It’s helpful to check the company website for information and research for a company profile and gather the latest information about that company. Your preparation will reflect favorably if the interviewer questions you about their company and sees that you are prepared.
Sometimes reviewing a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” can be extremely helpful when going into the first, second or even a third interview. You do not want to get too far ahead of yourself and make your first question about what salary you will be making. Some job interview tips are listed below; please take the time to go through them and utilize them when going on interviews.
Preparation and Confidence
Great preparation always creates confidence. Prepare yourself practically for the interview as well as gathering useful information for the interview.
Make a Checklist
Create a helpful checklist to follow when preparing for an interview:
1) Confirm the time, date and location of the interview and name of the interviewers where appropriate.
2) Plan to get there no earlier than 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
3) Notify the appropriate person that you are present for the interview.
4) Dress professionally and wear a business suit.
5) Do not forget for firm handshake.
6) Maintain eye contact without glaring.
7) Ask Questions.
8) Be Honest.
9) Send a Thank You Salutation.
Be on time!
Always plan ahead. If you plan to use public transportation, make sure you plan your route during heavy traffic patterns so you can still arrive on-time. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Also, if you arrive earlier than 10 minutes before the interview, wait in your vehicle or a nearby cafe or shop. It’s important that you do not get to the interview too early because the employer usually has a busy schedule and is not expecting you. It can often frustrate the employer and make them feel rushed. If you are going to be late, the best option is to call and inform them.
The Handshake
The handshake is extremely important when introducing yourself. The handshake is the start of an interview and allows you to create a great impression. If you have delivered a poor handshake, it is impossible for you to recover it. Here are some examples:
1) The limp hand gives the impression of disinterest or weakness.
2) Only tips of the fingers shows lack of ability to engage.
3) The arm pump shows overly aggressive salesman.
Write down and practice possible questions asked in an interview
Collect a list of common job interview sample questions and practice your answer before the interview. This prepares you ahead of time and the questions do not come as a surprise to you.
Eye Contact and Communication Styles
It is extremely important that you make eye contact during the interview. It shows confidence and interest in the position. When you avoid eye contact it may appear that you are untruthful or disinterested. To make a good first impression, you have to be able to communicate effectively with the interviewer. Some pointers to consider during your interview:
1) If the interviewer seems all business, then you want to match this style and behave professionally and follow the answer/question guidelines.
2) If the interviewer is personable, you may have the opportunity to discuss his/her interests.
3) If the interviewer asked a direct question, answer directly.
4) If you allow the interviewer to set the tone of the conversation, you can vastly improve your chances of making a positive impression.
Avoid over talking!
Communication involves two important factors: Speaking and Listening. Allow the interviewer to lead and ask the questions. A common mistake often occurs when a candidate continues to talk and not allow the interviewer to ask their questions. It is very important to listen to the question and ask and answer that question. Keep your answers to two to three minutes. When you limit your time, you tend to stay more focused. It is very easy to go off topic and start to ramble about a subject irrelevant to the job or questioned asked. Some questions may take time to answer. After two minutes you can ask the interviewer, “I have described my most recent project. Would you like to hear more about my role in detail?”
Listen
Listening happens to be one of the most underused interview skills. Often, candidates tend to be nervous about answering interview questions correctly and forget to listen. Follow these tips:
1) Listen through eye contact.
2) Listen with nonverbal expressions.
3) Listen until the speaker is finished.
4) Do not interrupt.
Be enthusiastic and positive!
It’s extremely important to be enthusiastic and stay positive during an interview. Avoid any negative points about previous employers or experiences. Focus on positive achievements and views.
Asking about Salary, Benefits and Vacation
Timing is everything in the interview. Have an idea of what the salary range is for the position. Do not ask about salary, benefits and vacation on the first interview. Allow the interviewer to bring up salary and the benefits package. It is very important that you demonstrate a strong interest in the position before asking what your salary expectations are too early in the process.
Postpone that discussion until you have more information about the position.
Ask Questions
There is always the opportunity to ask the interviewer questions at the end of the interview. You always want to go to the interview prepared with questions. Have at least three questions that can offer you a better understanding of the position and the company. Write your questions down prior to the interview and take them with you.
Danielle Castillo, Administrative Recruiter
