Among many steps of job searching progress, interviews are the most stressful and important. The best way to pass this stage is to approach it with careful preparation. This will help to calm your nerves and ensure that you are ready to answer any questions that may come your way.
Remember that first impressions count, so this article will share some tips for making the most of it. Take notes!
1. Learn about the company
One of the first questions interviewers ask is why you want to work for their company. The best way to prepare for this question is to research the company well before the interview. This means researching the company’s history, leadership, mission, values, products, and services. It’s also helpful to learn about their industry and current trends affecting it, even if you apply for a minor or entry-level position like essay helper or office manager.
Companies always appreciate job seekers who take the time to learn about their business and culture, so sharing your research findings and adding your own experience during the interview is a good idea. For example, if the interviewer tells you that their organization is buttoned-up but friendly, you could mention that your previous experience working in a formal environment but within a small team was an excellent fit for the company’s culture.
If the company has a website, be sure to look through it before your interview. Also, search for information on professional networking sites and Google News to see if they have any recent press. This will allow you to see the company’s recent situation and make you stand out from the other candidates with this knowledge.
2. Tell your story
When interviewing for jobs, you’ll likely be asked to tell about yourself briefly. It can seem like an intimidating open-ended question because knowing what interviewers want to hear can be difficult.
The first thing to remember is that they are not looking for your entire life story or a rundown of every job you’ve ever had. Instead, they want a general idea of your professional experience and qualifications.
Moreover, they want to see how your personality and values align with the company’s culture, so being genuine when answering this question is necessary. Avoid putting on a false front or saying things that may come across as negative, such as calling yourself an extrovert when you’re, in fact, an introvert.
Instead, try to stay within the two-minute limit and answer how you would talk about yourself normally. Focus on what makes you unique as a professional and what qualifies you for the role, such as significant accomplishments or a noteworthy personality trait. You can also mention your weaknesses to contrast the other candidates, but be specific and be sure to tell how you work on them.
3. Be prepared
During an interview, the hiring manager will be looking to see how well you respond to questions. It is important to be prepared by having several copies of your resume, a pen, and a notepad.
When answering the questions, be sure to give clear and concise answers. Having some of your own questions ready is also a good idea, as this will show that you are engaged and interested in the position.
It is also important to be polite to the interviewer’s assistant and any other staff members that may be present. They can often influence the hiring decision, so it is important to also make a positive impression on them.
Remember that interviewing is stressful for everyone involved. It is, therefore, important to be prepared for the interview by using whatever methods are necessary to calm yourself and feel confident before the interview. This could include anything from breathing exercises to listening to a song that empowers you.
4. Be polite
The interviewer may have some questions that are difficult to answer. If you struggle to come up with an answer, try pointing out something about the question that seems unclear and asking for clarification. This shows that you are paying attention.
During the interview, greet everyone politely and address them by name (unless they told you how they would like to be addressed). This will show that you respect them as individuals.
Also, do not interrupt the interviewer unless it is necessary. Let them finish their sentence if they are trying to make a point or have information you need to hear. This will give you time to consider your response and avoid sounding rude or condescending. After the interview, be sure to send a polite email with your notes and any other information that they asked for. This will show that you are grateful for the opportunity and interested in the position. You should also ask them when you will hear back from them and how they are making their decision.
5. Ask the right questions
A well-planned interview can help you stand out from the competition, but your questions throughout it also have a huge impact. Don’t rely on stock answers; instead, come prepared with questions that show you did your homework and are eager to learn more about the company.
If you don’t know what to ask, try to focus on learning more about the team you are about to work with or the responsibilities required for the position you seek. Although the interviewer might have described some of the job’s daily duties in the job ad, asking this question allows you to request clarification and learn more about the company. This is a great way to show your interest in the position and may help you determine whether it fits your skills and work style.