Interview Preparation
Spend time researching the organization you are visiting. Visit the company's website and browse through the 'About Us,' 'Employment,' 'Careers,' 'Our People,' and 'Media' or 'News' sections. An annual report can also be a great source of information.
Rehearse
Spend 30 minutes reviewing your experience and its relevance to the position description. Refresh your memory regarding details of your work history and specific achievements. You will be expected to know a lot about a company for which you have previously worked.
Rehearsing with a friend or family member is a great way to soothe pre-interview nerves. It will not only build confidence and communication skills but will also help you get your thoughts straight. Your rehearsal partner can tell you if you're speaking too quickly, if your sentences are too long or your answers hard to follow.
Pre-Interview Check
Before the interview, find out the name and title of each and every person you will be meeting with. If you are dealing directly with the company, it's perfectly acceptable to ask its HR department to provide these details.
Appearance
Dress appropriately, paying attention to all facets of grooming. Research indicates that first impressions count. Ensure your clothes are clean and well ironed. Avoid visual distractions such as loud ties, sheer fabrics, heavy ear rings, jewelry that jangles, overpowering fragrances.
During the Interview
- Arrive a few minutes early.
- Be polite to everyone you meet.
- Sit upright and look alert.
- Don't say anything negative about a past employer.
- Don't interrupt anyone.
- Keep your answers relatively short and to the point. If the interviewer wants more information, he or she will ask for it. By the same token, try to avoid answering with just a 'yes' or 'no'.
Closing the Interview
Always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. If you are interested in the position, make sure you let the interviewer know. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration of you.
After the Interview
Learn from any mistakes — make a list of questions you answered well and those you answered poorly, thinking about how you could have answered differently. Call your System One consultant with feedback and to find out client feedback.
Five Interview Pitfalls That Can Cost You the Job
- Weak Handshake. Science backs up what the etiquette books have been saying all along, that a firm handshake helps make a good first impression, for both males and females.
- Not Asking Questions. This sends a signal that you don't know enough about the business to ask an intelligent question. Your questions provide valuable information you can use in assessing the job.
- No Eye Contact. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. If staring straight into the interviewer's eyes makes you uncomfortable, look at the bridge of her nose instead -- it looks like you're still making eye contact, but might be less distracting.
- Criticizing Former Employers. Don't criticize your former employers or co-workers. By doing so, you put yourself in a bad light and can leave a negative impression.
- Employment Background Check. More and more companies are conducting background checks and credit checks as part of their interview process. For some jobs, screening is required by federal or state law. It's also a way for employers to learn more about each candidate and ensure the hiring decisions they make are good ones. Having a poor credit rating can hurt more than just your credit.
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