Interview Musts
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Avoiding Common Interview Mistakes
All interviewees wish to make a good impression during their first interview. This desire will prompt many to do whatever they can to make their interview a perfect one. One way to make it a successful interview is by avoiding the common mistakes that most people make during an interview. What are those mistakes and how can you avoid them? Let's take a look at some of the most common interview mistakes and learn how to avoid them.
Lack of Proper Enthusiasm for the Job
If you lack enough enthusiasm for the job to which you are applying the employer will more than likely turn you down for the job. Avoid believing that others are more experienced than you are. Go into the interview believing that YOU are the only one applying for the job. If you are really excited about the job that you are applying for, let the interviewer know this. Do not hide your enthusiasm! Your enthusiasm will be much appreciated.
Not Verbalizing Your Thought Process
Most employers who implement technical interview questions are interested in your intellect and how your intellect processes. Avoid this problem by completely verbalizing your thoughts, from start to finish, on how you came about your answer.
Not Listening to the Interviewer
This is a big problem! Most people go into the interview with tons of thoughts and ideas running through their minds and they forget to listen to the interviewer. Forgetting to listen could lead to very embarrassing moments. For instance, you may be thinking of how you are going to answer a certain question when your interviewer clears his or her throat and ask you if you are going to answer or comment on what he or she just said. You are clueless as to what was just mentioned because you weren't listening. Avoid this situation by listening at ALL times and worry about other questions when you get there. Interviewers enjoy having your undivided attention during the interview.
Lying and Being Dishonest
Lying is such a bad word, especially during an interview. This is a very big mistake and a serious taboo to make. Never lie during an interview. Always be honest in everything, even if it will cost you the job of your dreams. If you've had a serious mess up in your employment history, more than likely the interviewer has it on record in front of him or her. If you were fired in the past for criminal reasons, it's best to be open about it then. Being dishonest never has any long-term benefits. Sure you may get the job, but later down the road your dishonesty may be unveiled to your employers and you'd more than likely lose your job. So it's best to be honest before, during and after the interview.
Not Setting Yourself Apart from the Others
This is a common mistake for many. They believe that they are just like everyone else applying for the job so they define themselves, or display themselves as being no different from the rest. Employers do not want an office full of the same type of people. They want variety. Set yourself apart. Define and bring to light your strengths, ideas and reasoning. Let your employer know why hiring your would be the best decision that he or she has ever made. Display confidence, enthusiasm and motivation. Let your personality shine and impress on the mind of the employer. Never define yourself as being "just like everyone else". How boring! You are different and will work wonders for the interviewer's company. If you believe this, they will too.
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Do Not Get Fazed By Intimidating Behavior
Intimidation is one of the oldest methods used during the interview process. It is very easy for interviewers to intimidate job candidates because they are already nervous and stressed about the interview in the first place. Being on the receiving end of this intimidation will almost always faze you if you are not prepared.
Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Preparing for the interview in advance will help you to counter the intimidation that you will experience by the interviewers. Some interviewers do it intentionally while others intimidate in direct relation to the applicant's stress level. Practice your answers beforehand so you will eliminate needless worry and anxiety. Have a friend use several known methods of intimidation on you a few days prior to the interview so you will have familiarized yourself with them. Record your stress levels and devise a plan of action to counter these negative feelings.
Just Breathe
This method could be both the easiest and the hardest to do. Getting control of your breathing during stressful situations can be a challenge, but nonetheless when you have achieved properly regulated breathing, you will be able to control your heart rate along with other natural functions of the body during a stressful event. When you regulate your breathing you restore calmness to your body.
Maintain Eye Contact
Employers have used eye contact several times as an intimidation method. Eye contact could be both intimidating and constructive. As a candidate, maintaining eye contact proves you are a sincere and resourceful individual. By looking a person in the eyes while talking with him or her is you display respect. You will inadvertently gain his or her approval and trust by maintaining proper eye contact while they try to use this very method to intimidate you.
Lastly, being confident in yourself will help tremendously if you are ever faced with intimidating behavior. If you are confident in your abilities and accomplishments, the line of questioning will not faze you. You will come across as a strong and resolute candidate. Do not get fazed, remain confident and succeed at your interview.
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Establishing Rapport During An Interview
What exactly is rapport? Establishing rapport means creating trust and benevolence between the interviewee and the person conducting the interview. This can be tough at times considering you both are two completely different persons and strangers moreover. But the key to establishing rapport is to find a common ground in which you and your interviewer share the same interests.
