Remember following useful tips if you are going to face any job interview. I am 100% sure, you can achieve success if you apply following tips in your interview.
1) Dressing for the Interview : First impression is the last impression. Keep in mind "Your half work done" if you are well dressed. Wear clothing that indicates you are ready to go to work today.
Men and Women
All clothes should be neatly pressed.
Conservative two-piece business suite (solid dark blue or gray is best)
Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
Clean, polished, conservative shoes
Clean and well-groomed hairstyle
Clean, trimmed fingernails
Minimal cologne or perfume
Empty pockets – no noisy coins
No gum, candy or cigarettes
Look at the following image of well dressing , i am sure it would definitely impress employer.
Men Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best); clean and polished Dark socks (black is best) Short hair always fairs best in interviews No beards – mustaches are acceptable (keep neat and trimmed) No earrings No heavy cologne |
Women Always wear a suit with a jacket; or a sheath dress with a jacket Do not wear extremely high-heeled or platform shoes Do not wear open-toe shoes or mules (they are more casual) Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!) If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color One set of earrings only Conservative makeup No heavy perfume No heavy cologne |
2) Selling Yourself : Interview is nothing but an art and selling yourself. Remember following Perls during interview.
What to Say
Introduce yourself with a smile and firm handshake. Maintain good eye contact during conversation.
Demonstrate to the recruiter what you want to and can do for the employer today, based on employer research. Give two minute commercial.
Answer questions with:
" Yes, for example (accomplishment/result statement)" and
" No, however (accomplishment/result statement)"
Show interest in what the interviewer is saying, by nodding your head and leaning toward him/her occasionally.
Give positive answers to negative-based questions.
Ask the recruiter prepared questions.
Initiate the next step by asking what the next step is.
Ask for the recruiter’s business card for future contact. Immediately after you leave make notes of important points of discussion.
The "Tell me about yourself" question
Here is an example about how to answer the first question most interviewers ask. “Tell me about yourself” It also allows the job seeker to share with the interviewer the most important thing they want to know – “Why should I hire you?”
a). Personal and Education
This part is used to give the interviewer relevant information concerning you personally and about your educational background. This does not include personal information such as marital status, children, etc. This does include information such as: hometown or state and/or personal attribute(s). The education should be either the latest obtained and/or major field if relevant to job objective.
b). Early Career/Life Experiences
This part is used to share with the interviewer past work and life experiences relevant to the job objective.
c). Recent Work History/Life Experiences
This is the time for the job seeker to relate to the employer two accomplishments/results of the job seeker that indicate why he/she is the best candidate for the position sought.
d). Why you are here
In this part, the job seeker speaks with enthusiasm that he/she is here for the specific position sought.
What to Do
Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Use time wisely to review employer research information.
Have pen and paper. Asking to borrow a pen indicates lack of preparation.
Be enthusiastic. Recruiters remember a positive attitude.
Listen carefully to the interviewer’s complete question before responding.
If needed, pause and take time before answering difficult questions.
Keep going even if you feel you made a mistake.
Carry extra resumes, references, etc. organized in a portfolio
Unless asked, do not discuss salary and benefits.
3)Interview-Self Evaluation.
Think about an important interview you have had. Evaluating your performance in that interview will help you to prepare for a future one: a). List 3 things which made the interview a success. b) a) List 3 things about the interview that you would change b) For each of these three items, explain what you are going to do to improve for your next interview. c). Were some of the interviewer’s questions difficult to answer? What were they? How would you respond if asked again? |
e). What further information do you need in order to determine if you would accept an offer?
f). What do you like/dislike about this company? (Consider a graph or other way to rate and compare the companies with which you have interviewed).
When asked what they look for in potential employees, many employers respond by mentioning all or most of the following traits: A well-written resume and cover letter Demonstrated initiative and uniqueness in approaching the employer Following up with the employer to schedule interview |
Certain characteristics that are highly desirable to employers are:
Excellent listening skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Problem-solving skills
Proven ability to get along well with co-workers
Dedication, reliability and good attendance record
For an interviewer to identify your strengths in these areas, they need to ask behavior-based or situational questions such as “Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker, and how you resolved it.” This type of question is becoming more and more common in interviews.
Make sure to offer examples when asked open-ended questions. Answering with just a “yes” or “no” leaves the employer wondering if you truly stand behind your answer.
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4) Before the Interview :
Before your interview find out everything you can about the company (read their annual report which can be obtained by telephoning them). Re-read your application, thinking through your own career and the questions they might ask you. You should try to anticipate the general questions which they will ask and also prepare some questions to ask them.
To do well at the interview you will need to convince the interviewer you are technically qualified to do the job. You will also need to show that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done well and that you will fit in with the company's organizational structure and the team in which you will work.
You should dress smartly for the interview and should leave home earlier than you need to on the day of the interview - you may be delayed by traffic or for other reasons. Be courteous to all employees of the company. At the interview itself you must be positive about yourself and your abilities - but do not waffle.
Here are some tips:
a). Assemble all necessary papers
Resume or personal data sheet
Know your resume well enough that you can discuss every line if necessary
Licenses, Social Security card and/or military records
Samples of work, if relevant
List of questions you want to ask the interviewer about the job
Many employers will use your resume as a source of questions during the interview. Review your resume prior to the interview and be able to develop answers to questions that relate to your employment and educational experience listed on your resume. Be prepared to discuss gaps in employment. If called upon, you must be able to demonstrate the skills you stated on your resume. Focus your answers on the skills and experience that will be most useful to the position you are interviewing for.
b). Learn all you can about the prospective employer
What are the products and services?
