Congratulations!
Your cover letter and resume got you in the front door for that first step - The Interview. Now ahead is the important part of the hiring process so let's get you prepared by following a few simple steps. Take this strategic path and your interview experience will give you your best shot for success.
Your cover letter and resume got you in the front door for that first step - The Interview. Now ahead is the important part of the hiring process so let's get you prepared by following a few simple steps. Take this strategic path and your interview experience will give you your best shot for success.
Great Tip #1: Prioritization and staying the course
Your mind is thinking about everything. Your head is spinning with thoughts of competition. Your stomach is queasy with anxiety. It's time to maintain your priorities and only consider the important elements to this process. Keep simple what you need to know and what you must do to prepare.
Focus:
You have one goal: Focus on that so you can convince the interviewer to make that offer. Don't worry about the competition except to identify your greatest strengths and relevant experience to put you above the crowd. An interview is like a sales call and you want to lead the discussion to a close - that's called "The Job Offer."
Eliminate anxiety:
Simplify the process and alleviate the complexities by preparing yourself mentally, physically and emotionally. This may seem simplistic and obvious but preparation IS the key to your ability to focus and succeed. You don't need to do too much, but don't do too little. Winging it is not a successful method.
Great Tip #2: You know what you're looking for
Successful interviewers come to the table prepared. They've learned about the company, they've studied the job description, and they know what they're looking for. Don't look at this process only as a chance to sit and answer questions. Selling yourself is more effective when you shift the attention from yourself and back to the company and the needs of the hiring manager. Look for opportunities to ask the interviewer relevant questions. This shows your enthusiasm, interest, self-confidence and that you have a genuine interest in fulfilling all their needs - a fully qualified candidate.
Know the company:
Researching a company is easy these days. Study their website, management bios, mission statement, and product line. Search the internet for articles on the company, especially current news events. If you have a chance to phone interview prior to the face-to-face, use that opportunity ask everything you can think of about the position - it might clue you in on the hiring manager's "hot buttons." This allows you to be ready to tell the hiring manager exactly what you can do to help them in the position and how you bring value beyond the job description.
Prepare your answers by thinking of the questions:
Refer to some of the standard interview questions to help you formulate your answers in advance. Then think outside that box and plan to have some "answer ammunition" using some imagination and the research you've already done. Re-read your own resume and think of how you might use your experience to cite some examples of extraordinary accomplishments.
Be ready to adjust:
You may discover in the interview that they are seeking someone just slightly different or focused on a certain set of responsibilities. Be sure to keep your ears open and listen to what they are seeking. Adjust your answers accordingly by applying your background to their needs. If they want a data entry person, discuss your fast, accurate typing skills. If they want a receptionist, talk about your customer service and ability to professionally greet customers.
Great Tip #3: Walking in the door
Some experts place a lot of weight on the first two minutes of the interview - The First Impression. Image is important in almost every position you might be looking to fill. So dress the part, be ready for that firm introductory handshake, and be prepared to be just the right person.
Successful dressing:
General rule is to stay conservative. Better to be over dressed then under dressed. If you learn it is a casual work environment, be sure to keep the sweats in the closet and wear well-fitted, conservative clothing. Ladies: No skimpy or revealing blouses and the skirt should hold up to sitting in a chair. Guys: Wrinkle free slacks, a collared shirt, a smart jacket, and clean shoes. Understate the perfume, cologne, make-up and jewelry. Distractions like dangling earrings can be annoying to an interviewer. Bright colors and holiday ties are not part of a successful interview. A watch is a smart accessory (shows an interest in time management).
The Firm Handshake and more:
Practice your handshake with a friend. You want it firm and confident and with good eye contact. Make sure your hands and fingernails are manicured and your palms not clammy. Keep a good straight posture and a slight smile - be aware of your body language and facial expressions. If you walk in with this confidence it will put the room at ease for everyone.
The Chameleon:
Size up the interviewer and try to match their behavior. If they are formal, then be sure to sit up straight, be respectful, and remain attentive. If they seem more casual, then you should put on your light-hearted face and be more easy-going (not chatty). Be aware that seasoned interviewers are watching you with a neutral approach and expect you to set the mood. The idea here is to keep your interviewer within their own comfort zone.
Great Tip #4: Actively listen & passively lead
There are two people in the room: you and the interviewer. So you want to pay attention to both. Try not to focus only o what you are saying and how you might be coming across. Watch intently for signals from the interviewer, whether they are obvious or not. Remember that you are there to satisfy their needs, not your own. This can help you guide the interview in a more positive direction.
The Litmus Test:
Throughout the interview you want to play close attention to the interviewer's body language, facial expressions, and questioning style. If they maintain focus, engaged in discussed and continue with plenty of eye contact, then they most likely are still interested in your contribution to the conversation. You would want to continue down that path. However if they yawn, look at the clock, or appear to be bored, then their level of interest is not where you want it to be. This is when you increase your energy and enthusiasm to help increase their level of interest. Ask a more interesting question or shift the discussion back to a subject you know that matters to them.
