Job Interviews

Now that you have done the hard part and gotten the job interview – you need to prepare yourself for the interview. In most cases, it will be the difference in getting the job or not. Understanding what the employer is looking for will help you in your preparation.

There are a number of fundamental points most all employers will be considering within their questioning.

·        First, can you perform the duties the job requires?

·        Second, do you have the motivation to perform the job?

·         Third, will you fit in with the other employees and the work environment?

·        Fourth, will you be satisfied with the job and willing to stay?

·        And, sometimes a fifth question is, are you someone that can be promoted?                                                                                                        

Being knowledgeable of these questions should help with the interview. You need to sell yourself within the framework of the answers.

·        As with a resume and cover letter a big part of the preparation is taking the time to find as much about the job as you can. However, generally more information is needed. Talk with the human resource department. Ask for a job description. If you know other employees at the organization, talk with them. In this way you can tie your qualifications with the actual position requirements. Going over these points in advance will help you to be quick with your responses and not have to pause and think. Questions may vary in structure and format, but most will revolve around the job requirements and how you fill them.                                               

There are some basic questions you can anticipate in most interviews, which are looking to answer the fundamental points of the employer. The most often asked is, “Tell me about yourself”. Going over your resume in advance will help with this one. Another popular one is, “Why do you want this job?” Prepare yourself with a realistic answer. Another often asked question is, “Why are you leaving your present job?” Again, have a realistic response. A common question is, “What are your strengths?” Respond with an answer that will directly impact on the position for which you are applying.   

 My least favorite question is, “What is your greatest weakness?” Be careful with this one by having a response that does not appear to hurt you in performing the duties of the job. Try and turn it around to be a positive such as, “Sometimes I am too detailed oriented.”       

 Expect to hear the interviewer ask, “What do you know about us?” You should already know something about the employer before applying for the job and should expand your knowledge by viewing materials sent by the employer before the interview or checking out their Internet site or materials at the library. 

 When arriving at the interview try and present a good image. The first impression you make is extremely important. Many interviewers decide what the person is about in the first sixty seconds after meeting the perspective employee. Be a few minutes early, around ten to fifteen minutes before the interview. Thirty minutes is too soon. Dress for the occasion and never under dress. You want to appear like you belong.                              

Interpersonal interaction between you and the interviewer is extremely important. Make sure you provide a firm handshake upon meeting and leaving. Smile and give eye-to-eye contact. Try to enjoy yourself and show you like being there. Sit upright and try not to appear nervous. Wear only light jewelry. Don’t smoke. Don’t chew gum. Don’t bring friends or relatives. Don’t wear strong perfume or cologne.

  Practice your interviewing responses in advance. Go over them with a friend if possible. Ask for constructive criticism. Being prepared is the best thing you can do for a successful interview and to land the job.