 |
|
 |
 |
 |
| Mission | Applicants | Employers |
| Applicants || Preparing Yourself | ||||||||||||||
|
These pages have been designed to give you general and specific information
on what to expect in a job interview. Also included are pointers on
the preparation and follow-up of the job interview. Let these strategies
be your guide as you develop your own plan. Although every interview
is different we hope these guidelines will enable you to feel more
prepared and confident about your ability to present yourself effectively.
Preparation: Your preparation can be one of the most important phases of an interview - the better prepared you are, the more confident you will be during the interview. The following are important points to remember: Write down the exact time and location of the interview, and keep this information with you. Know the names and titles of the interview panel. Don't rely on memory; it may fail you. Know the company - what does it do? Where does it operate? Before your interview, do some research. You are then able to ask intelligent questions and show a genuine interest in the position. Information can be found in the public relations department, year-end reports, newsletters, the library, or by asking people in the business. Be well rehearsed regarding:
Be prepared for the possibility of testing, and gear yourself mentally for the possibility that this interview may lead to another. Dress for Success: While your ability to field questions and communicate your skills successfully is indispensable, there are other, seemingly superficial, issues to be considered. An important, overly neglected, component of the job interview is "dressing for success". How you look contributes to the interviewer's overall impression. Be sure to present yourself in a professional manner. Generally, when in doubt, it is wise to dress on the conservative side. Seeing how others dress at your prospective place of employment is also a good idea. If this makes the individualist shudder (I'm going to dress however I like! They'll just have to take it or leave it.)--remember: once you have gotten the job you may have the freedom to express your personal style; until then, avoid creating unnecessary strikes against you. Realize that you are starting with a big advantage. You are the person selected for the interview, so you have a big plus going for you right from the start. Display a positive self-image; be confident, show energy and enthusiasm. First impression are important. Many employers make a judgment within the first four minutes. A positive self-image communicates itself instantly to others. The following quote may put things in perspective for you:
Shut the door on your troubles: try to avoid discussions about family or financial problems. Think about what you can do for the employer. Think before you answer. It is quite acceptable to pause before responding in order to organize your thoughts.. Don't give "yes" or "no" answers. One-liners are conversation stoppers. Elaborate briefly on your experience, your skills, and background. Be a good listener; but if you are asked a question you don't understand, ask for clarification. Always answer truthfully and tactfully. Don't interrupt Eye contact and body language are as important in the interview as good answers. Look at the interviewer. Avoid raising barriers. Do not cross your arms across your chest. Do not place anything on the desk between you and the interviewer. Avoid the appearance of withdrawing from the interviewer. Be calm and poised. Be aware of your nervous habits, and try to keep them under control. Watch your speech. Avoid "er" and "ah", or any other annoying voice habits. Pay attention to voice level: not too soft or too loud. Use the interviewer as your touchstone--how are they speaking? Don't use flattery. Don't be a "yes" person. At the same time, don't argue. Don't criticize your old job or boss. The idea is to get a job, not sympathy. Don't discuss politics, religion, or controversial subjects. Don't volunteer any negative information. Don't exaggerate or compare yourself to others. When asking specific questions which you have prepared ahead of time, be careful about the order in which you bring them up. Don't ask about the salary or fringe benefits first. At the end of the interview, ask when you will hear from them about the position. Leave as soon as the interview is over. Don't forget to say good-bye to the receptionist. A good word from this source may help. Follow Up It will be helpful for you to take notes immediately after the interview. You will want to remember the person's name, title, address, and important information that may help you to prepare for a second interview with the organization. Analyse the interview afterwards; use it as a learning opportunity. Write a sincere, straight-forward thank you letter for the interview. Recap your skills. If you don't hear from the interviewer after a decent interval, follow up with a phone call. Use common sense and good judgement in timing any follow-up. Prepare for rejection. If notified that you have not received the position, ask why you were not successful. If you were not qualified, ask if there are positions with the company for which you are qualified. Try to keep communication with the company open to better your chances for future positions. |
| Copyright ©2005 Sushan Consultants . |