Practical Tips and Techniques to Steady your Nerves and Calm your Fears
Let’s face it: applying for a new job is an incredibly stressful and worrisome process. All too often, candidates mistakenly concentrate on just ‘getting through’ the interview. However, the interview actually consists of 3 distinct phases: (1) Before, (2) During and (3) Afterwards. These are discussed below with a view to ensuring successful results for the applicant.
A. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
-- Research the company with whom you are interviewing. Nothing impresses an interviewer more than a candidate that shows up already understanding something about his company. It shows that you are seriously interested in being considered for the position, and it speaks to you initiative as well.
-- Arrive on Time
The importance of punctuality can not be stressed enough. Plan to walk in the door 10-15 minutes early. This demonstrates your respect for the interviewer's time: better you should wait than having him to do so. If you end up with time on your hands, use it productively to review your notes.
-- Dress Professionally.
By giving careful consideration to the clothing you wear shows that you are aware of the importance of presenting yourself in a professional manner. In today's work place, most companies no longer have a strict dress code, but it it’s always wise to dress up for the interview. Once you’ve actually gotten the job, you can then determine what the company prefers.
--Practice Makes Perfect .
You might know all the questions the interviewer may ask, but if you don’t practice your responses beforehand, what’s the point? Have a friend go over a variety of questions with you until you are able to answer them promptly without hesitating or stuttering.
B) DURING THE INTERVIEW
-- Shake the interviewer’s hand firmly, but don’t risk making him black and blue! This applies whether the interviewer is male or female. No one appreciates a limp fish handshake, but they don’t like it when a candidate hangs on for dear life. To demonstrate sincerity and honesty, maintain eye contact when introducing yourself and shaking hands..
-- S-M-I-L-E! (You’re NOT on Candid Camera, But nonetheless……………
Nothing is worse than an interviewee who looks depressed or indifferent. (Would you want to work with such a person?)
-- Convey confidence about yourself and your capabilities
Don’t stare out the window or fiddle with your pencil: the interviewer is talking to you, or you to him. Be attentive and aware at all times.
-- Speak clearly and distinctly: don’t mumble, as this can be interpreted as a lack of self confidence.
--Respond to your interviewer’s comments. If he makes a joke, smile to acknowledge that he made one, even if it wasn’t the funniest thing you’ve ever heard.
-- Listen carefully before answering questions and make sure you understand the question. If not, ask for clarification. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts and then answer the question.
--Give brief and intelligent answers to your interviewer’s questions. If you are asked ‘yes or no’ questions, elaborate – but not for too long.
--Make sure you arrive at the interview with several questions to ask. Before concluding your discussions, make it known that you would like the opportunity to clarify a few points.
--If you are asked to state salary requirements, smile and tell your interviewer that you are confident that this can be worked out, but that you are looking for a range of between $X and $Y. That way, the company will have some ‘wiggle room.’
Finally, thank the interviewer for his time and for the information he provided about his company and the position. Always, always ask for clarification as to the next step in the process. i..e. Does he have other candidates to interview? Will you have an opportunity to return for a second meeting? If so, will you have a chance to meet prospective co-workers at that point?
D) WHAT NOT TO DO… DO NOT…
--Ramble on and on. Make your point quickly and efficiently. (If the interviewer wants more information, he’ll ask you to elaborate.)
--Exhibit Dishonesty: If an employer asks a question about an area you know nothing about, answer him by saying “While I cannot claim to have expertise in this area, I AM, however, a quick study and would be delighted to master this concept.”
--Accept a drink or a cigarette, even if the interviewer offers you one. Smile and say that water would be great, or that you’ve just quit smoking. (These can lead to health problems, and cost an employer money, so it would be wise to decline both.
--Refuse a job offer. (It may be the only one you get! Instead, thank your interviewer for his time, and ask politely how long the offer is open. Instead, explain that you need time to give his offer the attention it obviously deserves, and that you would like to consult first with your family before accepting the position.
D) AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Immediately afterward, send the employer a handwritten thank you note, being careful to check your spelling, grammar and punctuation. Be sure to tell him how much you enjoyed speaking with him, and how much you would enjoy working for his company—if this is indeed the case. Take this opportunity to add anything you may have forgotten to mention during the conversation itself.
By taking time to draft a sincere and genuine personal letter, you will distinguish yourself from your fellow applicants, who will probably opt for the easy way out by merely clicking their mouse button--IF they do anything at all. One word of caution here—as a general rule, it is best to refrain from sending humorous cards. You might not know what your interviewer would (and would not) find funny, and you surely don’t want to risk offending him, or worse yet, leave him to puzzle over a card you thought was hilarious. After all, job searching is a serious business, and should be treated as such.
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