Dreamfedjob.com
A good interview technique is a powerful weapon in any career search. Be aware of the skills necessary to win the job. Armed with these skills you can attend an interview knowing you have given yourself the best opportunity to shine in front of a potential employer. Interviews involve more than answering questions. Getting the job may be as simple as being prepared, understanding what you have to offer and providing brief, concise answers. This is part One of a Five part interviews series. We hope this helps!
1. Demonstrate your skills and expertise verbally and within a limited time scale.
2. Respond openly and fully to all questions and give appropriate examples.
3. Handle any objections which are put to you.
4. Be able to justify your salary expectations.
5. Practice before your interview. During the interview, you want to sound confident and professional. Come prepared with a question or two for the interviewers. Practice answering questions or participate in a mock interview with an employment services professional or an impartial acquaintance. This will encourage conversation and give you a chance to stand out from the crowd. Interviewers will remember your questions more than your answers. It shows your level of interest in 'their' company.
6. Two-minute summary. Often called the 'elevator-pitch'. You should be able to describe yourself, your ambitions, your approach and your sense of accomplishment all in the span of about two minutes. Any longer and you may put the interviewers to sleep. Any shorter and they may feel you have nothing to say - and worse, nothing to contribute.
7. Throughout the interview. Always keep in mind that you are being evaluated, not tested, for a specific position within the company. You are not there to entertain. Most people feel uneasy speaking about themselves, feeling that they are bragging. You are not bragging when you simply repeat your accomplishments and how you faced several challenges. Keep in mind that there was something in your resume that got you this far. Now what will 'close the deal'?
8. Questions frequently asked during an interview. There are many questions that can be asked during an interview. There is no simple way to memorize the correct answer for every possibility. However, you can prepare yourself for even the toughest questions with a process. One of your tasks during the interview is to understand what is really being asked. This involves you listening to the question. Your answer may touch on your skills, your motivation or your manageability.
9. The post interview wrap-up. The job search is a process, and you should become better at interviewing the more you do it. One way to help you improve is to perform a self-critique immediately after each interview. You should write down your thoughts as soon as possible after the interview, while it is fresh in your mind. If a particular question caused you a problem, you can later figure out a better answer in case it is asked again in another interview.
10. Thank you notes. In addition to being a courteous gesture, a thank you note after an interview provides another opportunity to sell yourself and cover any areas that you feel weren't adequately covered in the interview. Identify the specific position for which you interviewed and the date/place of the interview and mention a key point of conversation with the interviewer. Thank the interviewer for their time and let them know how much you enjoyed meeting with him or her.
11. Converse. To put the interviewer and yourself at ease, start off by offering thanks for the time to discuss your skills. Tell the interviewer about yourself and what you can bring to the company. Tell them that you are researching jobs within the industry. This along will give them an idea that you are focused. Discuss your skills and how you can use them to benefit the company. Use this opportunity as a self-advertisement.
12. Connect. Ask questions to keep the interview moving. Talking during an interview should be 50/50. Listen to what the company is looking for and explain how your skills would apply. Give examples of how you have learned from others and how you have shared your ideas with them. Explain professional problems that you have faced and how they were resolved. This technique may answer questions such as why you think you can do the job. And always be a good listener so you can provide good answers.
13. Convince. Present your skills in a convincing manner and be effective in telling your story. One dramatic method: State the problem or opportunity that presented itself to you; Use action steps to explain how you solved the problem; Discuss the result of your actions. Provide a timeline, the number of people involved, the amount of money that it saved the company. Let the interviewer know how your steps affected the bottom line within your area of responsibility, or the percent change that the company realized as a result of your work . . . anything quantifiable.
14. Confidence. Use strong body language. Smile. Keep things positive. Mirror what the interviewer does. For example, if he or she leans forward, you should lean forward. If he or she stands, you should stand. Your body language can help build your confidence and relax. Your body language shows you are paying attention. It puts in their mind that you are a candidate they should be looking for. If the interviewer asks for a conflict you have incurred in a prior job, tell them how you resolved it. Offer good results. When the interview is ending, recap what you said to validate your interest.
