Anyone who has ever been through the task of an interview knows that it can be one of the most stressful events we have to face. There is the possibility of rejection, being underqualified, and if you can believe it, being overqualified. This article is a resource tool to help you ace an interview on your first attempt, assuming that you have the experience and education that the prospective employer desires.
There are many things that you should prepare for prior to the interview. Pick out the attire that you will be wearing before hand. Try it on to make sure that it still fits properly, that there are no loose seams, hanging threads, or any holes. A suggestion for picking the proper attire for an interview for men would be dark dress pants, a light colored shirt with a monotone tie, and a light-weight, non-wrinkling sports coat. For women, I suggest a pant or skirt suit in a solid color with a white blouse, or a very plain dress in a solid color. Try to keep to darker hues of color such as blacks, navy or grey. It will not be a good first impression to dance into an interview wearing a neon green mini-skirt. If the outfit needs any mending, do it while you have the outfit out. Replace any buttons, fix hems, and iron the outfit. Hang it in a spot where it will not get wrinkled, and possibly have the outfit dry cleaned prior to the day of the interview.
Secondly, you should see how long it will take you to get to the interview beforehand. Leave around the same time that you think you will have to leave the day of the interview, just to see what traffic is like. Take the exact route as the one that you will be taking the day of your interview, timing the trip. This will help you plan your day accordingly, so you know how much time to give yourself for traveling. The day of the actual interview, leave the house in enough time that you will be a few minutes early. It is much more appropriate to be early than right on time, or worse, being late. Nothing makes me think less of a prospective candidate than when they are late for an interview. It shows a lack of interest in the position and that the candidate is unreliable and irresponsible. Make sure you are on time.
Research the company that is hosting the interview. This is a very wise maneuver on your part, seeing as many prospective employers are curious as to whether or not you have learned anything about the company. With most companies having web sites, this information is very easy to obtain. Try to find out what the company does, how they operate, and if at all possible the responsibilities of the job for which you are applying. Use some of this information as a stepping stone to the questions that you can ask the interviewer. This is also a critical part of the interview that many people overlook. When I ask prospective candidates if they have any questions, and they don't, I tend to wonder why that is. Some questions that you may find easy to ask the interviewer are:
1. What types of responsibilities are involved with this position?
2. How is the work delegated between the various departments?
3. What departments are linked to this department, and will I be working directly with them?
4. Will I be required to further my education upon becoming an employee?
5. Will I be notified regardless of whether I get the job?
Prepare yourself for the interview. Figure out how you are qualified for the position. Do you meet the requirements set out for the position? Be fully prepared to sell yourself to the individual conducting the interview, that your skill levels meet, if not exceed those required. Relate your skills and experience to the questions that the interviewer is asking. Another angle that many interviewers are coming at now is a strengths and weaknesses angle. Be honest about both of these, it is much better to tell the interviewer the truth, than getting hired for the position and not being able to meet the requirements. Know why you want to work for the company, and what interests you about the position. Know exactly what you have put on your application or resume, so when questioned about it, you know what the interviewer is talking about.
On the day of your interview, wake up and shower or bathe. Try to relax, enjoy the morning, and read over any information that you have compiled about the company. Get ready, saving your clothing for the end as to avoid wrinkles. Women, keep your makeup and hair style to a minimum. Make yourself look professional, and respectable. Men, I suggest clean-shaven and a haircut prior to the interview. If you have facial hair and want to keep it, have it professionally trimmed. Take a few deep breaths, and be on your way, thinking to yourself, "I am qualified, and I will get this job."
TIPS FOR THE ACTUAL INTERVIEW
Once you arrive at the company, announce yourself to the receptionist and inform them of who you are there to see. When you meet the interviewer, shake his/her hand firmly, and thank them for seeing you. During the interview, if you don't understand a question that the interviewer is asking, ask them to re-phrase it. Answer the question directly, without going off on a tangent, and try not to answer with one word statements; elaborate on your short answers. Sell yourself; after all, you have the interviewer window shopping, get them to buy the merchandise. Eye contact is another safe route to take. I enjoy interviewing candidates that are not intimidated by my position. You should feel comfortable with your surroundings. Avoid negative answers, and as a word of advice, DO NOT bring up salary and benefits unless the interviewer brings them up first. Try to have a ball park salary range for the position that you are applying for, but wait for the interviewer to mention it first. After the interview is over, shake the interviewer's hand once again and thank him for his time. Ask what the next step in the process is, and when you can expect to hear from them. As soon as you get home, personally write the interviewer a thank-you note for the experience, adding you anticipate hearing from them soon.
These are all tried and tested methods to ace an interview, and with the proper experience and education, you should soar through the process. If you do get hit with rejection, keep your head up, and get back on track. Follow the techniques and before you know it, you will be happily succeeding in your new career.
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