One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of the job search for many of us is the face-to-face job interview. It's the goal of your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to prompt a phone call from a potential employer asking you to come in for the interview, but how do prepare? What questions can you expect to be asked? How should you answer? What should you wear? These are all aspects of preparation for the job interview. For those of you who already have experience in job interviews, what has that experience taught you that might be helpful to others? For those who have had limited experience in job interviews, what would be most helpful to know before you meet with a potential employer?
For me, I have found that I wish I were more prepared in the sense that I knew how to answer questions. Though I knew exactly what job I wanted, all about the company and what my goals were, I wasn't clear on how to negotiate the amount of money I would make or what type of hours I expected to work. I had no idea that these things were negotiable when I began interviewing for jobs.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I would like to know what types of things are appropriate to share with a potential employer and what isn't. If they ask why you left your last job should you really go into all the bad stuff that went on there or should you mask it with some vague type of answer? Also, how much detail about you is too much? When they ask, I know they don't want to be bored with details but I also want to highlight the important things. What is the best strategy for doing so?
One thing I've learned from my interview experience is to just relax. I think if you're tense then the interviewer will probably notice. You'll probably say things that don't really make sense, or you might come off as fake.
ReplyDeleteObviously you should have answers prepared, and you should know a lot about the company you are interested in, but when delivering those answers it's important to just relax. I've been to interviews where I was so nervous, that when I answered questions I sounded like a robot. (I didn't get those jobs.)
Honestly, we are our own worse critic, so when we think we are having a poor interview - chances are the interview isn't nearly as bad as we think it is. So just relax - you will do fine=)
ReplyDeleteFor me, I have personally applied for, meaning actually went to the location, talked to the manager and filled out an application, for every job I have held up until this point. So what worries me is applying over the internet! I fear applying via the web because the personal aspect of the 'old fashion days' is gone and I feel that my resume will not show my cool personality atop of my skills. In my cover letter I tried to show my character but will I have the opportunity to chit-chat about the job to my potential employer before the actual interview? Basically, the interview doesn't scare me it is the applying part that makes me want to hide in my shell.
Oh and if anyone has recently had an interview, what time are interviews normally taken place and are they always at the business location? Also, is it rude to bring a list of questions to ask the person interviewing you?
I've had a few interviews in my time, and like everyone says -YOU SHOULD KNOW THE COMPANY and the position you are applying for. Go in, excited (or fake it.) The best interviews advice I can give is to act like you really want the job (even if you really are just desperate and would take any job anywhere.) It's mostly about attitude (so have a good one.) If you aren't a people person -pretend to be; be personable, friendly and upbeat. The people interviewing you are taking time away from their normal jobs in order to evaluate you -so show you appreciate their time and actually want to be there.
ReplyDeleteAs for the interview questions, most employers I've found stick to a similar batch of questions: ie. What you've done in your past jobs that benefited the company? How you handle stress, last minute changes and/or how you work under fire. Also, a popular one is how you relate to customers (specifically have you ever gone above and beyond your job position.) There's about ten more common one's you're likely to hear but I don't want to write an essay. :)
I've learned to really try to scope out the personality of the employer first and try to find something to connect with. For instance while you're in the waiting area, observe your surroundings and take notes. I was on an interview where I noticed the employer was an FSU fan, being that I went there I definitely used that to my advantage and brought that up. Seems simple, but it works!
ReplyDeleteObviously you should dress professionally and be neatly groomed. No nappy heads...or busting boobs, just being honest. For me, being humorous has seemed to be an advantage. I always try to make jokes. For instance the employer, during a face to face interview asked me what my hobbies were, I replied, "Eating", which is true, unfortunately, but he found it funny and started cracking up. So it worked.
Most importantly, and as cheesy and Brady-Bunchist as it may sound, just be yourself. If you go in there, not acting how you'll act if you're hired, they may come to not like you. Reveal your true personality and that way they see you for who you are. You'll end up much happier in the long run if you're not in a position where you're having to constantly be fake after possibly being hired.
Although I have helped sit in on interviews at my job, the thought of going to an interview myself still makes me nervous.
ReplyDeleteI think by the time you get an in person interview, the way you act matters more than what you know. They obviously see you as potentially qualified for the position, so I think the interview is the time you need to make them believe that you are the best fit for the company.
Like Michaelina, I am also interested in what is too much to say at an interview. I tend to ramble when I get nervous, so I am worried about spilling too much information about my personal life or past employers, or acting overly friendly.
I think some of the obvious things that people often forget are to be prepared (know about the company, have a copy of your resume) and make eye contact.
I think you should "BE YOURSELF"....your professional self that is. Don't be fake, people take notice no matter how good of an actor/actress you think you may be. Show a little bit of your personality but keep it professional. Smile and genuinely enjoy the conversation. I think that if the interview flows like a conversation, it shows the interviewer first hand that you have people skills better than just words on paper or computer screens.
