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The Job Interview Process
Are you planning to start a new career? Or making a move from your current job? For many of us doing that start by going thru endless ads, job postings, career fairs and many other job hunting trips looking that perfect opportunity to get a job interview. Once you get the call or email, it is important that you prepare yourself for getting that first impression that will make your prospective employer think seriously about offering you the position. First, you have to make a personal inventory of your capabilities and abilities for the job. Second, you need to get right certain aspects of your personal presentation to look good and have a positive lasting impression. This article has two parts, first I will point out dressing and manners during the interview; and second, a few pointers about possible questions.
Before the Interview
Do your homework!! Make sure that you research the company and the position that you are applying. It is good to know the services, the products, the locations, the business industry, the company’s social commitment or participation in local activities among other. Remember knowing these and other details allows you to answer a possible interview question about you being part of those company’s initiatives. Drive into the area, check parking lots, possible traffic and anything that could affect getting on time to your interview. Plan ahead your arrival.
Dressing for the Interview
There is a business saying that first impressions last forever; therefore, make it count. When choosing the appropriate clothing use traditional colors such as black, blue, or gray. Those colors are more of a business like and standout favorably. Shirts should be plain white or light matching colors with the skirt or pants. If this is a business interview having a suit and a tie (depends on the outfit) will definitely be a plus. Shine your shoes and wear a matching belt. Use conservative jewelry so the interviewer will not become distracted. Make sure that the clothing is either sent to the laundry or well iron, you want a clean wrinkle free look. If you are a female, be cautious with the shirt, avoid button-less cleavage that can distract the interviewer or worst create discomfort.
What to bring to the interview
On a very simple terms, bring a portfolio with copies of your resumes, any supporting documents of certifications, and licenses. There is no need to walk with a huge handbag or any extra bag to the interview. Shutoff any electronic devices and any social media or extra notifications, so it will not interrupt the flow of conversation. This will not apply if your interview evolves around social media marketing and other similar areas.
Interview day
Be fifteen to twenty minutes early, try to calm yourself down, and look around the office surroundings for specific clues about what people likes. Sometimes the interviewer likes to talk about other matters to know how you express yourself about social issues, current events, news, sports, politics, and general issues. This is a technique used to break the ice and to avoid or shutdown the robot like answers to interview questions. Normally, after a few minutes of talking about other interests people tend to be at ease and the real person surfaces.
During the Interview
Greet with a firm handshake, a smile and keep a friendly eye contact. Sit comfortably, keep your arms on a neutral position (do not cross the arms). Answer the questions with complete sentences and explain briefly any matter that is not clear. While talking keep constant eye contact, let the person talk, do not interrupt, and if there is a confusing question, request that the question be repeated because you are not sure what was meant with it. Do not respond without knowing what the interviewer asked.
When addressing your academic preparation and your prior employers, be respectful and careful not to fall in the common trap, of telling how bad it was being there or other negative remarks. Remember you are a product of your experiences; thus, you must embrace each opportunity to learn and grow. Even with bad experiences we have to learn, and apply better personal standards for what we have control. Once the interview is finished, again shake hands and thanks for the experience and the time invested in the interview, and that you expect to hear from them soon.
Interview Questions
Here I have included various general questions, make sure that you can respond to each if it is applicable to you:
- What do you know about the company / position?
- Provide reasons, why did you apply for this position?
- What caused your decision to leave your current job?
- Why there are time gaps between job experiences or between academic preparation and job experiences?
- If you are a recent graduate, what academic experiences have the most impact on this job position?
- Describe one success experience.
- Explain one failure experience, how did you overcome the situation?
- Are you a team player? Provide examples.
- Are you an organized person? Provide examples.
- Can you work with minimal supervision and/or handle multiple tasks.
- If you have a task, and you do not know how to perform it, how do you work a solution?
- What are your interests?
- Why did you participate on students organizations?
- How do you see yourself in five years / ten years?
- When are you planning to leave your current job?
- Can you start right away or what is your availability?
- Is there a problem working on holidays, weekends and/or extra hours?
- Explain to me, why I need to hire you?
Very important, personal questions should not be part of the interview. The fact that you are married, single, you have a religious, political conviction or any other personal position should be kept aside of the interview.
Conclusion
Interviews are an important part of our lives, since it is the door for a bright professional future. Make the most out of it, prepared yourself, dress neatly, and respond questions with complete sentences but briefly. Hope you have great success!!!