Interviewing Tips
Congratulations! You're ready to land your dream job. You've even lined up some interviews. But how can you be sure that you'll stand out from the crowd? Follow these simple steps for interview preparation and make sure the interviewer will remember you.
First Impressions
Companies hire people, not resumes. Often, impressive resumes are ignored in favor of a candidate the recruiter liked. An interview is like a first date: make the interviewer like you and you will get the job. In light of this, there are some basic things anyone can do to improve their chances.
A smile is your secret weapon. A smile calms your nerves, and people who smile frequently are rated as having more positive traits than non-smilers. One study (Washburn and Hakel, 1973) showed that smiling job candidates were almost always preferred.
A firm, three-second handshake is another chance to impress. Limp fish or arm-pumping handshakes give the impression of disinterest or insincerity. Making eye contact is another must.
It might sound like a cliché, but dress for success. If you plan to work in a professional environment, a conservative suit is your best choice. Ensure that your hair and nails are neat, bring a portfolio with extra resumes, and avoid heavy perfume. It is better to be overdressed.
Do Your Homework
Employers want you to know something about the company you're applying to work for. Take a look at the company website. It will give you valuable clues about what is important to your prospective employer. Asking meaningful questions about the business will show that you've done your homework.
Another way to prepare is writing down answers to questions recruiters might ask. Many companies now perform “behavioral” style interviews, and a little forethought will make you shine. The interviewer might ask the following questions, or others like it:
“Tell me about yourself.”
This is a softball question. They really want a 90 second synopsis of what sets you apart from the crowd. Writing down and practicing this synopsis ahead of time will make sure you get your points across. Let them know if you're a team player or a leader. Tell them something you're proud of, whether it's a school award or your writing skills.
“Give me an example of a time when you used problem solving/coped with a stressful situation/had to prioritize.”
There are a number of such questions they might ask. Think about previous jobs or specific examples from school.. They want to hear details rather than general statements. Picking examples in which you shone and writing them down will save you from blanking out on the interview.
“What's your worst weakness?”
Obviously, stay away from disqualifying answers such as “laziness.” Focus on how you are rectifying the problem. If the job doesn't require public speaking, you could tell them it is a weakness, but that you joined Toastmasters to improve. Be sincere: nobody will believe that your only flaw is perfectionism.
Followup
Remember to ask at the end of the interview when the employer expects to make the hiring decision. A thank you note sent within 48 hours, as well as a followup call within a week are appropriate. Avoid excessive followup: there is a fine line between eager and annoying.
Once you're on the job, make a list of achievements and examples of your fine work which you can use the next time you go on an interview. While you may not land the first job you interview for, you will be hired if you follow these steps.
