Preparing for an interview can be stressful, especially when interviewing for a job you really want. Interviewers have very specific standards of what they look for in a potential employee, which is why your first impression is important. From the moment you walk in the door for your interview, you should be prepared for anything that can be thrown at you. Follow a few tips and go over some practice questions before your interview takes place.
Appropriate Dress
Dress appropriately. Avoid wearing jeans for your interview, and choose clothing that is wrinkle free and without holes. Women should wear a skirt and blouse, dress or suit, and men should wear a suit, or a button-up shirt, slacks and tie. Choose dress shoes instead of sandals or sneakers.
Personal Presentation
Watch your body language. For example, sit upright in the chair, which shows you're interested, instead of slouching in the chair with your arms folded. You should also refrain from fidgeting with your fingers, hair or objects such as pens or a cell phone. Spit out your gum before entering the building.
Communication
Showcase your excellent communication skills. Make eye contact, answer questions in a cheerful and positive manner, shake the interviewer's hand before and after the interview and adapt your answers to the company and position. If the interviewer asks you about past jobs skills and how they will contribute to the company, talk about jobs that have similar qualities. For example, discuss a position in cashiering when applying for a sales job---not your ability to fry french fries.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Two of the most common sample questions are: "What is your greatest strength?" and "What is your greatest weakness?" It's easy to pick a strength, but admitting a weakness can be tough. Always choose a weakness that can also be viewed as a positive, or choose a weakness that will not affect your abilities on the job.
Past Employment
The interviewer may ask about past jobs and how the skills developed during those jobs will help in your new position. For example, if you worked as a receptionist and are now applying for a legal assistant job, you could stress your filing and computer skills. They may also ask if you have ever been fired from a past position. In this case, it is always better to be honest if the firing was recent and could be verified. However, if you were fired from a job when you were 16 and you are now 30, it would not be pertinent to share that information.
Ethical Character
Many interviewers add ethical questions or scenarios to test your character. For example, they may ask if you have ever stolen, or been tempted to steal from another employer. They may ask how you have reacted in the past to unruly customers or difficult co-workers. Always stress the positive when answering. For example, if you have had difficult co-workers in the past, talk about how you overcame the situation in a positive manner, or with unruly customers how you settled the manner and provided good customer service.
Member Comments