15. Come clean. As the interview ends, make sure your perceptions of the job and its responsibilities match what the interviewer has conveyed. Clear the air by recapping what was said in the interview to make sure you and the interviewer are on the same page. This helps demonstrate that you understand what is expected. Be prepared to answer any interviewer's assessment that you "may be overqualified" by strongly conveying your interest in the job and emphasizing what you can do for the company.
16. Preparation: A candidate who shows up to an interview armed with specific knowledge of the prospective employer makes a favorable impression. If your interview is with a law firm, with the Internet, there is no excuse for not being prepared, as there is a plethora of information at your fingertips. Size, structure, representative clients, recent major cases and/or transactions, and financial condition are all accessible facts that can be ascertained through firm or company Web sites, other sites such as those for Martindale-Hubbell, the National Association of Legal Placement, Hoovers and EDGAR, plus a Google or Westlaw search for press coverage. Talk to your contacts that might have insights about the prospective employer.
17. Research. Prospective employers expect that you have thoroughly researched their organization and the opportunity before you set foot in their offices for your first interview. If you ask or answer questions in such a way as to reveal a lack of easily acquired information, they will react negatively. Going beyond the obvious information sources to demonstrate more in-depth knowledge of your prospective employer's business can only serve to make you a stronger candidate.
18. Etiquette: Good interviewing protocol includes being on time and, if late, calling; being polite to staff; and having a firm handshake, good eye contact and a confident smile. Arriving five minutes early allows you to relax and recharge. A few minutes in the reception area can speak volumes about the tenor of the place and gives you a chance to observe interactions of employees who are passing through. Profanity, gum-chewing and smoking are inappropriate at all times, even if engaged in by those conducting the interview. Greet and address the receptionist or the person that welcomes you with respect. Do not answer your mobile phone or use a similar device while waiting, or during the interview. Just turn it off. If the culture allows only, firmly shake the hand of the interviewer before and after the interview. Do not forget to thank the receptionist on your way out.
19. What to bring. You should bring to interviews extra copies of your resume, a list of references (having obtained permission to use them), a writing sample that demonstrates your research and analytical skills and lucid writing style (no typos, please!) and, if you are five or fewer years out school, a certified copy of your school transcript.
20. Appearance: Your appearance should be as professional as possible. Even in business casual environments we recommend formal business attire — suits and ties for men and pant or skirt suits or dresses for women. Be stylish, but conservative. Grooming is of paramount importance as it demonstrates your attention to detail. Interviewers will notice shaggy hair, scuffed shoes, split seams, falling hems or missing buttons. The first 90 seconds of any interview are vital whatever your age if you want to make a positive, lasting impression. The initial impression should not be marred by excessive jewelry or make-up, inappropriate clothing and unkempt hair. Wear minimal jewelry, do not show a lot of bare skin, wear a suit if appropriate for the job, wear your hair pulled back and don't wear open-toed shoes. Make sure clothing is in good condition, clean and pressed. Even if your research shows the work environment is pretty casual, at the very least, dress one step above the level of the job you are interviewing for. Don't turn up in a pinstripe suit if you're going for a job at a warehouse, but make sure you're not scruffy, either.
21. You have 30 minutes to an hour to show your best. We can't stress how important body language is. Don't slump on the seat. Posture and presentation are very important. First impressions: Some hiring managers claim they can spot a viable candidate within 30 seconds. While much has to do with the way you look, it's also based on your body language. Stand up straight, walk with assurance, confidently shake your interviewer's hand and make eye contact while saying hello.