What is its reputation?
What types of jobs are available?
What are the hiring policies and practices?
What are their salary ranges?
What are their goals?
Researching the company you are interviewing with and the position you are pursuing demonstrates genuine interest and initiative. It will be obvious to the interviewer whether you did your research or not. Many interviewers will focus questions on finding out how much preparation you did for the interview.
One can research a company utilizing many different sources:
The Internet
Company brochures and year end statements
The area Chamber of Commerce
Networking – ask friends, relatives, teachers, social and business contacts
You do not need to know everything possible about the company. The information most helpful for the interviewing process includes knowing the product manufactured or service offered. You should find out the size of the company and if they have multiple locations. Who are their competitors? Did they recently merge with another company? What is their sales volume and is that down or up from previous years?
c). Identify what you have to offer.
Your education, training and experience—what you have done, know how to do and can do.
Remember all the skills, abilities and talents you possess that will make you an excellent employee.
d). Consider your potentials as an employee
Why do you feel you can do the job?
What makes you qualified for the job?
What do you have to offer the company or organization?
Why do you want to work for the employer in question?
Pre- Interview Checklist
Before you leave home for your interview, check the following:
Have you researched the organization you are interviewing with?
Do you know the interviewer’s name? If not, get it from the receptionist before the interview.
Have you formulated answers for usual interview questions?
Do you have all necessary information for the interview? This includes items such as resume or personal data sheet, names and addresses of references, pen and note pad.
Is there someone you could do a practice interview with? You will benefit from suggestions for improvement.
Do not forget the most obvious research, simply knowing where you are going BEFORE the interview. What is the company address? How long should you plan for travel time? Drive by the company to be sure that you know how to get there and how long it will take. Also, remember to give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes in case they ask you to complete their job application.
Other tips on preparing for your interview:
Consider how the position relates to your talents and goals, such as specialty area and opportunities for advancement.
Schedule the interview at a time that will not conflict with your working hours. Most interviewers will understand you not wanting to take off work at your current position to interview for other jobs.
Find out the name and position of the person you will meet with and get his/ her telephone number in case an emergency arises.
Be prepared with answers to why you want to work at that particular organization, and how you would be the best candidate for this position. Understanding the company, their mission and their environment will help you with these questions.
Dress properly for the interview. Dress slacks, dress shirt, a tie and possibly a sport coat for men. Women should wear a knee length (or longer) skirt or pants, and blouse. If a skirt is your choice, be sure to wear nylons. Don’t forget the dress shoes.
5) Day of Interview :
Material to Bring to an Interview
As appropriate, you should have copies of the following with you at every interview: resume, transcript, references, portfolio, work sample, and performance evaluations from previous employers (if you have them). Make sure you can leave the copies with the interviewer because they will not have time to read them during the interview. Also bring a notepad and pen.
The Routine of an Interview
Most interviews can be divided into four major sections: the introduction, the employer sell, the candidate sell, and the closing.
During the “introduction” the employer will use the first few minutes of the interview, to create a comfortable, friendly environment so that a meaningful conversation can follow. A mutual topic of discussion such as the weather, sports, or a major news story, etc., will normally be pursued.
The "employer sell" will cover organizational structure, products or services, geographical location(s), specifics on the position under consideration, salary (usually not discussed during an initial interview), benefits, etc.
The "candidate sell" is the time spent answering questions about your goals and qualifications and demonstrating your communication skills.
During the "closing", both parties should indicate their level of interest in the other and understand what the next steps to be taken will be.
Contact Log
It is important to maintain current records of all your job search activities. Record all contact and address information for each organization to which you apply, updating the log with each follow-up call or letter, interview, etc. Accurate records can help to remind you about the current status of each job opportunity, as well as when a follow-up should be done.
Interview Ethics
Interview only when sincerely interested in a position with the employer.
Provide accurate information on your qualifications and interests. Never falsify data such as GPA, academic major, coursework completed or extracurricular activities on a resume or in an interview.
Notify the Cooperative Education and Career Services Office, at least 24 hours in advance, if you cannot make an on-campus interview or employer presentation.
Acknowledge invitations for on-site interviews promptly, whether you accept or reject them
Notify employers well in advance if you must postpone or cancel an on-site interview
And At last, i would like to say for avoiding 25 things in your Interview.
- Poor personal appearance
- Lack of interest and enthusiasm; passive and indifferent
- Over-emphasis on money
- Criticism of past employer
- Poor eye contact with interviewer
- Late to interview
- Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time
- Asks no questions about the job
- Unwillingness to relocate
- Indefinite answer to question
- Overbearing, aggressive, conceited with ‘know-it-all’ complex
- Inability to express self clearly; poor voice, poor diction, poor grammar
- Lack of planning for career, no purpose or goals
- Lack of confidence and poise, nervous, ill at ease
- Failure to participate in activities
- Expects too much too soon
- Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavourable factors on record
- Lack of tact
- Lack of courtesy, ill-mannered
- Lack of vitality
- Lack of maturity
- Sloppy application form
- No interest in company or industry
- Cynical
- Intolerant, strong prejudices
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Hope, you will find above tips informative, "BEST OF LUCK"
Thank you.
Sam.