Interview Tips

Interview Tips

Effective interview tips is necessary for every applicant who is applying for the job. Interview tips help you to prevent silly mistakes in the job interview and guides you in a right way. Read all the tips and prepare well.

1. General Tips

            Avoid traffic jams or others reasons, you should be in time preferably half an hour before the interview schedule time.

            After entering the office just observe the premises and especially environment.

            Consult the person to whom you have to report.

            Wear formal dress and have well combed.

            Avoid excessive use of perfumes.

            Avoid smoking, using pan, drugs before entering the interview room.

            If given a chance collect the information from the candidates who have already had their interview.

            Enter the room with a request.

            Walk confidently. Your body language says how confident you are.

            Wish them, say “Good morning” or “afternoon” with a simple smile.

            Do not put your sunglasses, bag or your hands on the table.

            Avoid rubbing eyes and nose, scratching head . If you do anything, say sorry to him depending on the situation.

            Avoid crossed legs posture in an interview.

            Keep smiling. It should be in a pleasing way or friendly but not like a joker constantly.

            Be a good listener. Prove that you are paying attention to what the interviewer says or asks.

            Listen to the entire question before responding.

            Sit calmly, answer questions thoughtfully and slowly.

            Do not keep your hands in your pocket or on the lips.

            Do not criticize anybody especially your employer, workers or teachers.

            Keep the cell on the silent mode.

            Do not ask for water while giving an interview. If it is urgent or unavoidable then justify it.

            Do not look at your watch that means you are bored already.

            Do not be over friendly with the interviewers.

            Do not speak too slow or fast. It should be in a right way. Follow a pace/speech.

            Do not argue with the interviewer.

            Do not be over confident, over enthusiastic and over smart in the interview.

            Just give direct answers, do not mislead him. It will create bad impression.

            Maintain proper eye contact with interviewer.

            Ask questions intelligently to impress the interviewer whenever it is necessary.

            Do not talk too much with the other applicants and receptionist.

            Emphasize your participation in team work to achieve common goal of the organisation.

            Do not tell about your past salary.

2. Assemble all necessary papers

            Resume or personal data sheet

            Know your resume well enough that you can discuss every line if necessary

            Licenses, Social Security card and/or military records

            Samples of work, if relevant

            List of questions you want to ask the interviewer about the job

Many employers will use your resume as a source of questions during the interview. Review your resume prior to the interview and be able to develop answers to questions that relate to your employment and educational experience listed on your resume. Be prepared to discuss gaps in employment. If called upon, you must be able to demonstrate the skills you stated on your resume. Focus your answers on the skills and experience that will be most useful to the position you are interviewing for.

3. Learn all you can about the prospective employer

            What are the products and services?

            What is its reputation?

            What types of jobs are available?

            What are the hiring policies and practices?

            What are their salary ranges?

            What are their goals?

Researching the company you are interviewing with and the position you are pursuing demonstrates genuine interest and initiative. It will be obvious to the interviewer whether you did your research or not. Many interviewers will focus questions on finding out how much preparation you did for the interview.

One can research a company utilizing many different sources:

            The Internet

            Company brochures and year end statements

            The area Chamber of Commerce

            Networking – ask friends, relatives, teachers, social and business contacts

You do not need to know everything possible about the company. The information most helpful for the interviewing process includes knowing the product manufactured or service offered. You should find out the size of the company and if they have multiple locations. Who are their competitors? Did they recently merge with another company? What is their sales volume and is that down or up from previous years?

4. Identify what you have to offer.

Your education, training and experience—what you have done, know how to do and can do.

Remember all the skills, abilities and talents you possess that will make you an excellent employee.

5. Consider your potentials as an employee

            Why do you feel you can do the job?

            What makes you qualified for the job?

            What do you have to offer the company or organization?

            Why do you want to work for the employer in question?

6. Pre- Interview Checklist

            Before you leave home for your interview, check the following:

            Have you researched the organization you are interviewing with?

            Do you know the interviewer’s name? If not, get it from the receptionist before the interview.

            Have you formulated answers for usual interview questions?

            Do you have all necessary information for the interview? This includes items such as resume or personal data sheet, names and addresses of references, pen and note pad.

            Is there someone you could do a practice interview with? You will benefit from suggestions for improvement.

            Do not forget the most obvious research, simply knowing where you are going BEFORE the interview. What is the company address? How long should you plan for travel time? Drive by the company to be sure that you know how to get there and how long it will take. Also, remember to give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes in case they ask you to complete their job application.

7. Other tips on preparing for your interview:

            Consider how the position relates to your talents and goals, such as specialty area and opportunities for advancement.

            Schedule the interview at a time that will not conflict with your working hours. Most interviewers will understand you not wanting to take off work at your current position to interview for other jobs.

            Find out the name and position of the person you will meet with and get his/ her telephone number in case an emergency arises.

            Be prepared with answers to why you want to work at that particular organization, and how you would be the best candidate for this position. Understanding the company, their mission and their environment will help you with these questions.

            Dress properly for the interview. Dress slacks, dress shirt, a tie and possibly a sport coat for men. Women should wear a knee length (or longer) skirt or pants, and blouse. If a skirt is your choice, be sure to wear nylons. Don’t forget the dress shoes.