22. Attitude: In an interview, it is essential to demonstrate your responsiveness, intelligence and personality. You want to be assertive without being cocky or arrogant, friendly without being overly familiar and articulate without being long-winded. You must indicate a willingness to work hard and demonstrate a high energy level. It is important to communicate a grasp of what the position entails and sell your abilities to meet their needs. Listen carefully to what is being asked, and be completely honest and not evasive in answering direct questions. In turn, asking some carefully designed questions demonstrates your interest in and knowledge of the potential employer, as well as your intelligent assertiveness. At the top of the "what not to do" list: Do not speak negatively of a former employer at any time.
23. No money talk: Remember that an interview is about you demonstrating what you can contribute to the prospective employer, not what they can do for you. Therefore, especially in the initial stages of the interviewing process, you must not bring up the topic of compensation or benefits. The time to discuss those issues is when an offer is forthcoming. However, from the first meeting, you should be working on proving your value to the prospective employer by showing how you are the best candidate for the job. This will establish your worth when it comes time to talk about the terms of an offer. Never ask an interviewer — even a peer — what he or she earns at any stage of the interviewing process.
24. Culture: Each organization has its own particular style or culture, and a candidate, as well as a future employer, needs to assess the likelihood of a good fit. It is tempting, when scrambling for a job, to play down this aspect, but it really is a good indicator of future success. The company's Web site may give you a hint to how the organization sees itself and how it wants to portray itself to the public. You can get more information regarding the company's culture from talking to recruiters and friends or classmates who have worked or interviewed there, or who have handled matters with the company. Nonetheless, your observation during the interviewing process will be most important. Note whether first names are used, if there is banter in the halls, and so forth. Keep your eyes and ears open and match your degree of formality and energy level to that of your interviewers, within the parameters of your own personal style.
Besides fitting in on the personality level, you must also show you would be part of the team pulling for the organization's success. In your interviews, discuss how you have acted like an owner in your current or previous companies. Demonstrate, to the extent you can, that you learned the business aspects of your organization. Mention, if applicable, any committees or leadership roles you took on and what you did to facilitate the smooth functioning of your company. In short, be the kind of person that the powers-that-be want to invite into their ranks.
25. Follow-up: At the end of the interview it is perfectly permissible for you to ask what the next step will be and when you should expect to hear from the potential employer. Immediately after the interview, it is good form to send a thank-you note — making sure to get the names (and correct spelling) of the inter viewers. If there has been no response in the time period stated, it is acceptable to make a polite telephone inquiry, but it is important not to be a nuisance.
26. Practice before you walk in. Apart from practicing answers, it is similarly important to be aware of your voice and body language. If there are two interviewers when one is asking questions, the other one will be observing body language and responses. This is another sneaky way of doing it but it helps them to see you from all angles. Each interviewer has their own technique but the general questions are the same.
27. Do not keep your arms folded during the interview. Are you speaking clearly? Do you appear interested and eager or bored or afraid? Your body language could betray you. Again ask a friend to help you practice.
28. Make sure you know the company's location. Go on a practice run so that you know how much time you will need to get to the place and how many minutes you need to walk from the bus stop or car park.
29. Display good manners before, during and after the interview. Your job interview begins the moment you arrive on company property. The first person you come across is probably the Receptionist. In certain companies, Receptionists are a member of the interview board, though they sit outside the interview room. Receptionists are at times asked to judge the candidates as to how they enter the premises and how they behave as they come in.
30. Try to match the posture of the interviewer. If your interviewer is sitting upright with their hands folded, you should try to sit the same way without acting like a mirror. This might contradict with the suggestion number three, but this is allowed depending on the circumstances. You are not allowed to fold arms when the interviewers are not folding arms. The interviewer is looking for people that will fit into the company. Showing the same mannerisms conveys that message. If the interviewer is laid back and relaxed, take that as a sign that you can lean back in your chair and get comfortable.
31. Posture: When the interviewer offers you a seat, sit upright but not too stiffly in your chair, indicating you are comfortable and feeling confident. Hunching down gives the impression low self-esteem and can indicate a careless attitude and lack of energy. Sitting on the edge of your seat can come across as being nervous and tense. Face the interviewer, pointing your knees and feet in that direction, and lean slightly forward, indicating you're alert and focused. Don't lean toward the door; you'll probably appear as if you're ready to make a mad dash for the exit.
