Interviews are the gateway to landing a new job and all the perks that go with it. The interview is a primary selection tool hiring managers use to find the candidates they need. Dressing in your best business outfit and standing in front of a person, or persons, who are going to read into every word you say can be a nerve racking event. However, with a little preparation you can increase your chances and lower your anxiety.
Preparation 1: Build a Strong Resume
The best preparation for an interview is to ensure that your resume is accurate and reflective of your skills. Hiring managers use these resumes to determine which candidates they want to take the time to talk to and discuss potential positions. Having a strong resume will not only improve your chances of getting an interview but will also show how your skills are aligned to the job position.
The resume should provide a snap shot of your experience with enough detail to provide insight into the nature of your work. The positions earned and the specific functions of the job can be beneficial for managers that want to understand what you can do. As always, make sure it is easy to read and functional.
Preparation 2: Understand the Job and the Company
If you received the recruitment call it becomes important to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the position and how it operates within the company. The hiring manager is likely to ask questions revolving around the position and the company to test your knowledge. Having a wider background of information will help you focus your answers to his/her needs.
Managers want to know if you have an understanding of the position you are applying for and whether or not hiring you can improve their company performance. This is why it is important for you to complete enough research to apply your answers to the company. It shows both motivation and thoroughness while allowing the manger to picture you in the position.
Preparation 3: Prepare and Practice Responses
Knowing that managers are going to ask you questions it is beneficial to prepare your responses in advance. Think about other interview you have had, search on line for common questions, and try and develop your battery of basic responses. Writing out the question and a few responses for each can be beneficial in solidifying your thoughts.
There may be some difficult questions that were not previously thought about. The best way to deal with an unknown question is to define your overall work philosophy. Understanding how you solve problems and your personal beliefs about the workplace will help you fall back on these core beliefs if needed to provide a consistent response.
Preparation 4: Dress Your Best
First impressions can mean a lot. The way we dress helps a person sum up the overall impression they will have with us. Traditional colors with a tie and shinny shoes will show them that we are serious about the position and prepared to take on important responsibilities. Since it is the visual image they have of us it is important to make it the best you can by wearing the right clothes and preparing them in advance.
Interviewing is not always easy but you can better prepare yourself by following appropriate steps that get you ready to present yourself well and answer the questions the hiring managers is likely to ask you. Practicing will also be confident which can lead to higher positive ratings in the interview. Ensure that you know your stuff, look great, and know what you want. Above all communicate. Good luck!
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