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To put your best foot forward, browse through our top 20 job interview tips. This information will give you an advantage when applying for jobs and going through the job interview process in today's competitive markets.
Job Interview Tip # 1 – Come prepared
Know yourself - your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. A job interview is not the time to wing it! Prepare as much as you would for a presentation to the Board of Directors at your company.
Job Interview Tip # 2 - Research the company
Find out as much as you can about the company through annual reports, newspapers, Value Line," S&P, etc. Your effort will show in the job interview, and you'll be seen as proactive, hardworking and astute.
Job Interview Tips # 3 - Dress appropriately to match the company culture
Many companies have gone to corporate casual. Check with your contact to see what they require. When in doubt, always wear formal business attire. Job Interview Tip # 4 – Appease the 5 sensesWhen interviewing insure that you are appeasing the interviewer’s 5 senses. - Sight – Check your hair, make up and dress are appropriate for the interview and in alignment with the company’s culture.
- Sound – Speak in a moderate confident tone. Speaking too soft or too loud leaves a negative impression.
- Touch – When giving or receiving a handshake, match your hand grip with your interviewer’s.
- Smell & Taste – Make sure you shower, have no body odor and smell fresh. Do not wear heavy perfumes and colognes as it may offend your interviewer. Also, chew on a couple breath mints before entering the building to insure your breath is in-check.
Job Interview Tip # 5 - Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early
Punctuality is a subtle clue about attitude and behavior. Tardiness, no matter the excuse, is a major blunder. Research in advance what your parking options are and allow plenty of time.
Job Interview Tip # 6 - Exhibit enthusiasm
First impressions, positive or negative, dramatically affect the ultimate evaluation. You can make or break an job interview within the first five minutes.
Job Interview Tip # 7 - Appear friendly and outgoing
Smile and say hello to everyone. A positive reaction from the support staff is an important factor in the evaluation. Many hires have been heavily influenced by an Administrative Assistant.
Job Interview Tip # 8 - Be self-confident
High self-esteem and self-confidence are the hallmarks of the successful individual. You’re your confidence, be able to demonstrate how you have overcome obstacles. There's nothing wrong with feeling good about you.
Job Interview Tip # 9 - Come prepared for key questions
Practice your responses to all the typical questions, such as "tell me about yourself" and "why are you looking for a new position?" How well you speak will have a bigger impact than what you say.
Job Interview Tip # 10 - Remain involvedThe most effective job interviews are those when an active two-way conversation takes place. Not the typical question and answer type. Begin early in the interview to interject your own relevant insight. Remember, don't interrupt your interviewer.
Job Interview Tip #11 - Establish your worth
Discuss your specific accomplishments that demonstrate a proactive attitude. The following are examples of establishing your worth: - Have you installed systems?
- Have you done something not required, such as trained someone, etc. ?
- Have you created revenue or saved expenses? Be specific with the amounts and how you accomplished that goal.
Job Interview Tip #12 - Know your 6 key strengths
Be prepared to discuss in detail and with examples your five or six main attributes. These should be the ultimate reason you get the job over someone else. Assuming you have done the proper homework on the company, these strengths should also be closely aligned to the key traits the employer is looking for in a person to fill their position.
Job Interview Tip #13 - Give 1 to 2 minute responses
Communication is the key to successful interviewing. A minimum of 1 to 2 minutes of well-prepared discussion gives the interviewer insight into your intellect and supports your contentions.
Job Interview Tip # 14 - Provide examples / details
Support statements about yourself with specific examples. These will provide legitimacy to your claims. Without them, the interviewer will not accept them as valid.
Job Interview Tip # 15 - Remain attentive
Stay alert during the job interview. Maintain good eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Be animated. Show high levels of interest and stay enthused. These actions can maintain or generate momentum during the interview. This is especially important when you are doing multiple interviews on the same day. The energy level must be as high for the last as it is for the first.
Job Interview Ti # 16 – Do not be arrogant
A presumptuous and overbearing attitude will offset the finest abilities. There is a fine line between being too confident and cocky. Don't cross that line.
Job Interview Tip # 17 - Ask probing questions
A few strategic questions can demonstrate your intelligence, analytical skills and assertiveness. Have these prepared from your research. Avoid superficial small talk.
Job Interview Tip # 18 - Be positive about co-workers
Do not bad mouth previous positions, companies or employers. No matter how well founded, this implies a negative attitude typical of those who don't take personal responsibility for their actions.
Job Interview Tip # 19 - Clearly state your interest
By the conclusion of the interview, state that you are definitely interested in the position and would like to know when the next step will take place. It's best to demonstrate this interest throughout the session. Be careful not to go overboard.
Job Interview Tip # 20 - Know your objective and end with it
Establish your objective before the job interview like a second interview or an offer. Ask for it if you have not achieved it. Ask a question such as "Do you think my skills match your needs?" This gets straight to the point and, at worse, reveals other obstacles to overcome. |
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