Interviewing has a formal feel to it. It’s more than having a good discussion about your job and interests with someone. Just the word “interview” can make job candidates feel excited, hopeful, encouraged, and anxious. The longer its been since a person had an interview, the more anxiety they may feel.
One recent job candidate had a lot to say about his interview experience. He was interviewing for the first time in over 18 years, and he had some lessons to pass along.
1. Be prepared for unexpected past history questions.
You can be thrown a curve ball during your interview, and one example would be questions about your previous experience. Be prepared to talk about your recent accomplishments as well as those earlier on in your career. Always plan for the unexpected.
2. Be able to clearly state the reasons you are interested in the position and how your background matches the company’s needs. When asked why you’re interested in the job, be able to verbalize. Don’t rely on your resume to do the “talking” for you. Hiring decision makers like to hear your communication style and get a verbal snapshot of your reasoning skills.
3. It helps to do your homework by researching the company and knowing information about the work culture.
While having the technical skills to do the job is important so is being a good fit for the corporate culture. Researching the company will help you understand the organizational culture as well as prepare you to ask solid questions. Asking the right questions leads to making an positive impression.
4. Practice your areas of growth until you are comfortable in answering them. Part of an interview is designed to screen you out, so watch out for questions about your weaknesses, for example. Anticipate the questions you fear the most and practice answering them. You may never be asked any of them, but you’ll be ready for them.
5. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. All job candidates see themselves as good communicators and employees. Putting yourself in the employer’s shoes and looking at your background from their perspective can help you prepare for possible areas of concern, such as gaps in employment and updated skills.
6. Do not leave without asking about the next steps.
Ask for a business card. It makes it much easier to follow up when you have the employer’s e-mail address.
If you have been interviewing recently, what lessons do you have to pass along?
