September is a time of changes, children start their next school year and adults return to work with loads of energy, happy to take up new challenges. This is also a time when companies decide to hire new employees. Thus, I would like to give a piece of useful advice to those who wish to shine in their job interviews. You may be on top of the world with your knowledge, but remember that I don’t know that yet! You can show it following the tips and I can guarantee your best side won’t be overlooked.
Review your application before the meeting
It is common for a recruiter to ask questions about information included in a CV. You might be asked about some details concerning your previous experience. Thus, revise all major projects of yours, those you worked on at the university, as well as for private and commercial business. What you will need to brag about is your experience with the technology your future position is concerned with, so be prepared!
Research the company and the job position
One of the best job interview strategies, although commonly ignored, is to study the company’s profile before the meeting. You should know some basic information about the size of the company, kind of work they do or clients they have. Additionally, it’s substantial that you know exactly what the company is expecting from you, unless they don’t know that themselves, so read the offer carefully!
Prepare some questions
Write down any questions you may have about the job itself, company policies, etc., and be ready to ask them during the interview. If there is any requirement in the offer that you are unsure of, make sure to ask during the interview. It will definitely show your good approach when you have some intelligent questions up your sleeve. It shows you put an effort into preparing for it. And let’s be honest here, you also want to be sure that this is the right company for you.
Pick your outfit
Seems the least important thing in the world, I know. However, it might change the way you are perceived, thus try to support your skills with some professional image. Think of the interview outfit a day before the meeting. Choose you’re the clothes and make sure they’re clean and ironed, don’t forget to choose the right shoes, or if need be, a tie. It is not necessary to wear a suit but it looks good when you appear smart-casual. It doesn’t hurt to try the outfit beforehand to check whether it fits, saves time and stress!
Practice your answers
Ask yourself a few questions:
- What are my expectations regarding the employer?
- What’s my motivation to take or to change the job?
- And, how do I plan to develop my career?
Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, point out the greatest achievements. Think of your financial expectation. If you do not feel comfortable and confident enough, practice the answers in front of a mirror or with a friend before the interview.
Be on time
It is fine to be up to 10 minutes early, but no more than that. Otherwise, the interviewer may not be ready for you. Take your cell phone in case you need to inform the interviewer you got lost or are going to be late. Respect their time and they will respect yours!
Listen and make eye contact
Never interrupt the person who is interviewing you and listen to what they have to say. If you listen and answer the questions carefully, you will be able to think about the right reaction. Even if you don’t agree, hold your horses and don’t talk back, the choice to take the job is also yours and the job interview is your chance not only for the position but also for introducing your skills for further recommendation.
The second important issue is eye contact. Remember about making direct eye contact during your conversation. It communicates confidence and high self-esteem, two key qualities employers look for in candidates.
Be careful about your body language
Your posture is what is going to show the level of confidence as well. You should sit straight and don’t fidget when answering. You don’t want to appear nervous.
Just be yourself
Try not to act like someone you are not. In case of hiring, you will slowly turn back into the person you are. Speak openly about your knowledge and skills. There is no point selling yourself as something you are not. That can only end up in having a job you hate with colleagues who think you are unprofessional.
Don’t forget the greeting part
You should always greet your interview with a friendly smile and a firm handshake. If you do this right, you will set off the right energy and the chances of the interview going well will increase. This is a small and simple step that you should always make to prepare for your interview.
Remember, you never get the second chance to make the first impression, so you may want to prepare well in advance. What’s your experience with job interviews? Can you extend the list?