So you've managed to secure a job interview for a position that fits you PERFECTLY. Now comes the moment of truth: Are you REALLY ready for the interview? If you've rehearsed what you're going to say and know the perfect answer to every potential question, you're half way there. There's just one important thing you've forgotten:
Yourself.
How do you sell yourself and show your potential employer how valuable you can be to their company? You want to make them hire you TODAY and not even THINK about other applicants. You know you're the right person for the job, so how do you make THEM see that? Here are seven easy steps you can take to really make yourself shine during the interview process.
1. First, find out everything you can about the company you'd be working for. Who are its customers? What is its mission statement? How does the job you'd be performing relate to the company's goals? Finding out this type of information gives you great insights on what kinds of questions to ask your interviewer and shows them that you've done your research and already have some background in the company's business and objectives.
2. Read over the job description carefully. Analyze your own strengths and see how you can tie the two together. If you have previous experience, make note of those times where you helped achieve a specific result. Employers give more serious consideration to applicants who have a background and a track record in their industry than those who do not.
3. First impressions count. It should go without saying that you should arrive 15 minutes prior to the interview, dress appropriately (if not above) the position you're applying for, greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact throughout the discussion process. Be enthusiastic, personable and outgoing. Show a sincere interest in the people you meet and the work you'd be doing. Interviewers can tell if you're desperate!
4. Show that you can solve problems and work well under pressure, since nearly every job will require both skills. If you can identify a particular problem in your industry or that you may face when doing this job, give the interviewer some ideas of how you would solve it. Be calm, relaxed and confident. Some nervousness is expected, but your overall mannerisms (such as fidgeting, nail-biting, slumping in your chair) will be an instant giveaway on how well you REALLY work under stress. Likewise, if you project confidence and security in how you carry yourself, the interviewer will definitely notice.
5. If your mind goes blank when asked if you have any questions (and you should ALWAYS have a couple of questions ready), consider asking why this position is open. What's the company's track record and turnover rate? Are they performing well and keeping employees on board? Remember, you're not just selling yourself on how you'd be a great fit for this company, but finding out how this company could also be a great fit for you.
6. If an interviewer asks a question that makes you feel uncomfortable, smile politely and ask, "Why would you like to know?" Remember, your employer is prohibited from asking you personal questions, including references to your race, gender, sexual preference, marriage status and child care situations. Your interview should be focused on how well you can perform the job, not your home and family life.
7. After the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note. Recount your strengths in the letter and highlight your qualifications. Touch on specific discussions or conversations you had with the interviewer to help them remember that polished, professional, enthusiastic candidate (you). Close the note by letting the interviewer know of your sincere interest in the position and your confidence in doing it well.
If you keep all of these suggestions in mind, you'll not only have seriously impressed your potential employer, but you'll come away from it feeling like a winner too! Good luck!
Roger Clark is senior editor at Top Career Resumes and Career Information Resources who provide free information to job seekers on all aspects of finding a new job and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
Those who watched HBO's Sex and the City (SATC, now... Read More
Last article I discussed why a telecommuter would benefit from... Read More
Here are some of the questions we have been asked... Read More
There is little doubt that Americans still have a deep... Read More
Your mouth is dry, your palms are sweaty, your heart... Read More
Once you have accomplished your task of getting in the... Read More
You've looked at all the job interview tips and techniques.... Read More
Healthcare is one of the hottest career fields in America... Read More
Step One - Plan:Most people spend more time planning a... Read More
Many people's idea of networking relates to the 'size of... Read More
1. Define Success for YourselfClarify and write down what success... Read More
So you've managed to secure a job interview for a... Read More
Guess what. The results are out they are ugly. Pretty... Read More
For the person crafting their first résumé the task can... Read More
Retirement might be the answer when you ask yourself "why... Read More
Need a great resume to land that great job coming... Read More
Another morning of job hunting lies ahead of you. You... Read More
Are you lost in the wilderness when it comes to... Read More
For those who are fluent in another language, foreign language... Read More
Ever wonder if you are in the right career? If... Read More
We need more people to choose nursing as a career.... Read More
In todays Business and economy, starting any business service requires... Read More
"I've heard you talk about building a website to get... Read More
I've heard it said?in fact, it might well have been... Read More
Many people in the last decade have experienced for themselves... Read More
Cover letters are an essential ingredient to your complete résumé... Read More
1: Keep It ShortConsidering that initially HR personnel only spend... Read More
Then let me start by helping out. The politically correct... Read More
There is much to say about posting resumes on the... Read More
You're still reading?so I know my title grabbed your attention.Why?... Read More
Seeing your job as an honorable job, adds more meaning... Read More
This is one of those broad questions that can take... Read More
The whole job search effort is completely exhausting and at... Read More
Mention "outsourcing" to a programmer and you may as well... Read More
One of the responsibilities of a human resources professional is... Read More
When an employer decides to conduct an interview with you,... Read More
After completing their translation training programmes at higher professional education... Read More
In today's competitive job market, a first class resume is... Read More
It is not realistic for HR Managers to believe that... Read More
Have you used feng shui around your desk? It's a... Read More
Qualifications" or "Personal Profile") uses bullets and succinct wording to... Read More
You've thought a lot about the kind of work you... Read More
Many well qualified and extremely able candidates fail at job... Read More
"Stop being such a Pollyanna," a trusted, more experienced colleague... Read More
It takes a lot of time and effort to get... Read More
Looking for work is an energy-devouring ordeal, often leading to... Read More
Building and expanding a business is a difficult task, when... Read More
We often use the phrase, "Get Your Feet Wet" when... Read More
I referenced the circus because I just finished another interviewing... Read More
Making Your Future Work Better For YouIt's the commonest concern... Read More
Here's a list of the top 10 tips you can... Read More
Your job is to rise ABOVE the challenge. Do more... Read More
Job dissatisfaction is a driving force behind individuals seeking employment... Read More
Don't let anyone talk you into going to college when... Read More
1. Do What You Love.Have you ever noticed we usually... Read More
Any professionally trained interviewer can attest these questions are the... Read More
Are you looking to hire the best talent? Are you... Read More
"Know your Ruling Star. One man is better received by... Read More
By avoiding these 8 simple mistakes, you can improve your... Read More
Is your current or most recent job truly what you... Read More
Ever hear the story of the two masons working side... Read More
Just how important it is to ASK for the job... Read More
As the business sections of today's papers and magazines read... Read More
You need to be the best you can at describing... Read More
Today, everyone is looking for the secret to business success.... Read More
Telecommuting Interview Tips- By Nell TaliercioYou've made it! Your cover... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |