Job Interview Success Guide

Transcription

1 Job Interview Success Guide Expert guide for job interview preparation, performance and results. 16 page guide designed to help you gain an advantage and succeed. Proven strategies, tactics, tips and encouragement.

2 INTRODUCTION Anybody can produce an impressive cover letter and resume but the best way of getting hired is acing an interview. While your credentials on paper may have impressed the employer, your attitude and demeanor during the interview are the most essential keys in getting your dream job. Each day, hundreds of aspiring candidates lose the chance of getting hired in spite of having good academic records because they failed to build a lasting impression. A successful interview is the result of an intensive research, practice and necessary preparations. If you are looking for help for your job interview, then you have found the right place! We have prepared excellent and practical tips and advice to guide you before the big day. From knowing your employer, preparing for questions, giving the right answers, dressing for success to using the proper gestures, we have everything that you need. So fret no more, relax, and simply follow our lead. IMPORTANCE OF A JOB INTERVIEW A job interview has two chief purposes: validate a candidate s credentials and qualifications to determine if he is suitable for the job and see whether the candidate s values and work ethics are close with that of the company. So far the best way for every company to learn more about an applicant is through an interview. An employer can ask questions and evaluate the potentials of a candidate. He can also exchange information about the company and offer a clear insight into the daily routines and realities of the workplace. At the same time, a job interview gives an opportunity for the applicant to become familiar with the demands of the required available position. The manner of how he is interviewed will also help him picture the professional working relationship he will have with the company. For example, if the interview is light, casual and the employer leads a friendly conversation, that could be a hint that the workplace is comfortable and relaxed. If the interview is formal, impersonal and the interviewer gives an emphasis on policies, strategies and 2

3 results then it s very likely that the workplace has a more conservative and traditional culture. Initial telephone interview is also done by some companies. The purpose is to narrow down the number of applicants and simply proceed with the best possible candidates. Most of the time, recruiters will give a brief summary about the company and then ask all applicants with the same set of questions. In this way, the interviewer can determine potential candidates who can join the company. Job interviews do not only benefit the employer. A candidate too can learn more about the company and discern his future career and professional growth. The decision will be based on how both parties go through and respond to the interview. PRE INTERVIEW PREPARATIONS A job seeker should possess the mindset of a winner. Just like a soldier going to a battle, you should be confident and prepared. Most candidates prepare by reading possible questions and answers for an interview but that is not enough. There are other important factors that you should consider in order for you to secure the position you wanted. Listed and highlighted below, are 10 necessary things that job seekers like you must do before the interview. Knowing about the Position It is expected that you should be familiar with the job that you are applying for. Knowing more about the position and role will help you assess the strengths and skills required to be able to fit the company. Read and review the job descriptions and check how well you would suit the organization. Find out if the company is looking for specific requirements. If you feel that you are lacking certain criteria, then you can have the time to learn and prepare. Learning about the Organization This allows you to have a background about the company, your future employer, the culture and moral being followed in the working place and even compensations. There are so many ways to learn about 3

4 the company. Most companies now have websites and share their mission and vision, history, products and services and events on line. You can also read about them through brochures or articles. The best way to learn about a company is of course through someone who is already part of their team. Just make sure that the person you are asking is someone who is reliable and have been with the company for quite some time. Finding out How the Interview will be Conducted Interviews can be one-onone, group discussion or facing a panel. By knowing about the type of interview you can practice and prepare before the big day. Most interviews are done man to man and this is easier since you are only trying to win the confidence and trust of a single person. Facing a panel could be more intimidating and nerve-wracking but they key is to be prepared and be yourself. Panel interviews are becoming increasingly common nowadays to screen job seekers and spot the best talent most especially for managerial and senior positions. If it is a group discussion, you will need to update yourself with current events and train yourself to be articulate and to become a good listener. Group discussion will test whether you know the topic, how well you present your thoughts and the manner you conduct yourself with patience and grace in group situations. Sometimes, a candidate is also asked to do a demo or sample presentation. In this case, you will need to call ahead to find out what facilities are available. Recollecting Your Strengths and Weaknesses Job seekers should prepare mentally and emotionally. Do not be caught off guard during the interview. First, you have to organize all your files like cover letter, resume, credentials, certificates and other important documents that you may need to present during the interview. By preparing a checklist you can go over the achievements and experiences you can be proud of. If you have a weakness, remember not to show it during the interview or it will only generate negative feedback. Let say, you are not much of a speaker, therefore, you have to practice on how to present yourself before the interview. Sit or stand in front of the mirror and pretend you are 4

5 speaking to someone. Now practice by giving short but meaningful statements. Keep an eye contact and show that you are eager and sincere. Practicing Your Communication Skills For you to be able to express yourself properly in front of your employer is very important. The way you speak, respond to questions and express your ideas will show how knowledgeable, confident and experienced you are. The key is to practice speaking. Get a magazine or book or get a notepad and make a summary about you and practice reading it loud. Watch for your tone and volume. See to it that your words are clear. Then proceed practicing for the interview. By pretending to answer questions, you would be able to correct grammar mistakes and mispronounced words. Updating with the Latest Job Trends It is an edge if you know and you are updated with the latest trends related to the job or position you are applying for. You can check out and read from various websites, attend trainings and seminars or ask reliable resource people. For example, if you are applying as an IT Specialist in a company, you should be knowledgeable with the latest in social platforms, cloud computing, data security, and other breakthroughs in information technology. It s the same thing when you are applying as a chef in a restaurant. You should be able to bring more than just delicious food on the table. Taking Care of Numbers Refresh yourself with important numbers that may come out during the interview. Recruiters normally ask whether applicants had previous experiences related to the job and how long they have been doing it. If you are eyeing for a sales position, you might be asked with the number of sales you usually make on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis in your previous firm. Architects and engineers are asked how many months or years before they were able to complete a project. So, to avoid getting caught off guard during the interview, it is best to go over on these details. Making a List of Reference Resumes today do not include references. That is why, you should keep a list in preparation for the interview. Name at least three people who can confirm and recommend your qualifications. Your list of 5

6 references should include the name, title, position, department, business name or company, contact details, address, and your relationship with them. Preparing for Tricky Questions Always remember this: During the interview, your employer will try to test you by asking tricky questions. What may seem like a simple and ordinary question may actually be the reason for you to lose the chance of getting hired. Here are the top five toughest questions you might encounter and how you should answer them: 1. What can you say about yourself? It sounds so simple but many applicants fail to this trap. They end up stammering between Well and Uhms. Recruiters do not ask this question to know you personally but to test whether you are the best candidate for the position. So, when you are asked to talk about yourself, you are not going to talk about everything about you. You will need to make it short and brief highlighting only your best qualities, skills and useful previous experiences in relation to the position you are applying for. Remember to be honest while considering the response that the interviewer is expecting from you. If you are applying for a teaching job, being passionate and dedicated are better than being meticulous and attentive to details. If you are applying as a cashier or a bank teller, telling the interviewer that you are reliable and trustworthy is better than being creative and resourceful. The best way to prepare for this tricky question is to write down a three to five sentence summary about you beforehand and practice saying it to avoid stammering during the actual interview. 2. What is your greatest weakness? - Questions like these may either build you or lead you out to the door. The key is to be honest without risking your application. Instead of openly admitting that you do have a weakness, you can say that you are calling it more of a challenge which you are continuously working on. For example, if you are shy and works better alone, instead of saying these out loud you can rephrase it with I am quiet reserved but I enjoy and learn so much from teambuilding or I am not confident with public speaking that is why I recently joined a workshop to overcome my stage freight. There are ways to turn this tricky question into your advantage. Always 6

7 remember that you should focus on your strengths and make the employer think that you are the best candidate 3. Why did you leave your previous job? Again, you have to be very honest with this one because companies are most likely to do background check. Regardless if you had a bad experience with your previous boss or company, never speak ill about them. Instead of bringing out the negatives, focus on the things that you have learned and the experiences you have gained. So to answer this question, you can use the following lines: I wanted to expand my horizon and I believe that your company will help me grow professionally. I heard so much about how great your company is and I think my skills and personality perfectly fit here. Eventhough it was a great company, I left because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and search for new opportunities. 4. What are your salary expectations? Why is this considered a tricky question? Simply because, the salary you command reflects your self-worth and assessment. The way you answer this question may also change the atmosphere of the interview. If you answer too low, your employer may think that you are basing it from your lack of skills and experience. You may also give the impression of being too desperate to have a job. On the other hand, if you mention a figure that is way high from their expectations, chances are you might be screened out from the possible candidates without even making a good impression. While money is an important consideration for the job, you should not chase it away. Your aim is to arrive at a reasonable salary range that is fair, in line with the current market value and at least close from your most recent income. Do not mention a specific amount but rather give a short-term range for example, I think a salary from A to B is fair for my position. I also look forward for appropriate compensations and increase based from my annual performance. 5. Why should we hire you? Just like a finalist in a Miss Universe competition, this tricky question usually comes in last during interviews. So do your research properly. Read the company profile. This is the time when the employer would check if you are truly interested to be part of their company. The employer also wanted to hear the things that you can offer for the company and lastly, see how qualified you are above all other candidates. What response are they looking for? You can impress your 7

8 interviewer by saying I want this job and I want to be part of your growing company. My work ethics and personal belief are in line with your company s vision and mission. I believe that I can learn so much while making significant contributions. Here's more to help you! Q: Why have you been unemployed for such a long time? A: I wanted to become more equipped and knowledgeable so I enrolled online and did some freelance work. I also joined free trainings and workshops. Q: Can you work under time pressure? A: Yes. I am very calm and patient while doing multi-tasking job to meet the deadlines. Q: Are you a team player? A: Yes. I can always set aside differences of attitude and opinions and focus on team goals. With my previous experiences as a basis, the teams which I have been with were all successful in our projects. Q: How do you describe your management skills? A: I always see to it that I keep tab of assigned work. I monitor the progress and development of a certain project and make sure that it is done before the deadline. Q: What irritates you the most about a co-worker? A: I believe that each member of a team is a unique individual with different working styles, so I learn to adjust and respect everyone. If I find anyone or anything annoying, I ll try my best to avoid conflict. If it already affects the work, then there is always a proper venue to address such issues. Q: What is your greatest weakness? A: Sometimes, I tend to be critical on myself over a project even though I know that I have given my best. But I am more confident and relaxed now. Q: How do you see yourself five years from now? A: I see myself in a senior position with greater responsibilities and role in making this company on top. 8

9 Q: Do you have a question for us? A: Will you give me the chance to be part of this great company? Practice delivering these answers with ease and you ll surely impress. Dressing for Success Whether you like it or not, the way you dress can give a lasting impression. Either it was a success or a complete fail. Choosing appropriate attire supports your image as a person and indicates how serious you are in taking the interview process. It also shows how you understand the company you wanted to become part of. Even if you are aware that employees in that organization dress casually on a daily basis, take note that an interview is a professional meeting. So as a job seeker, dress more formally and choose clothes that will influence your chances of getting the job. If you are stressed and undecided on an outfit for your upcoming interview, you can simply follow these tips: Interview Attire for Men The best and safest choice is a two-piece suit with conservative colors like black, navy, dark grey or brown. Do not trouble yourself buying a designer suit and compete with how a corporate CEO looks but do invest on a good quality outfit that works within your budget. Match your suit with appropriate tie, socks, belt, and leather shoes. Do not wear earrings, blings or other flashy jewelries. A conservative watch is suggested. Check for details. Make sure your attire is clean and pressed and no stitches are loose or showing. Interview Attire for Women Business attires are different from the clothes you were during a date and social event. A two piece-matched suit is preferred. However, to get away with a very oldfashioned look, you can choose outfit that ranges from slacks, skirts, blazers, 9

