Interviewing for a job is an essential part of the career hunting process
and preparation is a key to success. An interviewer may ask an applicant
about their ideas for the future, past jobs and most significant
accomplishments. Job applicants should prepare for the interview by
preparing answers to these questions.
Be informed about the interviewer and the company prior to the interview.
Get the interviewer's full name with correct pronunciation and their job
title. Candidates are often asked why they want to work for that particular
company. By doing some research at a library, you will be better able to
demonstrate that you care about the company and are not just looking for a
paycheck.
Before leaving for the interview, examine your personal appearance,
including your clothes and grooming. Your clothes should be appropriate for
the position you are seeking. If you are seeking an industrial position,
you may dress less formally than if you are seeking a professional
position.
Arrive a few minutes early. If you are wearing an outer coat, ask if you
can hang it up. Have several copies of your resume with you. After reading
it first, fully complete any employment application presented to you. Greet
the interviewer. Use the name used by the person making the introduction.
Shake their hand firmly and with confidence. Smile and make eye contact. Do
not sit down unless a chair is offered.
Interviewers will examine your body language. Pay attention to your posture
and be confident, courteous and enthusiastic about the position and what
the interviewer is saying. Ask relevant questions about the company and
position. Maintain steady eye contact.
If you have little relevant experience, emphasize your interest in learning
and growing in the position. Don't focus on salary and benefits. Many
people believe that candidates should wait until they've been offered the
position before they ask about salary and benefits.
Because the interviewer may speak to your former employers, prepare and
bring a reference sheet. Be honest about your employment history. If you
were fired or laid off, the best time to explain the reasons is during the
interview. Do not, however, speak negatively about your former employers.
At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time and
consideration and tell them that you are impressed with the company and the
position, believe you would do excellent work for them and that you are
excited about working for them. Within one day of the interview, write a
brief thank you note to the interviewer and reiterate what you told them at
the end of the interview.
Remember that you got the interview because you appeared to have the right
qualifications. Relax, prepare, practice, be confident. Above all, enjoy
the process. Your positive attitude will help to ensure your success.
Steven Rothberg, Adguide Publications, Inc.
