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How To Be Really Shine at Your Next Interview
So
you’ve managed to secure a job interview for a
position that fits you PERFECTLY. Now comes the moment
of truth: Are you REALLY ready for the interview? If
you’ve rehearsed what you’re going to say
and know the perfect answer to every potential question,
you’re half way there. There’s just one important
thing you’ve forgotten: Yourself.
How
do you sell yourself and show your potential employer
how valuable you can be to their company? You want to
make them hire you TODAY and not even THINK about other
applicants. You know you’re the right person for
the job, so how do you make THEM see that? Here are
seven easy steps you can take to really make yourself
shine during the interview process.
1.
First, find out everything you can about the company
you’d be working for. Who are its customers? What
is its mission statement? How does the job you’d
be performing relate to the company’s goals? Finding
out this type of information gives you great insights
on what kinds of questions to ask your interviewer and
shows them that you’ve done your research and already
have some background in the company’s business
and objectives.
2.
Read over the job description carefully. Analyze your
own strengths and see how you can tie the two together.
If you have previous experience, make note of those
times where you helped achieve a specific result. Employers
give more serious consideration to applicants who have
a background and a track record in their industry than
those who do not.
3.
First impressions count. It should go without saying
that you should arrive 15 minutes prior to the interview,
dress appropriately (if not above) the position you’re
applying for, greet your interviewer with a firm handshake
and maintain eye contact throughout the discussion process.
Be enthusiastic, personable and outgoing. Show a sincere
interest in the people you meet and the work you’d
be doing. Interviewers can tell if you’re desperate!
4.
Show that you can solve problems and work well under
pressure, since nearly every job will require both skills.
If you can identify a particular problem in your industry
or that you may face when doing this job, give the interviewer
some ideas of how you would solve it. Be calm, relaxed
and confident. Some nervousness is expected, but your
overall mannerisms (such as fidgeting, nail-biting,
slumping in your chair) will be an instant giveaway
on how well you REALLY work under stress. Likewise,
if you project confidence and security in how you carry
yourself, the interviewer will definitely notice.
5.
If your mind goes blank when asked if you have any questions
(and you should ALWAYS have a couple of questions ready),
consider asking why this position is open. What’s
the company’s track record and turnover rate? Are
they performing well and keeping employees on board?
Remember, you’re not just selling yourself on how
you’d be a great fit for this company, but finding
out how this company could also be a great fit for you.
6.
If an interviewer asks a question that makes you feel
uncomfortable, smile politely and ask, “Why would
you like to know?” Remember, your employer is prohibited
from asking you personal questions, including references
to your race, gender, sexual preference, marital status
and child care situations. Your interview should be
focused on how well you can perform the job, not your
home and family life.
7.
After the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you
note. Recount your strengths in the letter and highlight
your qualifications. Touch on specific discussions or
conversations you had with the interviewer to help them
remember that polished, professional, enthusiastic candidate
(you). Close the note by letting the interviewer know
of your sincere interest in the position and your confidence
in doing it well.
If
you keep all of these suggestions in mind, you’ll
not only have seriously impressed your potential employer,
but you’ll come away from it feeling like a winner
too! Good luck!
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