Unfortunately it's quite common for interviewers to prejudge you for lack of better words, before they actually come to know the person you are. Therefore, try your best to make a very good first impression. Give the interviewer a warm and encouraging smile, followed by a firm handshake when you greet them. Ask them how their day has been going so far. Let them know from the first few seconds of the interview that you are a person worth knowing and you have something valuable to share with the company.
In a formal interview setting it is harder to establish rapport because the interviewer is there with one goal in mind: To perform an interview. In this type of setting, the interviewer will approach the interview directly. He or she will avoid unnecessary chatter and get straight to business. So if you wish to establish rapport during this type of setting it is best to do it in the first few minutes before the actual interview begins. This can be achieved by asking quick questions during your initial greeting.
In more informal settings, it is easier to establish rapport. This is so mainly because your interviewer will be more apt to talk more in the beginning. In this informal setting they will try to get to know you first as a person before actually going into the interview. You too could use this as an advantage for yourself. Seek to find a common interest between you and your interviewer. Once this interest is found and acknowledged, establishing rapport between you and interviewer will come easily. Your goal in establishing rapport is to create a trusted atmosphere in the interview situation.
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Exuding Confidence To Secure Your New Role
How do you convince someone that has never met you that you have the qualifications and skills to perform whatever tasks they have at hand? How do you make it clear that you, above all the other people they may encounter, are the one they can not live without? The answer is simple. The way you make them think you are the best is for you to believe it yourself. If you have a hard time with this frame of mind, there are ways you can help yourself along to build your self-esteem.
Looking the part
The first way to make yourself feel better about what you have to offer a position is to take special steps to look the part. For some this may mean buying a new suit or getting your hair done. Whatever the case may be for you, it is important to take the steps to feel better about your appearance. A large part of self-confidence is based on your perception of yourself. The great thing is the steps you take will only make you look better for your job interview; so, they are not completely taken in vain. If you walk into a room with nails manicured, hair looking nice, and clothes freshly pressed, you will not only stand a little taller, but those around you will notice also.
Know your strong points
This is often difficult for some people, but you can never sell your qualifications to someone else if you do not acknowledge them yourself. You need to sit down and really look at yourself and what you have to offer a company. What great things have you done in the past? What are you capable of doing that may be uncommon? You may do this in the process of writing your resume, but you need to review your qualifications and strengths before your interview to really have them imbedded into your psyche.
Eye contact
Very few things scream confidence like eye contact. A timid, meek person is easily spotted because they look at the floor and avoid human contact at all costs. However, keeping your chin up and your eyes on the person you are conversing with will make it clear you consider yourself to be an equal. Likewise, someone that constantly looks away instead of looking you in the eye will come across as deceptive and dishonest. Maintaining good eye contact is essential to exuding confidence. However, you should be careful not to make someone uncomfortable by staring, especially if you are male and are speaking to a female, as it can be intimidating.
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How To Make A Lasting Impression
Everyone wants to make a good first impression on potential employers. Some may find it difficult to do so. Interviewing can be very overwhelming for someone who genuinely wishes to impress, but does not know HOW to make an impression. Employers, whether in the fast food industry or the corporate world, look for individuals who display certain positive qualities. Those positive qualities are pivotal to the success of any company. Those are enthusiasm, motivation, confidence, intellect, honesty and sociability. If you display these qualities during the interview, you will definitely make a lasting impression on your interviewers.
Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is contagious. Go into the interview in full gear. Be enthusiastic about every aspect of the job you are applying for. Show your prospective employer that you are one who will take the job seriously and one who will encourage your workmates to do the same. But it is also good to mention that when you exercise enthusiasm, do so in a moderate and respectful manner. Think of how you would act about something you are truly fond of and display that type of enthusiasm.
Motivation
If you are an individual who is self-motivated, let them know this. Display a motivating attitude. Offer a glimpse of your employee performance. Show them how you will motivate your workmates or team members to accomplish the job set before them. Offer ideas on how you could help the company. Motivation is contagious too. And it will definitely cause the employer to remember you as a person instead of an interview number.
Confidence
Displaying confidence is one of the best ways to make a lasting impression on your potential employer. He or she will notice how confident you are and will certainly note it, if not on the interview notes, then in their minds. Speak confidently of your abilities to get the job done. Also mention possible "problems" or difficult situations that may come up and offer solutions you are confident will work. Use reason along with this and you will be sure to achieve a smile of approval.
Intellect
This is one that is also pleasing. Employers look for people who can firmly grasp ideas and words set before them. Your mind is a beautiful thing. And many employers look for people whose mind, or intellect, they can use. They will notice how well you listen before you speak. Also they will take note of how well you develop your thoughts and convey them through your speech. The way you answer your interview questions will give the interviewer an idea of how your mind "works". You do not have to be a genius to make a good impression regarding the aspect of intellect. Follow three simple rules in order to make your thoughts flow fluently. Listen.Think.Speak.