32. Common question that every interviewer will ask. Include qualifications or experience when answering typical but very important questions that interviewers will ask. They may ask what tasks you performed in previous positions. Or whether you have any pre booked vacation with your current employer and how much notice you are required to give to your current employer, when resigning. If you answer to the last question about the notice requirement is that you can exit any time, this answer itself will be reason for disqualification. If you happen to indicate that one months' notice before quitting is required, you will get extra marks for professionalism.
33. Be ready to describe a difficult work situation and how you handled it. These types of questions can be intimidating, but display your adaptability and analytical skills to the employer. Describe the situation or task, the action you took and the results. There are the usual suspects - why do you want the job, why you left your old job, what challenges you've faced in other jobs.
34. Be prepared to discuss your weaknesses. When an interviewer asks for your weaknesses, be honest, but turn the negatives into positives. Tell them something that was a weakness but you overcame. For example, you were terrible with Excel and then took a community college course on the program.
35. Questions for which you don't have an answer. If you aren't absolutely sure of any answer, don't bluff or guess. Ask questions to clarify what information the interviewer is seeking. Restate the question in a way that makes it easier for you to answer, and give a short response. Then, ask whether you have adequately addressed the question. If you still cannot answer, tell the interviewer that you would like to give the subject more thought, and ask if you can get back with an answer at a specific later time — and do so.
36. Inappropiate questions. In this era of heightened sensitivity to inappropriate language or actions, interviewers generally are careful, but there may be an unintentional slip-up. If this occurs, avoid becoming defensive, and attempt to determine the motivation behind the question. If you can find a legitimate purpose, respond with information that relates to performance of the job for which you are interviewing.
Marital status/children. The interviewer may be exploring whether you have other commitments that could interfere with your duties. Assure the interviewer that you are ready, willing and able to perform all the duties of your job, and that you are available to travel, work evenings and weekends, and do whatever is necessary to fulfill the requirements of the position.
Age. If you are lucky enough to look young, the interviewer may be concerned that clients will not take you seriously. Emphasize your experience and give examples of where you have handled significant responsibility and worked directly with clients.
If you are an older candidate, assure the interviewer that you have no problem working with and for employees and clients of all ages, including those younger than yourself. Emphasize that long hours and hard work don't scare you. Highlight your "real world" experiences that can be an asset to the prospective employer.
Political, religious and social affiliations. Unless relevant to the position, these questions are, technically, improper. However, the interviewer merely might be commenting on information on your resume or making small talk to break the ice. If you think the motive is to assess the extent of your potential rainmaking connections, discuss organizations and affiliations through which you have developed contacts or potentially could do so in the future.
Nationality and citizenship. While it is illegal to ask about citizenship, national origin or "native tongue," it's appropriate to ask whether a candidate is authorized to work in the United States and to ask about language abilities if they are relevant to work performance, such as for attracting or serving a diverse client base. If you believe the question was asked to determine your immigration status, state that, if offered a position, you'd be happy to provide appropriate documentation.
Disabilities. It's illegal to ask about a disability or to discriminate on the basis of a disability. However, it's appropriate to ask whether the candidate is able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without accommodation, based on the job description.
37. Never say anything negative about your previous employer. Statements such as "My visions were different than the company's" or "There wasn't room for growth" are acceptable answers. Another sensitive topic may be compensation. Research the salary for the position, but it's OK to ask for the range if the information is not shared up front.
38. If you believe that a question is offensive, illegal or insulting, you may want to (diplomatically) counter with a question of your own, such as, "I'm sorry, I don't understand how that relates to my ability to do the job. Could you please elaborate?" One hopes the interviewer will catch the indiscretion and rephrase the question in a more appropriate manner. If this tactic does not work, and the interviewer continues in an offensive manner, you may respectfully decline to answer the question, stating your belief that the question has no relevance to your ability to do the job.
