Effective Interview Tips for Job Seekers
It can be hard finding a good job, never mind a dream job and the process can take some time so it is wise to be patient. Unemployment has reached high levels in the world but this does not mean you have to resign yourself to working in a job you hate for the rest of your life. Another important point to mention is that perhaps you may not find the perfect job but once you have a job and are earning money you could still look for your dream job and finally get in the future.
1. Having a Desire to Dress Properly in order to Impress your Future Boss
The way that you dress for an interview is going to play a very critical role in your job interview. You do not want to take your appearance for a job interview lightly, and just focus on preparing for the interview questions and answers this could be your downfall. You could fail in your interview the moment your boss sets eyes upon you and gets the impression that you are careless and sloppy. They are not going to want to hire someone that they view as not taking the interview seriously, they have doubts whether you will focus and pay attention to details that are important in your job.
Take for example that the future boss has two candidates to choose from, if one looks sloppy and tired that is the one that they are going to eliminate. You do not want to enter an interview looking like you just rolled out of bed.
When you are at the point where you have a deep desire to impress your future boss and give your best during an interview that is when you are well on your way to getting your dream job!
You must remember that dressing up for your interview is much more than just looking good, or giving a good first impression to your interviewer. This is part of the critical strategy that is going to lead you into landing that dream job that you deserve.
2. Thinking about What to Wear for Your Job Interview
Do not dress for your fashion taste, but instead dress for the job that you are applying for. Base what you will wear on the job description, and your research you have done on this particular job, as well as the company business overall, this will help you to easily decide what to wear for the interview.
If this particular job you are applying for involves meeting business clients, you should wear a business suit to the interview. If on the other hand you are going to apply for a job that is going to involve wearing more casual outfits then go with business casual. Just remember when going to an interview never go to it wearing jeans no matter how casual dress the job itself is
3. Understanding Requirements of the Job
One of the most common questions a future employee will ask is “how much do you know about us?”
If you are unable to answer questions about their business and show them that you completely understand the responsibility of your job, they may just think you are a money chaser who is just after the job for the money.
Do some research about the company that you are applying for a job to, learn and understand as much as you can about the job itself. Learning exactly what is in the job description so you know what is going to be required of you in this position. Prepare yourself by doing some research on the internet. Visit the companies website to see exactly what is there. One of the most common questions a future employee will ask is “how much do you know about us?” Or they may ask “why do you choose them or want to be employed at their company?”
Pay attention to their press releases as well as business case studies. You can find valuable information that will tell you what the company is best at, and what their next move is going to be. You can mix this information into your interview to show your boss that you are serious about getting this job and are excited about the possible prospect of working for their company.
4. The Line Between Confident and Cocky
The importance of projecting confidence during a job interview cannot be stressed enough; however, if you go overboard, you could rub potential employers the wrong. Here are a few ways to stay in balance:
- The importance of projecting confidence during a job interview cannot be stressed enough; however, if you go overboard, you could rub potential employers the wrong. Here are a few ways to stay in balance: Be curious but not presumptuous. If you’re asked questions about the department, or a particular type of project, share how you might approach it, but don’t make any derogatory comments on the current management or situations.
- Talk about yourself by example only. This means you don’t need to say “I’m a good leader” or “I have initiative and I’m resourceful.” Use examples and describe your achievements and career milestones. You can say, “I believe my leadership abilities will greatly benefit the company” and follow it up with an instance when your leadership skills shone. The best way to convey your strengths is to share examples that demonstrate them, much the same way in which a comedian doesn’t tell you that he’s funny, but tells you a joke instead and proves himself funny.
- Master the art of the firm handshake. Practice with friends if you have to—a good, firm handshake conveys confidence. A limp handshake communicates apprehension or weakness and a bone-crushing is not only painful, but may indicate insensitivity or over- assertiveness.
- Speak at a moderate pace. Rapid speech can imply two things: It can make you appear anxious and nervous, or it can make you seem over- confident. Slow down and speak clearly and coherently. You can practice with friends for honest feedback and practice modulating your pace before the big day.
5. How to Maintain Poise
If you’re asked a question you haven’t prepared for, don’t let the panic set in. Breathe deeply (but silently!), pause for a moment, and answer slowly. Or consider clarifying the question by restating it and confirming what the interviewer is looking for. This gives you a little time to process it, and the interviewer may even reframe the question in a way that gives you more insight into what they’re looking for.
It’s important to make eye contact for a couple of reasons. First, it helps establish rapport between you and the interviewer. And second, remember that the interviewer is only doing his or her job, looking out for the best interests of their organization. Remind yourself that whatever happens is OK – this is a person who, much like you, had to go through this same exact process.
6. How to Ditch the Jitters
Experiencing some anxiety before or during the interview is perfectly normal: even the most seasoned interviewees and applicants experience this. Here are some tips that should help calm your nerves and boost your confidence:
- Work off excess energy. Exercise releases endorphins, which enhance a feeling of well-being. Consider doing a light workout well in advance of your interview if you can. Even if you can’t get to the gym, doing some jumping jacks or running in place will help burn off some nervous energy. As a bonus, you can do some relaxing or stretching to get yourself in a calm state. Make sure to allow plenty of time to get clean, dressed, and go through your interview checklist.
- Arrive early—at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time to lessen the jitters and give you time to mentally prepare yourself. Use that time to take some deep breaths in the parking lot or while you’re waiting in the lobby. Just inhale deeply from your nose, focusing on expanding your stomach or abdomen as you do so. As you exhale slowly (again through the nose), let your stomach relax and feel the rest of your body follow suit.
- Visualize how the interview will go. As mentioned before, most fears come from the fear of the unknown, and job interviews can be quite unpredictable. Grab a pal a day before and do some role-playing to help you get in the mood. Ask your friend to be the interviewer so you can rehearse your answers beforehand.
- Take note of your body movements. Avoid fidgeting, stretching, and grand gesticulations. Your body posture and movement should also be relaxed and confident.
- If you feel that your hands are shaking, keep them still by clasping them together and placing them on your lap. Avoid crossing your arms — this body language might portray feeling fearful or defensive. Also avoid stretching as this can be interpreted as a sign of boredom. And avoid leaning to far back in your chair as it could be interpreted as being overly confident.
- Give yourself a pep talk. You don’t have to do this out loud, and you can do it up until you actually walk in the door for the interview. Tell yourself that’s it’s okay, it’s normal to feel a little nervous, but hey— you’ve gotten this far, right? Your résumé was a hit and that’s why you were called in for a job interview, so channel your inner rock star and walk into that room with confidence!
(Being undated regularly)