Tips to Prepare Before a Job Interview
Three Techniques to Increase Interest From Employers
Oct 6, 2009
While searching for employment, the interview can serve as a reflection of the work completed up to this point. A little preparation can separate great employees from the multitude of average employees competing for a position. Taking a few moments for thinking about personal strengths, gaining information about the company, and increasing interview skills will help potential employees find fulfilling positions.
Self Reflection Will Build Confidence
This is so simple that its importance can be overlooked. The problem faced by potential employees is two-fold. One is that interviews are usually completed within a time constraint, so applicants only have a short time to respond. The second part is based on how well the applicant can prepare. Not being prepared increases stress, opens opportunities to answer questions incompletely, and potentially reduces confidences in the eyes of a potential employer. There is a simple solution.
Before an interview the applicant needs to create two lists. The first list should contain ten to fifteen personal strengths. The list should also contain real examples to further enhance these strengths. For example, don’t just say a strength is “hard worker”. This can be improved by adding an example like, “volunteered to lead projects”. This clearly explains what is meant by “hard worker”. Make sure that the items listed are qualities that can be continued in the future.
Stating traits important to the employer can be an additional bonus as well. This can be accomplished by reviewing the company’s mission statement and the position’s responsibilities. The second list should contain five to ten of areas of weakness. The applicant should provide examples of how he is making improvements in these areas. At least one, if not both, of these lists will be helpful in the interview.
Knowledge of the Company or Position Increases Employment Responses
During the interview, there are opportunities to ask questions. The belief can be that this is to relax. With most experienced interviewers this belief would be completely wrong. This is another chance to display personal skills and interest in the possible position. Again, there is a simple way to take full advantage of this time.
Most companies now have information online. This should be reviewed in advance. During the interview this information can be referenced. When asked if there are any additional questions the prepared applicants should be prepared to shine. Don’t ask questions that have answers online. Instead, build questions based on the online information. This shows interest in the position and a higher level of resourcefulness.
Advanced Preparation Demonstrates Professionalism
These tips combines a few different ways to prepare for an interview.
- Have a friend complete practice interview scenarios. Tell him to prepare some general and some unusual questions. Getting unexpected questions will help during the actual interview.
- Know where the interview will take place. Don’t wait until the day of the interview to find the location. Drive to the site in advance and plan to arrive early for the interview.
- Get excited about this opportunity. What is said is not the only way to communicate. From the company’s driveway until leaving, the applicant should be positive and excited. The applicant’s skills are not the only factor for employment. How he will interact with the staff is also important. Every conversation is an interview. Greet individuals at the front desk. The applicant’s body language should show the interest that is verbally expressed.
Being prepared will only benefit a potential employee during the interview process. Listing traits in advance will help to build confidence for most personal questions that could be asked during an interview. Gaining an understanding of the position will help the employee focus their traits and list the ones that are most appropriate for the given position. Advanced preparation for the interview process and interactions will display a level of professionalism that will separate great employees from the crowd.
 |