ReplyDeleteI've been on both sides of the spectrum; the interviewer and the interviewee. It's still very nerve racking being the one in the spotlight. Everyone gave great tips about dressing professional, knowing the company, ect. All of those things are vital in making a great first impression. When interviewing candidates I would always notice the handshake. It may seem unimportant, but it's not. It shows what type of person you are with out even speaking. Good handshakes are remembered!
ReplyDeleteI found this link about interviewing techniques
http://www.mediacollege.com/journalism/interviews/
I know that it is very possible to show up to an interview under-dressed, but what about being over-dressed. How do you gauge the work environment before going in for an interview. I would hate to show up over-dressed for an interview and appear stuffy or too serious when in actuality that is not who I am.
ReplyDeleteI am naturally an inquisitive person. If someone asks me a question I like to make an effort to reciprocate that question. Is this something that should be toned down or eliminated during a job interview? I know that I am the one being interviewed, so I don't want to come off as intrusive or domineering.
Also, what is the standard follow-up procedure after an interview? Do you call or write a "thank you" to your interviewer or do you just leave it be? What is an appropriate length of time to wait and check-up on the hiring process?
I have sat in on many job interviews at work, so I think I know what employeers are looking for. I think employeers are looking for. Like most places we did interviews after we saw resumes. The good news is if they like you enough to give you an interview, you already have one foot in the door. Just be yourself don't put on an act that you constantly have to fake because people will find out and then your gone. The one thing I would like to learn is how negotiate the money and still look like I care about the job.
ReplyDeleteI think it's also important to ask questions! Before going to the interview research the company and be prepared to ask any questions you may have about the position you're applying for or any general questions you may have about the company.
ReplyDeleteI have always found it helpful to prepare and practice for interviews. Although you don’t know the exact questions that will be asked, you can prepare yourself for the basic questions which have a good chance of coming up. Questions such as “Why do you want to work here?” “How will you be able to contribute to our staff?” “What is your best characteristic?” etc. are all questions that you can prepare yourself for prior to your actual interview. The best advice I can give is to relax and be you. It is natural to be nervous but try not to let this show. As far as what to wear, I have always been taught that it is better to overdress than to be underdressed. First impressions are key…your appearance says a lot about you!
ReplyDeleteIt’s important to want to work for the company and have a genuine interest in. Be enthusiastic about the position. If you are personable and make a direct connection with the interviewer you are more likely to make a lasting impression.
ReplyDeleteBe prepared for all types of questions and be honest with your answers. Don’t placate yourself to be picture perfect, but rather eager to learn and perform.
I think it’s also important to just relax and be yourself. Don’t give robotic answers that you think the interviewer would want to hear. Just be transparent, and if they don’t like you then the job may not have been for you anyway.
Finally, the obvious- dress to impress. Be professional, never revealing, and always poised.
I think the most important part of a job interview, like so many other people here, is just being your professional self. Carry yourself with a wave of confidence, sell yourself, be yourself. They are either going to like you or they aren't. You'll also get a better feeling on whether you will fit into place there or not, and can work with the management or if you're going to butt heads from the beginning. Have confidence in yourself, know what you want, and be curious. Ask questions if they come up. Questions show interest, excitement and enthusiasm. If you want the job, you're already going to be knowledgeable. So just be yourself and be honest. Remember, you can always take a negative and put a positive spin on it.
ReplyDeleteMy least favorite question was always "What is one of your worst qualities?" until I learned to answer that it was my perfectionism, which benefits the company and I'm learning how to deal with the stress I impose only upon myself through other means.
I actually wrote an article on this before..... I will email it to you Dr. Silvia.
ReplyDeleteThe best advice I was ever given for interviewing is to dress one step-up from the person interviewing you. Make sure you're clean, and smell good but not odorous (don't over do it on the perfume). Also, make sure you wear colors that best represent your personality but aren't repellant.
You want to look good. More so, you want them to know you want the job. So you probably want to know who you're going to talk to and something about where you're going to work.
To get my job at Starbucks, my boss asked me if I had any questions, I asked about her, not the company. I think this implied that I was personable and could talk to anyone.
I've also not been given a job because I was too overconfident, and the employer saw me as a threat, not a potential employee.
Dress as you would if it was your first day at the job. Don't let nerves get the best of you, be yourself and think of the interview as a simple conversation between you and someone else. You are selling yourself, but don't overdue it. BE YOURSELF!! If the interviewer turns into a jerk, think: would you want to work here anyways?! NO! So, don't let them get the best of you. Expect to talk about your work and experience history.
ReplyDeleteColors show alot about who you are. Wear blue to show you are independent and green to show confidence. Also, women should alway wear a skirt, not pants. Another point is to take an asprin before your interveiw. It is supposed to calm your nerves! I learned this at a seminar when I was unemployed. I personally don't like to be put on the spot, but this is what can be expected at an interveiw. Finally, commment on one item in the rooom, say a painting. It kinda breaks the ice.
ReplyDeleteMy interview experience is some what limited, but I have been able to learn a few things from the experience I do have. I think knowing about the organization and what they are looking for is a must. Knowing what they want makes it much easier to come up with an answer they want. I also think acting in a friendly and professional manner is important because interviews are also used to see how people handle themselves not just how they answer questions.
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