How To Interview
by Emily Bykerk
Before the Interview
Think of questions to ask your interviewer. Participating actively during an interview gives a good impression of your level of interest in the job. Ask questions that reflect your interest in the future for the job.
Practice with a friend. Practicing will get you more comfortable with giving answers and using appropriate terminology. Also practicing giving consice, complete answers and keeping good eye contact while you answer.
During the Interview
Bring a copy of your resume, your drivers license, social security number and pen. This way you are prepared if they need your information, which shows orginization and responsibility.
Show courtesy to everybody during the interview. This includes everyone in the staff, to the interviewer himself, you never know who has input in hiring you, and you only have one chance at a first impression.
Present good body language. Have good posture, don't play with your hands or hair. A good tip for not fidgeting is keeping your hands underneath your legs while sitting.
Have some questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Asking questions shows that you are interested in the job, and are wanting to learn everything about it. Possible questions could be; what are some qualitities you like to have in an employer? What is your favorite aspect in this company? Tell me a little bit about your first time working here?
5 Common Interview Questions and Tips on Answering Them
2. What is your biggest accomplishment? With this question, it is a good opprotunity to provide an example that shows you can do the job. Think about the skills detailed in the job description and of which your accomplishments most directly relate. You should not only to tell of past accomplishments, but what you are capable of accomplishing with the job.
3. How would people you have worked with describe you? This questions centers on how well you work with others and your ability to manage relationships with your peers, managers, and direct reports. Give examples of situations that illistrate how you work with people across various functions. Answer truthfully, as the hiring manager will likely look into your past employers and your relationship.
4. What is your greatest weakness? The key to this question is to be honest, yet strategic. You need to go into detail on ways that you are overcoming this weakness, and ultimately, showing the hiring manager that self-aware, thoughtful, and proactive about your weakness. Don't make your weakness an essential quality for the job, and try to turn your weakness into a postivie thing.
5. Why are you the best person for this job? The job interviewer is looking for you to tell a way that you are different or unique from the other canidates. Think of your most impressive trait that closely relates to the job that sells you as the best person with the best qualities for the job.
After the Interview
Give a firm handshake. Thank the interviewer for his time and give him a firm handshake. This shows professionalism, and appreciation for his time. You can even tell the interviewer that you hope to hear from him soon! You should still make as good of impression after the interview as you did in the beginning.
Dressing for an Interview
Women
Makeup- Make up should be natural looking, don't go overboard.
Jewlery- Don't wear excessive amounts of jewlrey that is gaudy.
Perfume- Don't put on a bunch of perfume or scented lotion, because you don't want to smell up the place. Make sure you remember deodorant though!
Clothing- Dresses, skirts, and suits are most professional looking for an interview. Make sure are hem lenghts are conservative, and you don't have a lot of skin showing anywhere. Wear a cardigan, and possibly tights for a more professional touch to your outfit. Wear shoes that are appropriate for the job, but not your biggest pair of high heels, and make sure you can walk in them!
Men
Shaving- Make sure you are cleanly shaved, a wild beard isn't exactly the best idea for an interview. Don't put on too much after-shave either.
Cologne- Don't wear too much cologne, you don't want the interviewer to get a headache from the overpowering scent.
Clothing- You should dress formally. Suit and tie and button up shirt. Keep the shirt and tie neutral, and wearing a jacket is optional. Make sure your shoes are polished.
Interview DON'TS
- Don't make excuses. Take responsibilites for your actions.
- Don't make negative comments about past employees, bosses or companies
- Don't lie about answers or things you put on your application.
- Don't try to make the interview a casual confrontation, treat it professionaly.
- Don't act like you are extremely desperate for employment.
- Don't be chewing on gum.
- Don't mess with your hands, tie, or hair during the interview.
- Don't be hungry, so your stomach keeps growling throughout the interview.
- Don't be tired, you need to be alert and awake.
- Don't take out your cellphone during the interview, keep it on silent, or leave it in your car.
- Don't be late!!