|
"7 Easy Steps to Improve Your Interviewing Skills"
In the midst of technological advancement nowadays, the
"back-to-basics" rule still applies when it comes to getting
hired for a job. It does not matter if you are planning to apply
for a million-dollar company or a small, independent firm. When
you face an interviewer, it all boils down to how you present
yourself. This is the deciding factor whether you will get hired
or not.
So you have distributed your resume to prospective employers and
you have determined the correct job to apply for. The next step
is to schedule the job interview.
You can make the acquaintance of the assistant or the
receptionist when you schedule for the interview, either by
phone or personally. Be friendly and polite, as these people
might provide information that can be essential to getting that
job or, even just give you a background of the company or your
prospective boss.
Finally, you show up for the interview.
The basic traits of being prompt, how you speak and carry
yourself and even how you dress are all factors that contribute
in making a lasting impression that will eventually get you
hired.
Here are 7 easy steps on how you can improve your interviewing
skills:
1.) Prepare for the interview.
First, dress appropriately. Once the interviewer walks into the
room, or once you walk into the room to be interviewed, your
appearance will be the first thing to make the impact. Dress
appropriately, check your grooming and mind your posture.
Second, practice basic courtesy. Know where the interview will
be held and be there with ample time to prepare yourself before
the scheduled interview. Turn your phone off to avoid
unnecessary distractions.
2.) Research.
Use all your resources to make sure that you know the basics
about the company. You would not want to be caught unprepared
when asked about how you heard or what you know about the
company that you |
|
are applying for.
Learn about your potential employer. In your mind, develop a
clear picture of the company profile.
Make sure that you prepared answers to a few basic questions,
but do not sound scripted. This happens when you rehearse what
you will be saying word for word. It is enough that you have an
overview of what you will impart to the interviewer, and it is
better to be spontaneous.
3.) Be cool.
Step forward so that you are now seated and the interview is
about to begin. Make a great first impression by maintaining eye
contact, giving the interviewer a firm handshake, a friendly
smile and a polite greeting. Sit only when you are asked to do
so and do not forget to thank the interviewer for taking time
off of his or her busy schedule to interview you.
Make sure to start on a positive note and set the proper
expectations.
4.) Do not sell yourself short.
In the course of the interview, answer the questions briefly and
accurately. The key is to be honest.
Make sure that as a prospective employee, you impart to your
future employer what you really are and what you can do for the
company, not the other way around. Stay positive and do not give
a bad impression about your previous employer.
If you are applying for your first job, do not let your lack of
experience hinder you from gaining the advantage against more
experienced applicants. What you lack in experience, make up for
in confidence and eagerness to learn.
You may also put yourself in the employer's shoes. Ask yourself,
if I were on the other side of this desk, what qualities should
I look for in a potential employee? Would I profit if he works
for me and can he contribute to the development of the company?
Do not be afraid to sell yourself but do not be overconfident.
Just project an air that you are sure of yourself and your
capabilities.
5.) Ask questions.
Should you encounter a difficult
interviewer, do not be
intimidated. One who does not let you put in a word edgewise
should be lightly reminded that you should do most of the
talking since he is the one who needs to learn more about you.
6.) Wrap it up.
As you near the end of the interview, make sure that all bases
are covered. Now is not the time to discuss or even ask about
the salary and the benefits that you will receive once employed.
There is ample time for that once you do get the position and
you are discussing the job offer.
Wrap things up by summarizing your strengths and pointing out
your positive traits. Finally, as you end the interview, make
sure to thank the interviewer again for his or her time, thus
leaving a lasting impression.
7.) Follow up.
Send that all-important thank you note after the interview.
Thank the interviewer for the time that he took with you and for
giving you that opportunity. Make sure that you know who to
contact for follow-up of the results.
A lot of research has been made about the interviewing process.
Here is a brief run-through:
First, you make a schedule for the interview. Then, you are
there in the office and you are seen by the interviewee. The
interview itself then transpires. Next is the closing, then you
follow-up with a thank-you-note. You eventually get accepted and
you discuss, negotiate for and sign-up the job offer. You may
notice that the interviewing takes up a great deal of the
getting-hired process, so you might as well polish up your
interviewing skills on your way to getting that dream job.
About the author:
Jay is the web owner of http://www.jobs-in.com Online Jobs, a website that
provides information and resources on searching for jobs
nationwide. You can visit his website at: http://www.jobs-in.net
Jobs | Job Search
Fropper.com - Indian Dating, Friendship, Romance
Get Linked from 42,000+ sites with one click.
|
