Master Interview Skills To Get Your Next Job
Tuesday, February 8, 2011, 7:07 AM | Leave Comment
Your functional resume full of nothing but the truth got you the interview with the company of your choice which, by the way, is very hard to come by these days. You are “IN.”
How do you go about securing the job you are interviewing for. It’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss. You have been selected out of probably hundreds of applicants. You do not want to blow it, so to speak.
It’s your chance to tell the hiring manager why you are right for the job and why the job is right for you. To help you get the most out of the interview process, I have compiled these tips to guide you through each stage of the process.
Before the Interview
When you receive the call for the interview, there are certain things you might want to do before you go into the interview.
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Approach your interview with thoughtfulness, careful preparation and attention to every detail.
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Do your research. Explore the company’s website to learn what it does, what it offers as products and services to its clients and what differentiates the company from other competitive firms in the industry.
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Be clear about which role or position you are interviewing for and why it is the right role for you.
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Think about the specific work, education and life examples you can use to best demonstrate your experience and skills.
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Bring a notepad, pen, work samples and certificates of qualification if you are interview for professional position.
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Arrive 10 minutes early. Do not be late. Ask for directions, if necessary, and consider possible delays due to traffic.
During the Interview
Once you have done preparation and followed the above points, you are inside the company and are face-to-face with the hiring manager.
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Be honest about yourself, your needs and your background and skills.
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Listen carefully to questions and respond in the moment. Make sure your answers are not so scripted as to seem artificial.
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Ask clarifying questions. If you don’t understand what’s being asked, don’t be afraid to speak up.
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Be specific. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your skills and experience.
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Interact with your interviewers. The interview should be a dialogue, not a monologue.
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Sell yourself. Let the hiring manager know why you should get a job over similarly qualified applicants.
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Interview the manager. Ask questions that reflect your knowledge of the company and the specific job for which you are applying.
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At the conclusion of the interview, state your degree of interest in the position clearly and compellingly.
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Before you leave, ask your interviewer what the next step is and when you can expect a response.
After the Interview
You believe you have had a good conversation with the hiring manager. When you get home, do the following:
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Acknowledge the people who met with you through a follow-up letter or e-mail.
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If you have any questions after the interview, contact your recruiting manager.
In a Nutshell
Resume cannot get you a job. It can only get you in. You have to be on alert every step of the way in all the three stages of the interview process.
