The job interview is the highlight of the entire job search process. You invest so much time and energy into your resume so that it can get you to this point. This is your chance for a one-on-one discussion with the potential employer and tell them why they should hire you. You must be prepared for this discussion no matter how great your resume is.
Check out this 4 steps interview tips and snatch away that dream job of yours!
Step 1: Do Your Research
Congratulations! You have been invited to meet your potential employer. You should be excited because you made the cut! But now the hard work begins. You need to take time to learn about the company and the challenges it faces, as well as any recent news about them. In just an hour or two, you can research them on the Internet and take notes on the most important items you find. Do they relate to the position you are applying for at all?
Next, research a little further. You can use LinkedIn to find information about companies and the people who work for them. Often, you can find profiles on the people who might interview you. Read about what they have done at the company.
When you are done with your research, compare all of the information you have gathered against your background and experience. What comparisons can you make? Do you see a way that you can discuss your experience so it is directly relevant to their needs. Come up with several good related stories or examples can you tell them about in your interview. Companies are using behavioral interviewing techniques more and more, and want you to share lots of examples in answering their job interview questions. Don’t worry, if you are prepared, it will help your confidence in the actual interview.
Step 2: Know How to Answer Interview Questions
When people think of interviews, this is what they think about the most. Honestly, there is no way to know what interviewers will ask. You must prepare for the most common interview questions and have your answers ready. Behavioral interviewing is becoming more and more common, so make sure you have plenty of examples that you can talk about in the interview. You will want to share stories about handling specific types of situations or performing tasks relevant to the job you to which you are applying. Take time to learn how to answer the most common interview questions the right way. Yes, there is a right way. If you take the time to practice, you will come across as confident and clear in your answers.
Step 3: Convey Your Key Selling Points
You must go into each interview knowing what key points you want to leave your interviewers with after you leave. Identify what will set you apart from the other candidates they are interviewing. Remember this key point: the best qualified candidate is not always the one that is hired.
Make a list of the top three key selling points about yourself that will make you stand above the other candidates. Consider these to be your “win themes.” They are the message you want your interviewers to remember about you. Take any opportunity to work these “win themes” you’re your conversation and answers to interview questions. Much as a political candidate presents their “talking points,” you also need to make opportunities to present your case within your interview question answers. Consider your “win themes” carefully and know them well before you head to your interview.
Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice
Athletes have coaches and trainers that work them hard. Without a personal interviewing coach or trainer to push you to prepare, you will have to discipline yourself to work hard. If you want to appear confident at your interview, you must invest time in preparation. Practice, practice, practice. And then, practice some more.
There are many different ways to practice, but you must do it. For example, you could sit in front of a mirror, practice with a friend or family member, or video record yourself. Only through actual interviewing practice can you become comfortable with your responses and identify any actions or habits that could seal your fate. Now is the time to learn what they are and deal with them. Some of the things you want to pay attention to as you practice include:
- Not making good eye contact with the interviewer(s). Pretend there was a dot on everyone’s forehead and to look at that as you speak to them.
- Nervous twitches or actions, such as shaking leg, tapping foot or pen/pencil, licking lips, scratching head, sighs or deep breaths, etc. If you have these, keep them under control and be aware of them.
- Overuse of hand gestures or facial expressions. These are good tools to show energy and excitement, but do not overuse them to a point where they become a distraction.
- Slouching or relaxing too much.
- Not being able to quickly and confidently form a great response to a question. Look for long pauses before answering, saying “Um” or other delaying tactics. These are confidence killers. Create opportunities to work in your key selling points.
- Speaking too softly or, more commonly, too quickly. Find a nice volume and pace to speak so you are clearly understood.
- No enthusiasm or excitement. Avoid monotone speaking. You are talking about what you know best—you! Sell yourself to them and make them excited about what you have accomplished and what you can bring to their company. Tell interesting and exciting stories in response to their questions. Give lots of examples of similar things you have done to answer their questions.
Get that interview call with the help of Style Resumes
Before worrying about the interview, first you have to think how you could get the interview! One of the best ways to get a lot of interview calls from the right company is to submit an excellent resume, tailored to the position you are applying for. For fresh graduates, sometimes crafting a resume might be even harder than mastering the art of interview, so why not leave it in the hands of professionals?
A creative resume could also help you during the interview. When you submit a creative resume, you have stolen the interviewer’s attention from the beginning. Then, the interviewer will be much more enthusiastic about your prospects at the company when he/she is interviewing you.
At Style Resumes, we are well-equipped with the skills to craft a perfect resume that will get you the right job. Get one step closer to your dream job by checking out our products now!