The résumé may get you the interview, but it is the interview that gets you the job. Once you have made it past the résumé stage, there is still work to be done. For many, the interview is the single most stressful part of the job search process. Any number of things can go wrong, and you don’t want to short-change your efforts in preparing for a successful interview.
During our education years, we are taught to “study” for tests and prepare for classes ahead of time. Once we are working we are held to our job performance with performance reviews and I am sure everyone prepares ahead for those. However, when it comes to the job search process, most people find interviews intimidating and are not really prepared for their interviews. So, more often than not, they “wing it” and hope for the best. When speaking with clients, one of the main reasons they do not consider an applicant after an interview is because the candidate was unable to “sell” their skills and qualifications to the hiring authority.
You want to stand out from the competition. The candidates who ace the interview show they are capable of doing the job, are willing and eager to do the job, and need little supervision or motivation. They also demonstrate that they have a good personality and work well with others.
You should spend more time getting ready for the interview than the interview itself. Go above and beyond to research the company, reading the company’s website and social media sites so you understand what they do and what products and services they offer. Read news articles about the company and the industry so you appear to be informed and up-to-date.
Be familiar with the job description and the qualification requirements to help you connect your experiences and skills with the company’s needs. Be prepared to highlight how you are suited for that particular job based on your experiences, talents, strengths and abilities.
If it is a telephone interview, it is very important to find a quiet room and do not allow interruptions. Remain 100 percent focused on the caller and interview. If you are asked to do a Skype interview, be sure to practice the setup and the call with a family member or friend ahead of time.
In addition to meeting the qualifications for the position you are interested in, there are some very basic fundamentals to keep in mind for a successful face-to-face interview. Be sure you are well rested and your appearance is clean and neat. Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early. Prepare a list of references and specific contact information and bring additional copies of your résumé with you. Neatly and completely fill out any application forms and do not write, “see résumé.”
Professional attire and attention to detail still count. Remember your appearance, your tone of voice, and personal conduct all contribute to the impression that you make, whether positive or negative. If you’re uncertain about what to wear for the interview, dress more formally rather than too casually. Be clean and well groomed.
Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact, be a good listener and smile! Be honest in your answers, and never be negative about any person or company!
Be confident, show enthusiasm and energy during the interview, and participate in the conversation. Use good communication skills detailing your experiences and accomplishments. Focus on the discussion and the question that is being asked. Expand on your answers, using this time as an opportunity to tell the interviewer more about you and to demonstrate some of the qualities they are looking for (such as team player, leadership). Clarifying the question exhibits good listening and communication skills.
Demonstrate your attitude with your smile and by remaining positive. Be sincere and passionate about your interests and experiences. Exhibit excitement about the position you are interviewing for. If you really want the job you are interviewing for, say so. If the company is your top choice, make it known. Potential employers are impressed by candidates who seem sincerely interested in them. The key here is sincerity – they will know if you are putting on an act.
Know your strengths and major accomplishments as they relate to the job you are applying for and the company. Show what you can offer the company and explain how your skills can help get the job done. Demonstrate you are a team player with leadership skills by using “we” instead of “I” when speaking about group achievements. Use this opportunity to turn your weaknesses into positives, such as: “I am a workaholic – I like to get things completed before I go home.”
Discuss some details of your experiences and accomplishments working with people, projects, as well as relating your technical and professional skills. Interviewers are looking for qualities such as initiative, attention to detail and reliability. For technical questions, be direct and to the point. Show confidence in your abilities and if you are unable to answer a question, be honest and explain how you would approach a problem situation.
When asked, “tell me a little about yourself,” managers are looking for serious answers. Talk about your accomplishments and abilities, NOT about your childhood, family or hobbies (unless specifically asked). Your goal is to be clear and concise, but descriptive enough to sell your skills and experiences. However, don’t talk yourself out of a job by going into too much detail.