39. Bring in questions for when the employer asks, "Do you have any questions for me?" If you do not ask any questions, the interviewer may think that you are uninterested in the position. Your questions should show that you have paid attention to what the interviewer has been saying. Responding to a point made earlier by the interviewer is a good indication that you have been listening and processing the information, rather than passively absorbing it. Asking questions also enables you to break down the formal interview-candidate relationship, establish an easy flow of conversation, and build trust and rapport. Since most candidates under serious consideration are more or less evenly matched in terms of qualifications, the selection often is based on "fit" with the prospective employer.
The following is a selection of possible questions. Decide which are most important to you. You might want to bring along a notepad with the questions you plan to ask, grouped by topic or order of importance, in case your time is limited.
1. What kind of responsibility will I have?
2. What are the criteria for advancement?
3. What kind of person does well here?
4. How much direct client contact can I expect to have?
5. How is work assigned?
6. How is the company organized?
7. If a branch office, what is the relationship with other offices?
8. What kind of training is available (formal and informal)?
9. How are employees supervised and evaluated?
10. What has been the company's growth history? Turnover? Long-term stability?
11. What companies do you see as competitors?
12. How is this company different?
13. How would you describe the culture or personality of this company?
14. Why did you choose this company?
15. What has been your experience here?
16. Is there anything I can clarify for you?
17. Do you have any reservations about hiring me for this position?
18. What are the next steps?
2. What are the criteria for advancement?
3. What kind of person does well here?
4. How much direct client contact can I expect to have?
5. How is work assigned?
6. How is the company organized?
7. If a branch office, what is the relationship with other offices?
8. What kind of training is available (formal and informal)?
9. How are employees supervised and evaluated?
10. What has been the company's growth history? Turnover? Long-term stability?
11. What companies do you see as competitors?
12. How is this company different?
13. How would you describe the culture or personality of this company?
14. Why did you choose this company?
15. What has been your experience here?
16. Is there anything I can clarify for you?
17. Do you have any reservations about hiring me for this position?
18. What are the next steps?
40. Show confidence. Even if you're quaking inside, show the interviewer that you are a strong, confident person who is more than capable of doing the job in question. When you enter the room, make eye contact, smile and give a firm handshake. Don't forget that first impressions count, so make sure your outfit represents you well.
41. Sit tidily and don't fidget. Anything like this undermines your confidence and suggests that you aren't able to cope with senior roles. Watching your nonverbal messages while delivering brilliant and concise answers to interview questions can be difficult when you're nervous. But managing your body language can help you hide your jitters, and understanding your interviewers' nonverbal cues may allow you to make adjustments before you go too far off track.
42. Don't assume. The only assumption you should make is that the interviewer knows nothing about you. Even if you are going for an internal role, use the interview as a blank canvas to paint a picture of your successes and achievements.
43. Timing. If the interviewer starts summing up, closes your file or stacks up your résumé and related papers, glances at his or her watch, or stands up, that's your cue to start your close. Follow your interviewer's lead, and do not necessarily stick to the schedule. If the discussion is going long but well, do not cut it short. (Be sure to leave enough time in your schedule to allow for flexibility.) On the other hand, when you get the signals that your interview is drawing to a close, make a succinct closing statement, and do not linger.
44. Summarize. Briefly state what you believe to be the qualifications the employer is seeking, and then describe how your skills and background fit the bill. Pick two or three major points that were discussed during the interview. If you are interviewing with several companies or government agencies, one after another, you will need to convince each of them that you are the right candidate for the job. As we said before, assume that each interviewer knows nothing about you, and be prepared to repeat yourself — just be consistent. Emphasize the contributions you could make to their company.
45. Offer further information. Writing samples, school transcripts, references, letters of recommendation or performance appraisals.
