Letter This is a professional courtesy and should be extended to interviewing company even if the interest is no longer there. Certain behavior just furthers your image as potential employee and this is one such behavior. Just do it!