10 tailored blouse, and knit tops to project a smart casual style while keeping sophistication. Choose light colored blouses with simple prints under dark colored blazers. Avoid wearing clothes made out of lace, satin, of chiffon. These fabrics can make you uncomfortable in a hot environment. If you plan to wear a skirt to match a blazer, it should cover the thigh when seated. Avoid blouses that expose the cleavage. Choose leather flats or high-heeled shoes but no to pumps, stilettos or platforms. Wear simple pieces of jewelries like earrings and watch. Choose an appropriate bag that matches your outfit. Check for details. Outfit should be clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly. Remember, to dress for success is completely within your control. Do not miss the chance to build a lasting impression. Nailing the Interview on the Big Day You have done your research and prepared intensively for the day of the interview. The question is, Will you make it on the big day? Your qualifications and skills are only a part of what the hiring manager, recruiter or employer is looking for. The key to getting hired will now depend on how you present yourself, respond to questions and inquiries and behave all throughout the actual interview. If you lack confidence and you constantly worry of messing up during the most important day, we have useful and practical tips to help you go through the interview successfully. Study and put into practice the following important DOs and DONTs during interviews. It includes basic business etiquette, appropriate gestures, tone of voice and courteous expressions and reactions. The DOs: 10

11 1. Dress appropriately. Follow the guidelines and tips that were mentioned above. Prepare your attire a day or night before the interview. Always take note that if you arrive dressed too casually or too formally, the situation can be uncomfortable for both of you and the person interviewing you. 2. Be on time. Allot at least 15 minutes before the interview to have the chance to check on yourself and the credentials you have brought with you. Punctuality matters. It shows respect and consideration to the interviewer's time. Call to say when you'll be arriving. 3. Check your appearance. Your personal grooming and hygiene should be flawless. Check yourself in the mirror before you leave from home. How are your clothes? Are they properly pressed and tucked? Look for loose threads and remove them. Do check your hair as well. You don t want to distract the interviewer with your dry scalp or excess hair gel. For ladies, match your outfit with a simple make-up that commands attention and respect. Do use mild cologne or perfume. Five minutes before you face your interviewer, make a final check. 4. Thank the interviewer. It is a common courtesy to thank the employer before (and after) the interview for taking the time to meet with you. Always use a friendly tone even to those who you meet before the actual interview. 5. Introduce yourself. Greet the interviewer or everyone in the panel with a smile then introduce yourself. You can say, Good morning! I am Mr. John Smith and I am happy to meet you for my final interview. 6. Shake hands. Shake the hands of your interviewer. Make it firm but not forceful. Remember to maintain good eye contact. It would be rude to talk to someone with your eyes set on something or somewhere else. 7. Sit properly but comfortably. Always wait for the interviewer to offer you a seat. Be conscious of your posture. Sit still in your seat to avoid fidgeting, shaking your legs or slouching. 8. Be mindful where to place your belongings. Put your briefcase or bag at your feet. If the interviewer offers you the desk or the conference table, then that s the only time that you can do so. 9. Switch your mobile phones and other gadgets in silent mode. A text message or phone call while an important meeting is ongoing may completely interrupt the meeting. 10. Keep a positive and friendly attitude. Give an impression that you are interested with the discussion. 11. Watch your language and manner of speaking. An interview is a formal meeting. Your voice should be clear and loud enough to be heard. Use polite and courteous expressions whether the interviewer is younger than you or very familiar to you. Answer questions enthusiastically, clearly and intelligently. 12. Be honest. Answer the questions truthfully but with full discretion. Mention your strengths and achievements without sounding arrogant. If you believe that you are lacking an important skill, tell the hiring manager that you haven't had the chance to use that skill yet and that you are more than willing to learn. The interviewer will appreciate 11