46. Next step. If the interviewer does not volunteer this information, ask where they are in their hiring process, what the next step will be and their timeline for making the hire. Let them know if you have any time constraints, as well competing offers, or scheduled upcoming time off.
47. Bring your calendar. In most cases, the company will be interviewing a number of candidates and may need to get others in for initial or callback meetings before deciding how to proceed with any particular one. If so, ask the interviewer when you should follow up and with whom. If, however, the employer wants to set up further interviews there and then, have your calendar handy so that arrangements can be made while their enthusiasm is high.
48. Ask for the job. Don't assume that the interviewer knows that you want the job. Interviews are a two-way street, and you need to let the prospective employer know that you liked what you heard about the position and organization. State very clearly that you were impressed by the opportunity and would like to be part of their team. If appropriate, you might add that you would look forward to working with the interviewer, personally.
49. On-the-spot offers. This is the rare equivalent of love at first sight. Even if you are as enthusiastic as the prospective employer, do not accept on the spot! Give yourself at least overnight to think about it and come back with questions about details once the initial excitement has settled down a bit. Tell the interviewer how flattered and excited you are about the possibility of working on their team, if it is true, and that you will get back to them soon.
50. The goodbye. Just as you did at the start of the interview, look your interviewer in the eye, smile and shake hands firmly. Thank him or her for taking the time to meet with you, and make your exit knowing that you made a strong closing argument.
51. The adage "it's not what you say, but how you say it" is true, even if you're not talking. In interviews you need to effectively communicate your professionalism verbally and nonverbally. It's been said that your verbal content provides only 7 percent of the message the interviewer receives; body language communicates 55 percent and tone of voice accounts for 38 percent. Therefore, when someone says one thing, but their nonverbal communication says another, we usually believe the nonverbal message.
52. Respect the interviewer's personal space. In most cases, there will be a desk or a table between you. If not, don't get too close; 2 feet to 3 feet is comfortable for most people.
53. Excessive leg movement is distracting and indicates nervousness. No bouncing or shaking. Resting one leg or ankle on top of your other knee makes you look too casual and can come across as arrogant. Avoid sitting with legs too wide apart. Crossing your legs at the ankles or placing both feet flat on the floor conveys a confident and professional look during the job interview.
54. Voice: Deliberately speak slowly. Interview jitters will naturally hasten your pace. By concentrating on enunciating your words individually, you'll actually achieve a normal speed. Pause before beginning each sentence to avoid instinctively reacting and misspeaking or interrupting the interviewer.
55. Facial expressions: A natural smile telegraphs sincerity and sociability. A fake smile is easily identified, however, because it uses only the muscles around the mouth. A genuine smile shows throughout your face, especially the eyes. Excessive smiling, on the other hand, can convey lack of authenticity. Relax your mouth; pursing the lips shows disapproval and biting them suggests nervousness. A furrowed brow or hard swallow before addressing a question can indicate that you are uncomfortable with your answer.
56. Gestures: If you're unsure of what to do with your hands, rest them, loosely clasped, in your lap or on the table. Practice a comfortable way to place your arms and hands while seated, both at a table and in a chair on its own.
57. Don't exhibit excessive emotion. Smile and nod appropriately, but don't overdo it and risk looking like a bubblehead. Tilting your head slightly comes across as friendly and open. Keeping it straight reads self-assured and authoritative.
58. No Baggage. Everyone gets nervous at interviews, and it makes us awkward and uncomfortable. Try to lessen that by leaving bags, heavy coats and other accessories at home.
59. Mirroring: When people have established rapport in conversation, there's a natural tendency to mirror each other's facial expressions, tone of voice, posture and movement. This tends to reinforce agreement. People generally like people who appear similar to them. Therefore, observe the interviewer's body language and subtly reflect it back. Don't be obvious about it, however, or you'll become annoying.
For additional career tips, visit us at http://www.dreamfedjob.com/
For additional career tips, visit us at http://www.dreamfedjob.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment