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Keys to
Interviewing Success
by
Steven Rothberg, President, Adguide
Interviewing
for a job is an essential part of the career hunting process
and preparation is a key to success. An interviewer may ask an
applicant about their ideas for the future, past jobs and most
significant accomplishments. Job applicants should prepare for
the interview by preparing answers to these questions.
Be informed about the interviewer and the company prior to the
interview. Get the interviewer's full name with correct pronunciation
and their job title. Candidates are often asked why they want
to work for that particular company. By doing some research at
a library, you will be better able to demonstrate that you care
about the company and are not just looking for a paycheck.
Before leaving for the interview, examine your personal appearance,
including your clothes and grooming. Your clothes should be appropriate
for the position you are seeking. If you are seeking an industrial
position, you may dress less formally than if you are seeking
a professional position.
Arrive a few minutes early. If you are wearing an outer coat,
ask if you can hang it up. Have several copies of your resume
with you. After reading it first, fully complete any employment
application presented to you. Greet the interviewer. Use the
name used by the person making the introduction. Shake their
hand firmly and with confidence. Smile and make eye contact.
Do not sit down unless a chair is offered.
Interviewers will examine your body language. Pay attention to
your posture and be confident, courteous and enthusiastic about
the position and what the interviewer is saying. Ask relevant
questions about the company and position. Maintain steady eye
contact. If you have little relevant experience, emphasize your
interest in learning and growing in the position. Don't focus
on salary and benefits. Many people believe that candidates should
wait until they've been offered the position before they ask
about salary and benefits.
Because the interviewer may speak to your former employers, prepare
and bring a reference sheet. Be honest about your employment
history. If you were fired or laid off, the best time to explain
the reasons is during the interview. Do not, however, speak negatively
about your former employers.At the end of the interview, thank
the interviewer for his/her time and consideration and tell him/her
that you are impressed with the company and the position, believe
you would do excellent work for them and that you are excited
about working for them. |