12 your humility and sincerity plus dishonesty will always be discovered. When asked for reasons why you left your former job, stick to something positive rather than freely enumerating your grievances. 13. Stay true to your message. Remember that this is the time you are going to sell yourself, so focus on the reasons why the company should hire you. Highlight what you can offer such as commendable traits, skills and qualifications. 14. Get feedback. Cordially ask the hiring manager how you did in the interview. Ask if you have answered the questions properly and provided the details they needed. 15. Leave gracefully. When the hiring manager concludes the interview, offer a handshake and a smile. Thank him for his time once again. Check for belongings that you might accidentally leave at the office or conference room. Close the door gently when situation asks you to. The DON Ts: 1. Be late and come unprepared. These are the very reasons why applicants are rejected. Value your time and the interviewer s time by preparing everything you need before the interview. The famous saying, I ll cross the bridge when I get there does not apply in this situation. 2. Dress inappropriately. Many job seekers argue that hiring managers shouldn t judge or decide on an applicant based on how he or she dresses on the interview but they are missing an important point. On the day of the interview, the way you dress and care about your appearance will also express how professional you are and how you would appear to clients and customers. Wearing clothes that are inappropriate such as too casual or too dressy, too tight or too loose, and too revealing in a professional meeting is just a big NO. So dress that part that makes you belong to the company. 3. Appear bored. Acting disinterested and failing to show enthusiasm while the interview is ongoing only signals the hiring manager that you are not a serious candidate for the job. If you behave lousily during the interview, you are giving the interviewer an idea how you would also act and perform in your actual job. Study says that 55% of hiring managers consider this as the major pitfall of many job seekers. 3. Appear arrogant. This could be a major turn off. Either you are sending a message that there is no more room for improvement or that you are better than anyone else. You can mention your achievements without a bragging tone. For example, highlight your impressive sales accomplishments as a contributor to your former company s success but do not own the entire glory. If you happened to have won many awards based on your performance, it would be better to mention that you were able to achieve them because of your mentors or teammates support. Never give the impression that you do not need anyone at work. 4. Talk negatively about current or previous employers. Fifty percent of hiring managers said this is a warning sign when meeting with potential employees. Do not use the interview as a venue of your frustrations and grievances. Accusing or criticizing a current or former employer during an interview is not just unprofessional but also 12

13 unbecoming. Hiring managers do not want a new prospect who lacks accountability, decency and judgement. You might be marked down as a gossiper or troublemaker. So if there is or was an unpleasant experience you have with your boss or company, simply state that your personality or work ethics is different and that you believe you have the potential to grow professionally in a new company. 5. Check for messages or answer a call during the interview. This is completely rude and discourteous to the hiring manager. It does not only disrupts the flow of the interview but also indicates that you do not value the meeting and the time of the interviewer. To avoid this common mistake, switch your phone into silent mode or don't turn it on. 6. Appear unacquainted about the company or role. Do not read notes and check your CV from time to time during the interview. It is expected that you have already researched about the company and the position you are applying for beforehand. 7. Panic, lie and invent when you don t know the answers. The interviewer will try to catch you off guard in the form of tricky questions. Do not freak out if you don t know the answer or worse, make things up just to sound knowledgeable. You have to stay calm and carefully think of the question. If you panic, your heartbeat will race and your blood pressure may shoot up which will result to unclear, broken or shaky voice with nonsense answers. It is alright to politely ask the hiring manager for the question again. You can ask him to clarify what he said. Do not say, I do not know the answer right away. If you happen to have some idea about the question, then take the time to tell your interviewer what you do know. Then admit that there are certain aspects that you are not yet familiar with. An honest employee is very likeable. 8. Talk about your personal problems and ask personal questions. Avoid sounding so desperate about the job and start telling the hiring manager about your loans, financial status or family problems. Do not overshare personal information too. The hiring manager is not interested with your life s ups and downs, relationships or family trips not unless they are related to the job. Asking a hiring manager a personal question should also be avoided. Even if the interviewer is friendly, do not assume that you are friends. As a job seeker, you don t want to ruin your application by showing them that you do not have a good sense of business manners. 9. Chew gum, ask for refreshments or permission to smoke. Chewing gum is considered as an inappropriate professional behavior during an interview. It is distracting and it can be very annoying. It may ease nervousness but be sure to throw it before the interview. Do not ask for refreshment. You may accept if it is offered. If you are asked to dine out as part of your interview, always remember to use good table manners. Do not ask permission to smoke. Even if the hiring manager is smoking and offers you one, it is best to politely refuse. 10. Ask about the salary and benefits right away. Timing is everything. Do not bring up salary, bonuses, paid leaves and other compensations in the middle of an interview. You may be perceived as rude and desperate and this can even ruin your chance of getting the job. Yes, they are important factors to consider but do it after the hiring manager gives you a job offer. The discussion about salary is suitable once the hiring manager assures you that you ve got the part. 13

