Now I propose to discuss the topic of the interview and talk about how to go through the interview easily and at ease.
In my articles and consultations I never get tired of repeating that finding a job is also work. It takes time, attention and persistence. The job search process consists of a global strategy. First to understand what position to focus on. Then – how to properly write a resume, and how to be with a cover letter – necessary or optional. Then you need to figure out where to look for a job so it’s effective. And so when all of these stages are passed, you’re invited to an interview.
And that’s where that same thorny question comes into play, “How do you get through an interview?”
It’s best to replay the upcoming interview a couple of times before the actual meeting. A quality simulation of all the stages of a future interview is practically a success. You can rehearse frequently asked interview questions. Also think through your non-verbal behavior and adjust your voice timbre. But what if the interview is tomorrow and there is no time to prepare? I suggest that you go over the basic rules for a successful interview.
HOW TO PASS A JOB INTERVIEW
- Preparation.
Before you go to a meeting with an employer, prepare properly. Get a general idea about the company and the vacancy. Go to the company website, find the business pages in social networks. Write down the main points in your mind: the year of establishment and the main directions of the company. Pay attention to its stages of development and positioning in the foreign market. The more information you know, the more confident you can be at the interview. The employer will see that you have shown interest and will notice it.
“Get to know” about the company – it’s time to move on to the actual job. Delve into its description and clarify the specifics of the position. Highlight the necessary requirements for the functionality and the candidate. Then compare your professional experience and achievements.
- Work with your resume.
Analyze your resume and surmise what frequently asked questions at the interview can be addressed to you. Try to look critically at your professional path. What would you ask yourself? For example, you worked in manufacturing for about 10 years, then abruptly left retail. The question “why?” is appropriate. Or there was a period of your life when you changed jobs every 4 months. Again, “why, what was the reason for the layoffs?” In short, think through all the nuances that might lead to questions beforehand.
Also – what interesting facts are not on your resume, but telling about them would be helpful in an interview. Perhaps charity work, or victories in city competitions. Or maybe you were involved in organizing corporate races at your last job. Anything that might serve your purpose, analyze it, and make sure you mention it in the meeting.
TALK ABOUT YOURSELF
- Self-Presentation.
Each interview is individual. They all have an obligatory block called “tell about yourself”. This is a very important part of the interview. It indicates how the candidate perceives and positions himself. Self-presentation must be prepared in advance. It is desirable to rehearse several times in front of a mirror and bring it to perfection. Just 3 to 5 minutes of your monologue can play a significant role in getting an offer from the employer, believe me.
Briefly introduce yourself, describe your previous experience, the skills you’ve acquired and your achievements. After that, describe what your last job duties were, the reason you left. Then talk about your future career goals.
In a couple of sentences, conclude your presentation with answers to two important questions. The first is “Why exactly are you the ideal candidate for this position?” The second is “How will you benefit the company in this position?”
- Honesty and brevity.
All questions must be answered constructively, honestly and to the point. A maximum of 2 minutes for the answer, if possible – faster. Between you should be an active dialogue, resembling a game of ping pong. This means that you should not drag it out, otherwise you risk losing the focus of your listener’s attention.
THE CLOTHES YOU WEAR
- Dress code.
Remember, it’s the way you dress. An appropriate dress code for the job is an automatic favoring of your interlocutor.
All office and top level positions require business attire. If we are talking about a creative position, a casual style will do. For example, for marketers, designers, SMM. At the same time, neatness, cleanliness of clothing and shoes have not been canceled.
- Punctuality.
Everything is clear here, but many people neglect it for some reason. You must not be late for the interview and this is not a question. Leave in advance, if you can get in a traffic jam on your way. It is better to have a coffee near the appointed place, than to run into the meeting, as if after a jog. - Questions to ask the employer.
The interview is a dialogue. It’s bad if the candidate has no questions. It’s even worse if those questions are only about salary and work schedules.
