What an interview really is…
Interviews are a meeting that is set up for employers and job applicants to get to know a little bit more about each other. Employers are primarily there to see how you handle yourself and to see the way in which you carry yourself and communicate. They want to see your reaction to a routine situation and also how you act under pressure – an interview is a stressful situation for most. The way that you speak is very important to potential employers. Is there anything about the way you speak that would cause a problem for the job? Are you confident in the way you speak? Do you have an accent? The main reason for this is that the person you are interviewing with will have to work with you, and they want to see if it will be an effective, functional working relationship. If you act professionally, but are normal and relaxed without being casual, then you will be successful at your job interview. Also, be sure to be familiar with the most common interview questions and interview blunders.
There are many people out there who have the skills and experience that you have and would be just as capable as doing the job for which you are applying. I know – with everything you’ve invested in your education and career, that’s not what you want to hear. But it’s true. Most jobs do not take a particularly technical level of skill or education. The difference in most applicants is the level of enthusiasm that they have for the job they are applying for. If you can demonstrate that you have enthusiasm for the job and have the positive energy and willingness to do your best every single day at work, then you will be that much closer to being hired.
Additional Interview Tips
Preparation
-Research the organization
-Know the specific position for which you are applying
-Know why you are qualified for the job
-Have answers to general questions about yourself
-Know the most common interview questions and answers
-Know your resume
-Rehearse the interview with someone else
-Be early to the interview
Personal Appearance
-Be sure you are well groomed
-Dress professionally
-Do not smoke or have gum in your mouth
The interview
-Relax
-Be brief and to the point with your answers
-Have good manners
-Know the name of the interviewer and stand up to shake his or her hand
-Do not use slang or casual jargon
-Have a positive energy and be cooperative
-Use your body language to convey interest
-Ask questions, but do not ask questions whose answers are obvious. Questions about salary, benefits, etc. should also be avoided.
-When leaving, say thank you to the interviewer. Be sure to send a follow-up thank you note as well.
Test (if applicable)
-Carefully listen to directions
-Carefully read the questions
-Use neat handwriting
-Use the available time wisely
Information to bring to an interview
-Driver’s License or other government ID
-Resume. It is often not required, but helpful, to have extra copies of your resume on hand. This way the interviewer can easily have access to it if they need it.
-References. Be ready to provide up to three references from whom you have already gotten permission to give out their contact information. Do not use relatives as a reference.
-College or High School transcripts. Many employers will need transcripts to verify your degree or coursework. This gives them an easy way to do so.
