Best Ten Job Interview Tips

Félicitations! The interview call for your dream job has just dropped like manna from the skies on your lap! The D-day is knocking on your doors, but the butterflies in your stomach seem to have gone on an overdrive. Don’t fret. Read on to get a sneek peek into the secrets of a successful interview that could land you the job of your dreams.

1. Put on your Sherlock Holme’s hat and find out everything you can about the company. The internet has made it easy these days to search even a needle from a haystack. Look up the company’s Linkedin profile, and conduct a research about its people, products, services and performance. While at the interview, use this information as reference to answer questions. The sincerity on your part goes a long way in showing that you are serious about this job. You could also try Wikipedia for your research.

2. Google the names and profiles of your interviewers, and dig out all the information you can about them. Show them that you have taken the pains to go that extra mile and know as much as you could about them, and discuss on relevant topics that interest them. For this kind of personal information, the best place to look for is on Linkedin.

3. Maintain punctuality. Never, ever, ever be late for an interview. It creates a poor impression and shows you are not sincere enough. Be ten minutes early at the venue. Reach there, take a deep breath and concentrate on the meeting you are about to get into. Focus your energies only on the interview and nothing else.

4. Your sartorial sense matters a lot during an interview. You should dress to impress. Wear something comfortable but keep in mind the kind of occasion you are dressing up for. You get exactly 3 seconds for an impression to be formed about you by the people you meet. So go for the kill!

5. Wear a happy expression. Who doesn’t like a happy, smiling face? It immediately helps to build a rapport with the person you are meeting. A happy and amicable person always has a better chance of winning hearts of the people in front of him/her. The company is going to make an investment when it hires you, and it would surely do them good to know they are hiring a happy, flexible person, who smiles through tough situations.

6. A positive attitude even in the face of imminent danger has been known to win a lot of battles. Never badmouth your past employers, and even if your interviewer tries to instigate you to talk negatively, side step the topic smartly. It shows dignity and respect on your part for your previous employers.

7. Use illustrations of your past work experiences to highlight your strengths. Talk about your leadership skills, and refer to historical wars and battles; draw parallels with your approaches for getting your team out of sticky situations.

8. Have 3 questions ready to ask at the end of the discussion. It’s okay to write them down so you do not forget them, and you can also refer to your notes when you inquire.

9. Prepare yourself for the typical interview questions which will come your way. You can do this by looking up websites which have plenty of such examples.

10. Later on, send a follow up note to thank the interviewers for their time. Mention anything you might have learnt in the course of the interview and let them know it was a wonderful experience. Highlight your strengths once again and remind them subtly what values you can bring to the company.

May luck be with you and the job in your resume!

For information about resumes, cover letters and selection criteria see www.gatelounge.com.au