How-to Ace an Interview - 10 Tips For Making a Great Impression
Interviews may be nervous, especially with the advent of behavioral interviews. Employers have added a new level of issues to be concerned about without being focused on just one skill, experience and goals, but better for them to understand your personality and how you handle situations. Still, the basics for putting your best foot forward remain much the same. So, here are our top 10 tips to consider to ACE that interview:
1. Do your homework. Before you ever set foot in the door, you should learn as much as possible about the company to whom you have put in an application. Usually, the company's website is a great place to gain that information, but don't be afraid to ask for company brochures and literature. Make sure you try to get questions prepared about the company which shows the employer that you are not only very interested in the position, but in the company as well.
2. Be prepared. Know the name of the person you're interviewing with and use it. Take extra copies of your CV and a list of source. In the days before the interview, sit down and write down questions you would like to ask. Then think about your own experiences and be prepared to answer questions and provide detailed information. Often the interviewer is not only looking for how you meet the skill-set, but assessing your behavioral patterns as well, so be prepared to provide detailed and specific responses.
3. Dress appropriately. So, if your job requires jeans and t-shirt, be sure you interview in pressed trousers and a nice shirt. You want to look clean, pressed, well-groomed and dressed. This doesn't mean it has to be expensive, but it does mean it needs to be clean and of decent quality. And watch out for shoes, a suit doesn't go over too well when you are wearing worn out shoes.
4. Be on time. This doesn't mean show up for your 9AM at 9AM; it means, show up at 8:45. Are you able to get to the appointment in a timely manner? If unsure of the traffic situation, leave extra early.
5. Don't ramble. Keep your responses on focus; discuss only that which is relevant to the job and company you're applying for. Be succinct, but don't be too short with information. Talking too much is as bad as too much talk.
6. Stay faithful to the message. Your message, in this instance, is "Here is what I have done and what I can do for you in a way that delivers a strong return in your investment in hiring me "; This does not mean to talk too openly, like you are the one to save society from itself, no one likes a braggart. What it does mean is that you focus on your strengths, experience, and goals, and how they fit with the position and company.
7. Avoid talking money or benefits. Focusing too much on them gives the impression that money and perks are all that you're interested in.
8. Be careful when talking about your current/previous employer. So stick to the old adage: "If you can't say something positive, don't say anything at all.
9. Smile and stay calm. Yes, you're going to be nervous, you know it, and they know it. It is how you handle being nervous that will count. Watch your body language, just sit calmly and do not get too excited.
10. Smile when you talk. Look confident, eye contact, and speak clearly and concisely. Don't rush your words and don't interrupt the interviewer. Assume that for everyone you meet, it is Interview Number 1.
Everything you say and do whilst in that environment is part of the interview; so stay on your toes and act the part. Interviewing is a learned skill, but even those of us who have been through our fair share could still make mistakes. Whether new to the job-seeking world or a veteran; by taking these 10 tips to heart, you are well on your way to ensuring that the next interview you're on, you'll make a great impression.
About the Author
Chad Andrews has discovered a complete online job interview success system that shows job seekers how to ace a job interview in this tough economy. For a FREE Report revealing how to use underground facebook and other social media secrets to help you land multiple interviews for the job of your dreams, go here: ? www.howtoprepareforajobinterview.info/success