Anyone who is a job seeker knows that seeking for a new job or career is a work in itself. Once you have accomplished the tedious effort of drafting your CV and submitting it to numerous firms, you now have to pass the screen test to acquire the job. Interviews are the gateway to landing your perfect career. These five strategies can help you get own your way to making that job yours.
Tip#1
Be Confident
"Your first impression is your only impression."
Nothing is worse than a limp handshake, sagging shoulders, poor eye contact or poor communication abilities. A potential employer can detect quickly if you are the man or woman for this position by your body language. Although aggressiveness is a turn-off, being passive gives the appearance that you are not sure of yourself or your qualifications. Keep eye contact when answering questions or when the interviewer is speaking directly to you. Smile sometimes to express your attention and excitement. Keeping a steady look on the interviewer can be uncomfortable to an interviewer. Look away occasionally. Lean forward to show that you are engaged in what the interviewer is saying. Speak in a concise and clear voice. If you have trouble enunciating specific terms, don't try to utilize them on an interview. If this is difficult for you, practice with a mirror and pay attention to your facial expressions.
Other interview killers: \s-Slouching in a chair \s-Crossing your arms \s-Playing with your hair or jewelry \s-Leaning back in chair
Tip# 2
Act As If
"You are what you believe."
Act as if you had the job. What would you do if you had this position? How would you act? How would a person in this position act and speak? What are your responsibilities in this position? What is a normal day like for you in this job? Change your attitude towards yourself and your strengths. If you start thinking that you won't get the job, you will do minor undetectable things to destroy your chances. Great free resources: Confidenceworld.com.
Tip#3
Know The Company
"Know your business."
I once sat on a handful of interviews when the interviewees did not perform any homework on the company. This sends a message that you are looking for any employment, not this specific position. Once you're interview is planned, hop on the net and start finding out everything you can about the organization. A nice place to start is Hoovers.com., which gives you industry information, top competitors, names of CEO, etc. If you'd want to know what current or past employees have to say about the company, try Wetfeet.com. Beware of unhappy postings. Call the corporate headquarters and ask for the marketing department to acquire specific information. Weave your research into the interview by expressing. "I read a story in the Wall Street Journal, which said that your company is contemplating about XYZ." This helps the interviewer know that you have taken the time to know more about the organization. You can ask questions about what you read, but don't challenge them or you'll come across as a know-it-all.
Tip# 4
Be Prepared
"Know what to say."
Most interviewers ask the same conventional questions regarding your strengths, weaknesses, prior employers, work history. If you are being interviewed by numerous people, this can be a good cop, bad cop situation. Pay attention to who is playing bad cop, they are looking for evidence of weakness and dishonesty. To be fully prepared, before the interview, list out all your accomplishments, both personal and professional. List your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest, it's easier to recall the truth than it is a falsehood. Extra Tip: Write down circumstances in which you have demonstrated: leadership abilities, determination, stress management, inventiveness, and flexibility. Be prepared to answer the question: "Why do you desire this job?" If you're not sure, reconsider your decision. If you arrive a few minutes early, reread what you wrote in the waiting room before the interview. Great selection of interview questions: Tested Interview Questions.
Tip#5
Ask For The Job
"You get what you ask for."
The most critical step in the interviewing process is one most people neglect. ASK FOR THE JOB! Most interviewers are waiting for that closure. If you have done everything extraordinarily well during the interviewing process, but have not asked for the job, you've simply squandered an interview. Asking for the job shows the potential employer that you are forceful, confident and suited for the job. It could seem uncomfortable, but this is your last chance to ask for something you really want. Make sure your voice is forceful and you make eye contact. Think of it as your closing argument, you've got to win over the jurors. You should also ask the interviewer if he or she feels you are right for the job. Even if they tell you something unpleasant, consider of it as a lesson learnt. However, do yourself a favor and ask for the position. You deserve it!
