There are few things more stressful than job interviews. The best way to take some of the pressure off is to be completely prepared. How? Practice can indeed make perfect when it comes to preparing for tough questions and putting your best foot forward to prospective employers. Here are a few you can do ahead of time to help yourself feel prepared:
1. Remind yourself who you are. That might sound strange, but how long as it been since you thought long and hard about your interests and hobbies? While you are technically looking for work, not play, what you do in your free time can say a lot about the kind of person you are. Be ready to share what your personal interests are. What's more, make sure that you make a connection to the job you are seeking. For example, if you love dancing, point out that you enjoy the freedom of expression and exerting yourself physically.
2. Show interest in the position you are interviewing for. Do as much research as possible about the company and the position they are looking to fill. Employers want people who love their jobs every day, not simply someone to get the job done. They have a mission for the company and they want the employees invested in that mission.
3. Be ready for questions that don't seem to be relevant. Asking questions such as "What do you feel are your weaknesses?" is pretty standard in the interview process. They want to know how you think on your feet and how well you can sell yourself. Keep you answers honest, but never lose focus on the job that you are hoping to get when choosing your words. If you feel that you could do better when it comes to collaborating with others, say so. But be sure to add that you tend to think better in the quiet and are perfectly comfortable executing ideas in a group. Do you see the difference?
4. Looks matter. What you've always heard about first impressions is true, especially when it comes to interviewing. While it's perfectly fine to show your own sense of style, keep it professional. There's a difference between the black heels you wear to a night club and the ones that are acceptable in the work place. Make sure that you are freshly showered (and shaven) and your hair styled appropriately. While popping a little mint into your mouth a few minutes prior to the handshake is good, chewing gum is certainly not. Another important thing to remember is posture and body language. Sit up straight and exude confidence, don't hide behind crossed arms or hands in pockets.
Once you are finished answering questions, do not be afraid to ask a few of your own. Your interest in the corporate culture or the company's mission shows that you want to know more and can see yourself thriving there. Let the interviewer be the first to bring up the subject of salary and benefits. This first meeting should be about seeing if you and the company are a good fit, not if you can afford your car payment. Go into the interview prepared, and you should come across as the confident and well qualified candidate that you are. - 31896
1. Remind yourself who you are. That might sound strange, but how long as it been since you thought long and hard about your interests and hobbies? While you are technically looking for work, not play, what you do in your free time can say a lot about the kind of person you are. Be ready to share what your personal interests are. What's more, make sure that you make a connection to the job you are seeking. For example, if you love dancing, point out that you enjoy the freedom of expression and exerting yourself physically.
2. Show interest in the position you are interviewing for. Do as much research as possible about the company and the position they are looking to fill. Employers want people who love their jobs every day, not simply someone to get the job done. They have a mission for the company and they want the employees invested in that mission.
3. Be ready for questions that don't seem to be relevant. Asking questions such as "What do you feel are your weaknesses?" is pretty standard in the interview process. They want to know how you think on your feet and how well you can sell yourself. Keep you answers honest, but never lose focus on the job that you are hoping to get when choosing your words. If you feel that you could do better when it comes to collaborating with others, say so. But be sure to add that you tend to think better in the quiet and are perfectly comfortable executing ideas in a group. Do you see the difference?
4. Looks matter. What you've always heard about first impressions is true, especially when it comes to interviewing. While it's perfectly fine to show your own sense of style, keep it professional. There's a difference between the black heels you wear to a night club and the ones that are acceptable in the work place. Make sure that you are freshly showered (and shaven) and your hair styled appropriately. While popping a little mint into your mouth a few minutes prior to the handshake is good, chewing gum is certainly not. Another important thing to remember is posture and body language. Sit up straight and exude confidence, don't hide behind crossed arms or hands in pockets.
Once you are finished answering questions, do not be afraid to ask a few of your own. Your interest in the corporate culture or the company's mission shows that you want to know more and can see yourself thriving there. Let the interviewer be the first to bring up the subject of salary and benefits. This first meeting should be about seeing if you and the company are a good fit, not if you can afford your car payment. Go into the interview prepared, and you should come across as the confident and well qualified candidate that you are. - 31896
About the Author:
Martina Pratt is a job coach in a major midwestern city. She frequently advises her clients on online college and online degree programs to help advance their careers.
