You have submitted applications and resume
to many offices and fortunately for you,
you got noticed.
The next thing is to prepare for interview,
this is the point at which your action will
make or mar your success.
Follow these steps when next you have an
interview:
1.
Do your homework. Research the company beforehand so that you can showcase that knowledge during the interview.
This will boost your credibility with the interviewer and
will help you to formulate intelligent questions to ask
him or her.
2.
Know where you’re going. Make sure to find out where the
office is and how to get there. Do you know how long the
trip will take? Do you have the name and phone number of
the person you’ll be meeting with? Do you know how easy it
is to park? Save yourself time and unnecessary stress by
knowing these things before heading to the interview.
3.
Look the part. Your clothing should be neat, pressed, and
professional looking. As it can be difficult to know the culture
of the office environment beforehand, err on the side of
conservative. Even if everyone’s wearing jeans when you arrive,
you’re still probably better off having shown up in a suit. However,
don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your look, and don’t
neglect the details. Make sure to have a fresh haircut and clean,
manicured nails.
4.
Rehearse beforehand. Prior to your interview, prepare answers
to common questions the interviewer is likely to ask, such as What
are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work here?
Why should we hire you? and the ever popular Tell me about yourself.
Conduct a mock interview with a trusted friend as practice.
5.
Secure your references. Find at least three key people — former
supervisors, colleagues, or instructors — who are willing to serve
as your professional references. Be sure to secure their permission
beforehand, and be certain that they will speak highly of you if
contacted by a potential employer.
6.
Arrive early. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the
interview. Visit the restroom and check your appearance in the mirror.
Announce yourself to the receptionist to let him or her know that you
have arrived and that you have an appointment. Turn your cell phone off
so it doesn’t ring during your meeting.
7.
Bring necessary documentation. Make a checklist of documents that
you will need for the interview, and make sure that you have them in
your briefcase before leaving home. These documents may include extra
copies of your résumé, a passport, driver’s license, Social Security
card, or portfolio of writing samples or other professional work. If
you are a recent graduate, you should also bring along your college
transcripts.
8.
Sell yourself. The interview is your chance to shine, so now is
not the time to be humble. Develop a 25-second sales pitch that
sings your praises. In business this is called an “elevator speech,
” a compelling overview of why you? that can be recited in the time
it takes to ride the elevator. It should include your strengths, your
abilities, and what sets you uniquely apart from other applicants.
9.
Don’t neglect to ask questions. Based on your earlier research,
ask how the responsibilities of the open position relate to the
company’s goals and plans for the future. Interviewers are often
favorably impressed by candidates who show that they are knowledgeable
about the organization.
10. Follow up. After the interview, don’t forget to send a
handwritten note or friendly email thanking the interviewer for his
or her time and consideration, as well as restating your interest and
commitment to the position. If you don’t hear anything after one week,
call to politely inquire when they will be making a final decision.
Remember to keep this in mind: Every interview is a valuable learning
experience. Even if you don’t get this particular job, when the next
interview rolls around, you’ll be much better prepared and more at ease
with the whole process. All of which can go a long way to boosting your
confidence and improving your chances of being offered the next job.
Good luck!
Culled From www.allBusiness.com
