The 10 Golden Rules of Interviewing?

Answer 1

Interviewing is the most stressful stage of the hiring process for the majority of job seekers. Making a positive first impression is vital to receiving a job offer. Unfortunately, many people allow themselves to get so nervous before the interview that they forget key facts that they wanted to share with their prospective employer, stumble over words and fidget during the interview. The key to a successful interview is keeping jitters under control, and to do so requires some planning.

1. Write notes in a professionally bound notebook or planner and take this with you to the interview. The manager conducting the interview will not think badly of you for referring to notes during the interview to make sure you stay on track. It will show that you are detail oriented, plan well and interested in the position while keeping you from falling victim to your nerves and glossing over important facts.

2. Think about each company you have worked for in the past, and make a list of the achievement you are most proud of for each position you held. Achievements do not have to be awards or records, they can also be about challenges you overcame, new skills you mastered or important lessons you learned.

3. Never speak negatively about a company you worked for in the past. Employers do not want to hear complaints as it raises concerns about morale. If you are asked about a company that you feel negative about, always turn the negative into a positive response. For example, stating that a past employer was not the right fit for you at that time should be followed up with a positive statement about a beneficial skill you learned while with that employer.

4. Research the company that you will be interviewing with and make a list of the aspects of the company or position that interest you most. Almost all interviewers will ask probing questions to see if you have done your homework about the company and the job.

5. Interviewing is a two-way street. While the company is asking questions to see if you are a good fit for their needs, you should also be asking questions to make sure the company is one that will fit with your long-term career goals. Make a list of questions that you can ask the hiring manager at the end of the interview. These questions should include subjects such as advancement potential, projected growth, company culture and goals. Make sure to ask questions that show your long-term interest in the company. Avoid questions about salary and benefits during the first interview, unless the interviewer brings these subjects to the table first.

6. Always be well groomed for your interview. Make sure your hair is trimmed, clean and styled appropriately. Wear deodorant, but keep perfumes and colognes to a bare minimum. For women, makeup should be applied subtly if worn. Nails should be trimmed and clean for both genders.

7. Dressing for success may be an old saying, but it is not out dated. Always dress according to the position to which you are applying. If you expect to wear a tie to work, then wear a tie to the interview. If the position you are interviewing for requires casual clothing or a uniform, business casual attire is appropriate.

8. Get a good nights rest before the interview. Being fully rested naturally helps keeps nervousness under control and provides the ability for quick thinking under pressure.

9. When you arrive at the interview, greet the manager by name and thank them for the opportunity. Be enthusiastic about your experiences and the company for which you are interviewing. Smile and make eye contact frequently. If you feel nervous and have trouble making eye contact, use those moments to look at your notes. This will help you regroup and get your nerves under control so the interview can move forward without further difficulty.

10. At the close of the interview, always make a power statement. A power statement is one that shows the interviewer that you want the position. For example, if the tone of the interview was upbeat and fun, you can simply ask when you start. If you are not quite confident that the interview went well, thank the manager for their time and let them know that you sincerely want the opportunity to prove yourself and your skills.

With careful preparation and note taking, interviewing does not have to be stressful. The most important thing to remember is to simply be yourself. If you prepared properly and the job was meant to be you will receive an offer. If the company hires someone else, look at the interview as a practice session for interviewing for the right company down the road.