Create positive energy:
Besides the non-verbal signs, the types of questions you ask make an impression on your interest. Your answers should have some detail and depth. If asked about a particular past responsibility, avoid stating the simple, "Yes, I did that." Remember, with every question you have an opportunity to apply your background and experience by citing examples of "How you did that." Describe a situation in detail that ended with some positive results. Perhaps you saved the company money or your boss hours of work as a result of your involvement. You will generate a greater level of interest from the interviewer by using more details in your answers.
Great Tip #5: Noone is perfect: turn it around
Be ready to answer the question, "What are your weaknesses?" There are ways to turn that question around without trying too hard to be perfect. This is one you will surely be faced with so be prepared to change your weakness into a strength. Liars are the only ones that are "perfect" and liars are unethical. Approach the interview with the intention of highlighting all your strengths, but admitting to an imperfection is human and honest. Be careful that it isn't something critical to the position.
Although crossing that bridge of sharing a weakness takes a brave interviewee there are three proven ways to get to the other side. Presenting the weakness in-between two strengths, discounting the weakness as ancient history, and placing the weakness as part of a strength are proven techniques. This is a very important bridge in an interview that you will surely be crossing, so be prepared in advance by thinking about your weaknesses, select one or two, and practice them using these techniques.
Bury it between strengths: You can also downplay a weakness by "sandwiching" it between two strengths. For example: "I'm known for doing what needs to be done to meet my project deadlines [strength]. At times we experienced some staff turnover [weakness]. However my quarterly reviews proved that I'm a strong manager [strength]." Or: "I'm a very seasoned and effective customer service rep [strength]. I tend to spend extra time striving for perfection [weakness]. But my customer satisfaction ratings are always high [strength]".
It's ancient history: Presenting a weakness from the distant past gives you an opportunity to demonstrate how you turned that weakness into a strength. For example: "In my early years as a new supervisor, I was sometimes impatient and didn't read my employees very well, leading to low morale [old weakness], but through training and coaching I gained new skills and learned better team building [strength]." Or "When I first started as a project manager, I thought I knew how to do things better without following the project plan [weakness], but I realized that the more effective and efficient way to meet project deadlines was to stick to the proven project steps [strength]".
The strength is the weakness: Presenting your weakness as a strength can be powerful. For example: "I'm such a strong project manager [strength] that I've been known to spend too much time on the details [good weakness]" or "I want the team to be so successful [strength] that I sometimes work too hard to make sure everything is complete, even if it's not my direct responsibility [good weakness]".
Bottom line: help your interviewer make the right choice - YOU!
These Five Great Tips will help you sell yourself as you detail your accomplishments and apply your background effectively to the position that needs to be filled. Your interviewer has a goal and you want to be THE ONE that they select. You can do that by prioritizing and staying on course, know in advance what they are looking for, making that great first impression, actively listening, and turning your weaknesses into strengths. Practicing and preparing can more easily land you the job.
Your mind is thinking about everything. Your head is spinning with thoughts of competition. Your stomach is queasy with anxiety. It's time to maintain your priorities and only consider the important elements to this process. Keep simple what you need to know and what you must do to prepare.
Focus:
You have one goal: Focus on that so you can convince the interviewer to make that offer. Don't worry about the competition except to identify your greatest strengths and relevant experience to put you above the crowd. An interview is like a sales call and you want to lead the discussion to a close - that's called "The Job Offer."
Eliminate anxiety:
Simplify the process and alleviate the complexities by preparing yourself mentally, physically and emotionally. This may seem simplistic and obvious but preparation IS the key to your ability to focus and succeed. You don't need to do too much, but don't do too little. Winging it is not a successful method.
Great Tip #2: You know what you're looking for
Successful interviewers come to the table prepared. They've learned about the company, they've studied the job description, and they know what they're looking for. Don't look at this process only as a chance to sit and answer questions. Selling yourself is more effective when you shift the attention from yourself and back to the company and the needs of the hiring manager. Look for opportunities to ask the interviewer relevant questions. This shows your enthusiasm, interest, self-confidence and that you have a genuine interest in fulfilling all their needs - a fully qualified candidate.
Know the company:
Researching a company is easy these days. Study their website, management bios, mission statement, and product line. Search the internet for articles on the company, especially current news events. If you have a chance to phone interview prior to the face-to-face, use that opportunity ask everything you can think of about the position - it might clue you in on the hiring manager's "hot buttons." This allows you to be ready to tell the hiring manager exactly what you can do to help them in the position and how you bring value beyond the job description.
Prepare your answers by thinking of the questions:
Refer to some of the standard interview questions to help you formulate your answers in advance. Then think outside that box and plan to have some "answer ammunition" using some imagination and the research you've already done. Re-read your own resume and think of how you might use your experience to cite some examples of extraordinary accomplishments.
Be ready to adjust:
You may discover in the interview that they are seeking someone just slightly different or focused on a certain set of responsibilities. Be sure to keep your ears open and listen to what they are seeking. Adjust your answers accordingly by applying your background to their needs. If they want a data entry person, discuss your fast, accurate typing skills. If they want a receptionist, talk about your customer service and ability to professionally greet customers.
