Landing a job can be an exhausting process. Just getting a job interview can be extremely difficult, and that is only the beginning. Making a positive first impression is the key to getting that elusive second call. In order to successfully convince your potential employer that you would be a valuable addition to the team, it is essential that you are confident in your interviewing skills. How do you know when you are fully prepared?
Make sure that you are qualified. Prospective candidates should take some time to learn about the position that they are applying for before going to the job interview. The hiring manager is going to ask why you would be a good fit, and if you are able to provide pertinent examples of how you will benefit the company, you are more likely stand out. Make sure that you know what will be expected of you, and then focus your interview preparation on those tasks.
Do some research. The Internet is a very powerful tool for job hunters, so use it to your advantage. For example, if you are applying to work at a bank, familiarize yourself with its stock trading value, its policies and other relevant information. Not only will this help you to decide if the company is a good fit for you, but it will also impress the hiring manager at the job interview. Your knowledge about the company will show that it is more than just a paycheck to you.
Think; don't over-think. There is a fine line between giving honest, thought-out responses, and spouting off some drivel you memorized the night before. Too much interview preparation can actually work against you if you are not careful. You can never know exactly what questions will be asked at the job interview, so just make sure that you can concisely articulate standard questions about past employment, future goals and relevant skills.
Plan your day before the job interview. One sudden surprise can easily throw a wrench in your mental gears. Make sure that you have gas in your tank, coffee in the pot and an appropriate outfit to wear. Do yourself the favor of preparing everything that you will need so that you can show up feeling relaxed and free of stress. Remember that the job interview is your chance to present yourself as someone who is pleasant to work with.
The bottom line is that there is no way of knowing exactly what to expect. The best approach is just to take it as it comes and do your best. A job interview usually seems much more harrowing than it actually ends up being, so just relax and be yourself. Don't let your preparation turn into stress.
(Photo courtesy of phasinphoto at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
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