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| Acing Your Job Interview By: Jennifer Heath Does the thought of meeting a future hopeful employer cause you to feel swirls in your stomach and sweat in your palms? Although you may be feeling nervous on the inside, there are many strategies to help exude your confidence, intelligence and winning personality on the outside. Mary Pleasanton, a Job Developer from Keene State College gives us the real scoop about what students can do to turn their interview stress into success! Preparation Before you enter the interview it is important to think about the kinds of questions you will be asked. Think about what sorts of questions you might ask a potential employee if you were a business owner. Another way to anticipate the questions they will ask is to study your resume. Your resume says a lot about your character, skills and abilities, so make sure you feel comfortable discussing all aspects of it. Also, know what sort of interview you will be participating in. In a Screening/pre- interview interview, you might be asked general questions about yourself or your resume. This is usually informal and can be done on the phone. An Individual interview is the most common, where you will usually meet with your direct boss or owner. In a Series interview, you have several small interviews with several people from the company usually on the same day. In a Panel or Committee interview, a whole team of people (about 2-10) will interview you all at the same time. And lastly, there are Group interviews where you and other applicants will be interviewed together by a panel of people. Interview Time! Follow these 10 easy guidelines and you will wow them. Mary Pleasanton, a Job Developer from Keene State College fills us in on the most important aspects of job interviewing: 1. What are the three most important “dos” for a job interview? Mary says, “Listen, listen and listen!” She says people tend to be nervous and uptight during interviewing which can make it hard to pay attention to the interviewer. Mary recommends asking yourself “what are they really asking?” Figure out what they want to know and then respond thoughtfully. 2. Leave plenty of time to get to the interview about 10-15 minutes early. Many people even go to the interview site a few days early at the same time as your interview to check on traffic, detours or any other possible complications This is called a “dry-run.” 3. As important as your words, the way you communicate non-verbally says a lot about you. Dress comfortably and professionally. Avoid anything too distracting or extreme such as fake eyelashes or bright orange lipstick. (Unless you are applying as a make-up artist). 4. Take your mother’s advice and stand tall and sit up straight. Make appropriate eye-contact and smile, it usually relaxes people. Try not to fidget, bite your nails or stare at your shoes. 5. What are some big interview no-nos? Mary cautions interviewees not to interrupt the interviewer, not to leave the interview without knowing the next step (for instance, what is their hiring timeframe?) and not to use informal language or slang. 6. At the end of the interview, save time to ask them questions which demonstrate that you have done your homework. Mary suggests that interviewees think up about 2-3 questions to ask about the specific position, company or about the application process. “This will show employers that you have great interest in the company.” 7. What is the most important characteristic that all companies are looking for in an applicant? Mary describes communication skills as the most important competency that employers look for. “No matter what field or profession you are applying in, companies are looking for individuals who can communicate effectively because all jobs require good communication.” 8. Following the interview, Mary says sending an old-fashion handwritten thank-you note can make all the difference. “This says a lot about the character and thoughtfulness of an applicant because it leaves a lasting, wonderful impression.” 9. What if you fall flat on your face? Don’t let a few mistakes during an interview ruffle your confidence or take away your sense of humor. Sometimes it’s not about “being perfect” but rather, how you respond when things don’t go perfectly. 10. Be yourself. Employers want to meet with you because they saw something in your resume, cover letter or personality. Try to relax and remember that even if you do not get the job, all interviews are great practice! |
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