Job interviews can be stressful events. You are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don’t know. The company interviewers are assessing your qualifications and whether or not you have the interpersonal qualities required for success in their organization.
The first interview is most critical and should be viewed as your only opportunity. Here are job interview tips to help prepare you to interview effectively.
- Research the Company – Do your research in order to get to know the company you are interviewing with backwards and forwards. You can check the Internet, your local library, or with people you know who work or have worked for the company.
- Practice – Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Use examples to describe your skills and provide evidence of your successes.
- Look Your Best – Dress professionally for your interview. Look neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with.
- Be on Time – On time means five to 10 minutes early. Give yourself time to find the office if you have never been there before or if you know traffic can delay you.
- Know to Whom You are Talking – Know the full name and title of the interviewer and the correct pronunciation of his or her name.
- Stay Calm – Try to relax and take a moment to regroup if you need to. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer and listen to the entire question before you answer.
- Greet the Interviewer with Confidence – Use attentive posture, good eye contact, a firm handshake and an engaging smile.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm for the job and the company. Employers place great value on whether or not job candidates really want to work for them.