14 POST INTERVIEW ACTIONS Congratulation on acing the interview! You have overcome the most challenging and stressful part of a job application. But wait. Now that the interview is over, can you really sit back and relax while waiting for that important phone call saying, You re hired? The period after the interview is still critical. It s time to set yourself apart from the other candidates. Here are some simple but important steps that you can do that can bring great results. Step #1: Make notes and prepare additional documentation. Outline the details of how the interview went and note areas you can improve and reinforce. Also, you might have missed out some important information or documents during the interview such as transcript, certificates of achievements or thesis or books that you have written and published. Simply prepare all of these in case you get a final call or interview to support your candidacy. Step #2: Send your thank you note and follow up. As a job seeker, you should know that sending a thank you card immediately to each person you ve meet during the interview is an additional way to sell yourself that you are indeed fit for the position. But to be an excellent candidate, you should also send a follow up with it. The follow up can be made through a short letter that emphasizes the points you made during the interview. The letter should reiterates your qualifications for the position and the important lessons you have learned during the interview. Make it very short, simple but meaningful. Hiring managers do not have time to read lengthy and dramatic notes. Step #3: Contact your references. Alert the references you provided to the hiring manager. In most cases, the reason why job seekers application is delayed is simply because many references do not answer unknown phone calls. So make sure to contact your references and give information about the company and the job you applied for. You may even want to ask your references to help you out by highlighting your skills and best qualities. If a reference is called, show your appreciation for his or her time and support by sending him or her a thank you note. 14

15 Step #4: Follow up Phone Calls. If the hiring manager or company representative failed to contact you within a specific period of time, it is perfectly appropriate to follow up with the interviewer with a phone call. Greet him, introduce yourself and thank him once again for the opportunity that was given to you during the interview. When may I expect to hear from you? May I check back with you in one or two weeks? are suitable questions. Take note, follow up but don t pester. Ringing the company on a daily basis will just cause embarrassment and nuisance. Step #5: Prepare for the next stage. Once you get a positive feedback from the hiring manager and you get asked to see him again, expect that the final interview may already include a panel of interviewers or the CEO himself. Remember that things that came up on your first interview will most likely return so practice your answers. If there are questions you were not able to answer adequately, now is the time to prove yourself. Do not stress out or get too excited. BONUS TIPS: Turning Failed Interviews to Successful Job Offers So you didn t get the part! Now what? Being rejected is one of the most realistic experiences that any job seeker can encounter. If you did not get the job in spite of all the preparations and practices you went through, do not beat yourself up and think that you re already a failure. You were good but perhaps someone was just lucky. Do not let one failed job search define your success. You have to keep looking because you never know when a better job opportunity is just along the corner. Plus, if you re on a job search, you don t want to put all your effort and confidence in just one company. You also need to have your top choices, give your best shot until one of them extend the offer. Here are additional tips that will help you turn a failed interview into a successful job offer: Step #6: Ask for feedback. You can make a phone call and politely ask the hiring manager for some feedback on why you did not get the part. Make sure that the interviewer understands that you are doing this for the purpose of self-development. Do not be sensitive or rude and start questioning the decision of the company. Note all 15

16 important advices to improve yourself. Ensure that you don t repeat the same mistakes. If you learn that you were competitive and one of the best choices, then use the opportunity to tell the hiring manager that you would still be interested for the position in the future. By showing this great sense of professionalism, who knows, they might actually reconsider. Step #7: Regain your confidence. After getting the feedback you needed, use them to improve your future performance. Take time to learn the trade of the work industry. Watch educational videos about how successful interviews go. Keep practicing. You can record yourself while answering basic to challenging questions and observe your facial expressions, gestures and tone. You might discover certain mannerisms or the way you say things that could have affected your interview. Now you can work on how to deliver your answers better. Attend job fairs or networking events where you get to meet people with different expertise. By listening and talking to them, you learn new ideas and tips. Share what you also know and do not be afraid to ask questions. Opportunities like this will help build your confidence. CONCLUSION We live in a world where competition has become pretty normal. You don t get ahead and succeed without the proper mindset, attitude and qualifications. Job seekers are everywhere and hundreds of them are applying for the same position each day. If you want to get the job, you have to really stand out and to stand out, your best card is winning the interview. Use the tips we have shared and go get that awesome job. Every day someone is earning a new job, and today is your day. Good luck! Publisher The Job Interview Success Guide is a jobs, interviewing and career guide publication of Ten Doves Charity, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Frisco, Texas. TEN DOVES CHARITY - All rights reserved. 16