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Going on a job interview is nerve-wracking, especially going in unprepared. The key to a confident, successful interview? You can start by preparing yourself for your interview by using my tips below, listed in order of succession.
- You have submitted your resume to different companies through your local job board or through a recruiter and one of the hiring managers is calling to schedule an interview. When that call comes, (or email), take care to respond promptly and professionally. Before you end the call or send the email, now is the time to ask for the company’s name and web-site. You should also ask for the names of the people that you will be meeting with so you go into the interview knowing who you will be talking to. Speak confidently and be flexible to the hiring manager’s needs on when the interview is to be set.
- Your interview is scheduled, it is time to do your homework. Put the company’s name into your local search engine to get some background on who you could potentially be working for. In good standing with the Better Business Bureau? Secretary of State? Any online bad reviews? You should then go to the company’s web-site and fully educate yourself on the vision and the product of the company you will be working for. The quickest way for an interview to go badly is to not know anything of the company that is thinking of hiring you. You also need to see how you can enhance the company’s vision and what skills that you have to offer.
- Now that you have done your homework on the company and you are prepared for the hiring manager’s questions on your thoughts on the company, now it is time to think of some of the top questions that you could get asked. The top one is “tell me a little about yourself”; make sure your answer is humble but strong, you are selling yourself with this answer. Another one is “how did you hear about this position”; you need to know this answer so they know you are in control of your career and that you are not posting your resume everywhere for anyone to give you a chance. “Why should we hire you”; this is another question where you should be humble yet strong. “Tell me about a mistake you have made in the past”; you’ve had one, we’ve all had one and to not admit it shows that you don’t see your flaws. Be honest but make sure you have an answer on how you corrected it. “Why did you leave your last position, (or why are you leaving your current position)”; be honest in what you are looking for and why the last company could not lead you there.
- On the day of the interview, you have fully prepared so you should easily be able to walk in confident and ready. Be well groomed, well dressed, and walk in with a smile. Make sure your handshake is firm and that you make eye contact with everyone you meet, even the receptionist. These could be your future co-workers so you want to greet all that you meet with a smile and a hello!
With these tips, I hope you feel comfortable and confident in garnering a job offer. I wish you the best in your future endeavors! You can also follow our interview tips and opt into our email course for advice and guidance. Be sure to follow us on Pinterest and “Like” us on Facebook!
Written By: Carrie Thomas
Investing in a Lifetime of Success,
Angela Roberts
www.craresources.com
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