Great Tip #3: Walking in the door
Some experts place a lot of weight on the first two minutes of the interview - The First Impression. Image is important in almost every position you might be looking to fill. So dress the part, be ready for that firm introductory handshake, and be prepared to be just the right person.
Successful dressing:
General rule is to stay conservative. Better to be over dressed then under dressed. If you learn it is a casual work environment, be sure to keep the sweats in the closet and wear well-fitted, conservative clothing. Ladies: No skimpy or revealing blouses and the skirt should hold up to sitting in a chair. Guys: Wrinkle free slacks, a collared shirt, a smart jacket, and clean shoes. Understate the perfume, cologne, make-up and jewelry. Distractions like dangling earrings can be annoying to an interviewer. Bright colors and holiday ties are not part of a successful interview. A watch is a smart accessory (shows an interest in time management).
The Firm Handshake and more:
Practice your handshake with a friend. You want it firm and confident and with good eye contact. Make sure your hands and fingernails are manicured and your palms not clammy. Keep a good straight posture and a slight smile - be aware of your body language and facial expressions. If you walk in with this confidence it will put the room at ease for everyone.
The Chameleon:
Size up the interviewer and try to match their behavior. If they are formal, then be sure to sit up straight, be respectful, and remain attentive. If they seem more casual, then you should put on your light-hearted face and be more easy-going (not chatty). Be aware that seasoned interviewers are watching you with a neutral approach and expect you to set the mood. The idea here is to keep your interviewer within their own comfort zone.
Great Tip #4: Actively listen & passively lead
There are two people in the room: you and the interviewer. So you want to pay attention to both. Try not to focus only o what you are saying and how you might be coming across. Watch intently for signals from the interviewer, whether they are obvious or not. Remember that you are there to satisfy their needs, not your own. This can help you guide the interview in a more positive direction.
The Litmus Test:
Throughout the interview you want to play close attention to the interviewer's body language, facial expressions, and questioning style. If they maintain focus, engaged in discussed and continue with plenty of eye contact, then they most likely are still interested in your contribution to the conversation. You would want to continue down that path. However if they yawn, look at the clock, or appear to be bored, then their level of interest is not where you want it to be. This is when you increase your energy and enthusiasm to help increase their level of interest. Ask a more interesting question or shift the discussion back to a subject you know that matters to them.
Create positive energy:
Besides the non-verbal signs, the types of questions you ask make an impression on your interest. Your answers should have some detail and depth. If asked about a particular past responsibility, avoid stating the simple, "Yes, I did that." Remember, with every question you have an opportunity to apply your background and experience by citing examples of "How you did that." Describe a situation in detail that ended with some positive results. Perhaps you saved the company money or your boss hours of work as a result of your involvement. You will generate a greater level of interest from the interviewer by using more details in your answers.
Great Tip #5: Noone is perfect: turn it around
Be ready to answer the question, "What are your weaknesses?" There are ways to turn that question around without trying too hard to be perfect. This is one you will surely be faced with so be prepared to change your weakness into a strength. Liars are the only ones that are "perfect" and liars are unethical. Approach the interview with the intention of highlighting all your strengths, but admitting to an imperfection is human and honest. Be careful that it isn't something critical to the position.
Although crossing that bridge of sharing a weakness takes a brave interviewee there are three proven ways to get to the other side. Presenting the weakness in-between two strengths, discounting the weakness as ancient history, and placing the weakness as part of a strength are proven techniques. This is a very important bridge in an interview that you will surely be crossing, so be prepared in advance by thinking about your weaknesses, select one or two, and practice them using these techniques.
Bury it between strengths: You can also downplay a weakness by "sandwiching" it between two strengths. For example: "I'm known for doing what needs to be done to meet my project deadlines [strength]. At times we experienced some staff turnover [weakness]. However my quarterly reviews proved that I'm a strong manager [strength]." Or: "I'm a very seasoned and effective customer service rep [strength]. I tend to spend extra time striving for perfection [weakness]. But my customer satisfaction ratings are always high [strength]".
It's ancient history: Presenting a weakness from the distant past gives you an opportunity to demonstrate how you turned that weakness into a strength. For example: "In my early years as a new supervisor, I was sometimes impatient and didn't read my employees very well, leading to low morale [old weakness], but through training and coaching I gained new skills and learned better team building [strength]." Or "When I first started as a project manager, I thought I knew how to do things better without following the project plan [weakness], but I realized that the more effective and efficient way to meet project deadlines was to stick to the proven project steps [strength]".
The strength is the weakness: Presenting your weakness as a strength can be powerful. For example: "I'm such a strong project manager [strength] that I've been known to spend too much time on the details [good weakness]" or "I want the team to be so successful [strength] that I sometimes work too hard to make sure everything is complete, even if it's not my direct responsibility [good weakness]".
Bottom line: help your interviewer make the right choice - YOU!
These Five Great Tips will help you sell yourself as you detail your accomplishments and apply your background effectively to the position that needs to be filled. Your interviewer has a goal and you want to be THE ONE that they select. You can do that by prioritizing and staying on course, know in advance what they are looking for, making that great first impression, actively listening, and turning your weaknesses into strengths. Practicing and preparing can more easily land you the job.
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