Interviewing for a job can be a nerve racking experience. The pressure of convincing an employer you are the right person for the position is sometimes overwhelming, especially in a tough economic climate like this one. But even when the competition is staunch, there are ways to WOW your potential new boss. Here are 4 tips for when you are being interviewed:

• Know your stuff – If you have managed to arrange an interview with a potential employer, chances are, at least on paper, you have a shot at getting the position. However, when you walk into that room for the formal interview, you better be able to put your money where your mouth is. Before the interview do your homework on what your potential new boss will be looking for. The technical skills are pretty straight forward to anticipate (e.g., if it is an accounting job you will need to know the difference between a debit and a credit). What’s harder to determine are the less tangible skills and attributes they may be looking for in a candidate. They may be looking for someone, for example, who is a good team player and plays nice with others, or someone who is a good communicator and can get their message across succinctly. You may have to use some guesswork, but think through what attributes they might be looking for (better still if you can get some advice from an experienced person on this) then practice your response to questions they might ask you about your skills. These days interviewers a usually trained to ask behavior based questions such as “tell me about a time when you really showed great teamwork”. You need to be prepared with good examples when this kind of question comes up.
• Look Sharp – This one may seem like common sense, but do not go into a formal interview wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals! I may be exaggerating this point, but a good rule of thumb (assuming you do not know the interviewing organizations corporate culture – which you probably will not) is to wear formal business attire. If you are applying for a professional job, try your best to look professional. Employers will want to see that you are a mature adult who can effectively contribute to the success of the organization – wearing a hoodie, your favorite pair of jeans, and flip flops may make you feel more comfortable during the stressful process, but will do little to impress your potential boss.
• Be Positive and Engaging – From the minute you walk into the building, make sure you project an aura of confidence and positivity – even if you are a natural introvert. Most employers will want to see that you are a go getting, energetic team player willing to make significant contributions to the organization. (Tip Within a Tip: project confidence and sell yourself to the interviewer by: sitting-up straight; shaking hands with a firm but not overpowering grip; making eye contact at all times; speaking clearly and not rambling; do not fidget; ask questions.
• Follow-up with a “Thank you” – Within 24 hours of the interview, make sure you send a note, whether it be in an email or some other form, thanking them for taking the time to meet with you and the potential opportunity to work with their company. Incorporate some of the points that were discussed during the interview to show that you were listening to their needs and that you are a thoughtful and considerate prospect.

Comments

 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Our Recent HR Blog Posts

• Dealing with a Toxic Boss
• Company Policy for Instant Messaging and Text Messaging
• The Grapevine: Informal Lines of Communication
• A Free Communication Method that is Thousands of Years Old!
• When Do Teams Make Sense?

Quote of the Day

Leaders need to be optimists. Their vision is beyond the present. ~ Rudy Giuliani