Honesty
This one is a must. Displaying honesty is an age old method of gaining one's trust and loyalty. So it is true during an interview. Be honest in ALL areas. Not just some, but all. For instance, if you are asked if you like a certain picture on the wall and you hate it, it's best to be honest and tell them tactfully that you do not like it. If they call up, or rehash, some of your previous mistakes on your job record, BE HONEST about them. If they ask what really happened, simply start out by saying, "To be honest.," or "I must be honest about it." Your prospective employers will no doubt appreciate your honesty about a situation or event that may have been difficult at the time. Examples of this may be if you were fired or terminated from a job in the past or if you had been called up in front of a judiciary committee. In whatever case, be honest with him or her.
Sociability
Be sociable! This may come easy for some but not for others. Being sociable means greeting others, being conversational and all around friendly. Since most of the time, the receptionist will later tell the employer how you behaved in the waiting area, use this to you advantage! Greet the receptionist as you come to sign in. Smile and say hello to everyone that comes in behind you. Quite naturally the others that may be waiting are waiting to interview for the same job you are applying for. Some may be competitive in nature and will "growl" in response. That is OK. You keep smiling and greeting. Carry on a friendly and refreshing conversation (if it is permitted) with the others waiting. The receptionist WILL take note of this and pass this on to your interviewer.
Practice the same mentality inside the interview as well. Be sociable, friendly and refreshing. Every employer needs this type of person inside their company. Your pleasant personality will be like a breath of fresh air. When these positive attributes are implemented into the interview process, you will more than likely make a lasting impression! It is easier than you have previously believed it to be. Have confidence in yourself and in your abilities as an employee. The prospective employers will definitely notice.
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Interview Etiquette
Experts agree that a well-written cover letter and a professional resume are vital to a successful job search. You need to present an image of courtesy and confidence in these communications. There are standard methods for achieving the best result from both. A business letter is written with certain etiquette in mind. A resume is patterned after one of a few formats that best emphasize your skills and experience. So just as these two portions of the job search are standardized, so is the interview experience.
When you apply for a job by sending in your resume or replying to an online posting, you will hopefully receive a phone call to schedule an interview with the potential employer. Many applicants make the mistake of taking this phone call for granted. Often, it is a secretary or assistant who makes this phone call and applicants are too casual with their phone demeanor. You will be evaluated on the phone. This is really the start of your interview.
Phone etiquette varies according to the formality of the office. So take your cue from the caller. If they address you by your last name, do the same when referring to anyone at the firm. Always use please and thank you, no matter how informal they sound. And avoid use of slang. You may be excited about the opportunity to interview for the position, but keep your enthusiasm under control.
Some of the most important interview etiquette involves your appearance. What you wear makes a big statement about what type of worker you are. If you are haphazard about your appearance, assuming your experience will speak for itself, you will probably have trouble getting past the first interview. Even if you do not have a lot of money to spend, find a good discount store and acquire a suit. Men and women both look best in suits. Keep all makeup and jewelry to a minimum. Women should wear hose if their legs show, and skirts should always hit below the knee.
Other interview etiquette says that you should smile and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake. Sit only when invited to sit and do so in the indicated chair. It is probably best to refuse any offers for refreshment, as a glass or cup will only give you something to play with. The less fidgety you are the better. Make consistent eye contact with the interviewer and nod as they speak.
After the interview is over, shake hands again and be sure to thank them for their time. You should also send a follow up thank you note. In the note, remind the employer of your interest in the position and your desire to work for the company. Send this note within two days of your interview.
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Knowing When To Stop During Interviews
It is so easy to get carried away when an interview is going so well. But it is vitally important to know when to stop talking. Some believe that you can never say too much, but quite the contrary, you can! You could even talk yourself out of a job if you're not careful. So how do you know when is enough and how can you prevent yourself from talking too much?
Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Language
This is a very important aspect of determining when enough has been said. You will get the necessary cues from the interviewer and/or any other person that may be in the room at the same time. It is very necessary to pay attention to facial expressions, body language and voice pitch. You will be able to tell by the way your interviewer is speaking if he or she is annoyed or bothered by you talking too much. A good example of this is a subtle but apparent deep inhalation of breath followed by his or her clearing of the throat. This is an evident sign that he or she is annoyed. That is your cue to stop talking. Also another sign is when his or her facial expressions change noticeably. You know which ones those are. Those expressions are the ones that send chills up your spine. Again, stop talking right away when you notice this change
Listen Before You Speak
Always listen carefully to every statement and every question. Take the time to carefully think through your answer before you speak. Some interviewers want to hear the answer to their question and nothing else. Do not add any extra information if you have noticed that your interviewer is asking straight-forward and to-the-point questions. This will annoy the interviewer and more than likely decrease your chances of getting the job. In the interview, making a good impression is what is important. You do not want to be remembered at the talkative applicant, so if your interview situation calls for it, be short and to the point and allow the interviewer to take notes on your responses.
