It is important for your career going forward to become comfortable in an interview setting. If you are not comfortable at interview, it will be difficult to obtain a quality position within a company. The employers will assume that if you cannot handle an interview, then how will you handle the full responsibilities of the position they are offering.
Now, let’s take a look at what employers are looking for. One of the most important traits in an employee that the employer is looking for is a positive attitude. Come in to the room with a smile and an eager handshake. Give the interviewer the impression that you are very excited about this interview and the position with their company.
Be sure to express interest in the position, as well as interest in the company. Make sure to do some research about the company and the position you are applying for. This will be especially helpful when you are asked the question, “why do you want to work for us?” and this is a question you can almost always expect to be asked.
If possible, try to find out about the interviewer beforehand. If you are referred to this job by a friend that already has a position with the company, make sure to ask him or her questions about the interviewer. Get some tips about what the interviewer likes to hear. Obviously, do not go in and say exactly what you were told but use this blueprint of a successful interview, and enhance it. It is not possible for everyone to find out about the interviewer, but if you are able to do so, by all means, take advantage of it.
Be prepared to ask questions at the interview. This shows the interviewer that you are not just there because it is necessary in order to get a job. You are there because you have genuine interest in the company and also in becoming an employee for this company.
One obvious thing that employees are looking for is how you dress. To be on the safe side, be sure to never underdress. It is much better to be overdressed. This way the employer knows you take the opportunity with their company very seriously.
When the interviewer is asking you questions, do not give them one word answers, even if you have no experience in what they are questioning you about. Giving a response that is short, such as, “No, I haven’t” is not acceptable. Say something like, “I have very similar experience to that and I feel those experiences would be very beneficial for me at this position.”
When the interview is finishing up, it is important to close out strong, because this is often how the interviewer will remember you. Let them know how excited you are about potentially working with the company. Find out what the next step is in the hiring process. Let them know that you are able to excel at their company, and that you are very eager to receive an offer. Remember, your number one goal is to get a job offer. As you are leaving, thank them for their time, and let them know how much you would enjoy working with them personally.
For more ways to make interview a breeze head over to The Complete Career Planning Guide Toolbox.
