For most of us when we eventually land the job interview, the process nearly seems over and we are just waiting to see what time they want us to start our first day. However, you have to recognize that your potential employer will be interviewing a dozen or so equally passionate people. What preparation you undertake now will make the difference as to whether you're hired or filed.
That's why job interview coaching is vital. You need to start again once you have found out that you've been offered an interview and start a completely new process to make sure you ace the interview and land the job. Because lets face it, you've worked too hard to get the job interview in the first place to just throw all that hard work away by not preparing.
Here are six steps that we think can help you prepare and ace the interview:
First Step - Research
Research pertinent information about the organization and the manner they manage their interviews. Good sources to acquire information from are:
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Their annual reports Their press releases (go to Google News and type in their firm name) "About Us" (or comparable) part of their website, Anyone you know that works or has worked for them. With this knowledge, you'll have a better picture about the organization and help you prepare for the employment interview questions.
Second Step - Practice
Now that you have done your study, it's time to practice answering questions. The easiest way to do this is by receiving job interview coaching. The reason being that a coach will not only provide you guidelines in organizing your responses, they will also assist you develop your interpersonal communication skills and most crucially build your confidence.
Job interview coaching not only helps you with normal interview questions; it may also assist you answer those tough questions that some companies prefer to use to measure how you cope with pressure situations. Keep in mind that there are online sources for job interview coaching now that provide you with cheaper alternatives to face to face coaching, such as telephone coaching or interview coaching by DVD and online video.
Third Step - Delivery
This is where your research, coaching and practise come into play. If you've followed the steps above and invested in job interview coaching then you should have no difficulties nailing the interview and getting the job. Just remember, be confident without being cocky, be prepared without sounding like a robot, and most of all relax and take your time.
Fourth Step - Impression
First impressions actually last since the way you look or carry yourself may effect the entire course of the interview. Bear in mind that you only have one shot of doing things right and other candidates are also in line for the same job that you're interested in.
Present yourself as the ideal candidate by smiling, have a firm handshake, and creating eye contact with your interviewers. You should dress to impress, the adage that it's always better to be over dressed than under dressed is particularly essential when it comes to job interviews. Be sure to make a positive first impression or your job interview may conclude before it has ever started.
Fifth Step - Communication
Always remember that you are talking to a person who may become your future boss, so being uncomfortable or bashful can come back to bite you. Engage your interviewer by asking intelligent employee interview questions and exhibiting your excitement and interest for the job. Take your time, think before you speak and always be honest.
Sixth Step - Follow Up
In the present job market, some firms get thousands of candidates for each job they post. A brief email or phone follow up or "thank you for your time" note might separate you for the herd. Also, whether you get the job or not, it would be advisable to obtain business cards of the interviewer(s) and all the people you encountered along the route.
We hope these strategies help you obtain your dream job!