And this is where allowing silence between answers come in. The interviewer needs time to record his or her notes on your responses. If you break this precious silence with more unnecessary chatter, this will distract the interviewer and prevent him or her from taking accurate response notes. So relax and allow for the silence between your responses.
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Personal and Professional Profiles
As you formulate your answers and respond to the questions that are put to you, be aware that your interviewer is analyzing each one for an insight into your personality and your character.
They are attempting to build a picture of what type of employee you would be and how you would fit into the organization.
When you talk about yourself, your attitude to work and your achievements you must communicate to the interviewer what your personal and professional attributes are:
You must be able to convey the following:
* Motivation: Take the opportunity to ask questions of your interviewer. This will convey enthusiasm and motivation, a thirst for knowledge coupled with a desire to get things done.
§ Energy and Drive: Someone who is prepared to put in the extra effort required to get the job done.
* Confidence: Display a confidence and poise in your interactions with individuals at all levels in the organization.
* Determination: Not to be confused with stubbornness. Convey a desire to conquer problems despite difficult situations.
* Attitude: Someone who is open and friendly but professional always, a team player.
* Reliable: Self-motivated with an ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
* Honesty and Integrity: Each company has it's own code of conduct. Display an ethical responsibility for all actions undertaken by you both positive and negative.
* Listening Skills: Be an active listener. Take time to listen, assimilate the information and respond.
* Analytical Skills: Ever more important, weigh up each problem and find a balanced solution.
* Dedication: Display pride in your work and the dedication to see each task through to completion in a timely manner.
The interview is your chance to let your prospective employer see what an asset you would be to the company. You are on stage for thirty minutes and in this length of time you have to present yourself as the candidate of choice.
It is a nerve-wracking process responding to each question but delivering a glib response that you have learned by heart will not help you to sell yourself.
You must paint a picture of your personality and character that will intrigue the interviewer and enable them to envisage you in the role within their company.
All the above are necessary characteristics if you are to be successful in today's dynamic climate.
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Projecting Confidence At Interview
It hard enough knowing that there are hundreds of other applicants wanting the same job you're applying for, and on top of that, you are nervous. How exactly do you project enough confidence during the interview to show your prospective employer that you are the right one for the job and you are confident about it? Firstly, it's easy to sink into the thought process of: "They'll give the job to someone better suited," or "Why would they choose me over, Mr. Perfect?" Do not despair! It is easier than you think!
Be Yourself!
Employers will notice if you are too rigid or if you are being yourself. Act as you would in everyday situations; just project yourself in a respectable manner towards your interviewer. Be confident in knowing that you are who you are. If you smile a lot in everyday situations, then smile a lot during the interview. Show them who they will be dealing with on a daily basis if you are hired. Always be yourself.
Talk Clearly
When people learn to speak before an audience, they are counseled on avoiding the use of conversation pollutants such as "umm, uh, like, as if (repeatedly), you know and right (repeatedly). If you avoid using these "pollutants" your speech will be fluent and will project the proper confidence needed.
Make proper and firm eye contact
This is one of the BEST ways to project confidence from within. Making eye contact is an age old signal that one is confident and resolute. Making firm eye contact with your employer will show them that you are confident enough to look them in the eyes. Some employers will even use firm eye contact as an intimidation method. Combat this by maintaining eye contact and offering them proper associative gestures.
Ask Questions
Asking questions will show your employer that you are truly interested in the job. Prepare beforehand, a short list of (3 or 4) intelligent questions for your employer. Perhaps, ask about the history of the company or about how well it does in regards to customer and client satisfaction. Ask questions that the interviewer will have to answer personally. For instance: "What do you like most about your current position in the company?" It will show that you are interested and enthusiastic about the job. It is noteworthy to mention to avoid asking questions about sensitive things like money and sick time.
Projecting confidence during an interview is possible if you have confidence within yourself to succeed at the interview. You must believe that you will do an excellent job and will do wonders for the company. Your interviewer will see this outward display in the way you carry yourself and speak. Do not doubt that you can successfully display confidence. Believe in yourself and they will believe in you too.
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