How to Interview and Land Your Dream Job
Resume & Interview November 1, 2012Interviewing is extremely important, especially during this job market. If you have a strong resume, but are lackluster in the meeting; you will probably not get the position. When looking to prepare for the meeting, many people look to certain interview tips as a way to be prepared. If you are looking for a job that fits your skill set, make sure you follow these sets of interview advice and you will find the job of your dreams.
Prepare Beforehand
When you plan to meet with a prospective employer, make sure you adequately prepare beforehand. You may want to do a role play with your friends by having them pretend to be the hiring manager and ask you some questions beforehand. The interviewers will definitely ask you specific questions like “why do you want the job” or “what value will you bring to the company compared to other candidates,” so make sure you know and practice answering for those particular questions. If you have any blemishes or gaps in your resume, the interviewers will definitely ask about those, so make sure you have an answer ready for this question. The interview process is a great time for them to see your personality and determine whether it will fit with their company’s culture, so make sure you are friendly and smile a lot.
Dress Appropriately
One of the most important interview tips is to make sure you dress appropriately for the meeting, even if the office environment seems casual. This means that men and women should wear a suit. Also, make sure your clothing is properly ironed and your hair and makeup is neat and subtle. You want to make a great physical first impression. One of the most important interview tips is you should always be on time to your meeting. You should always arrive at least five to ten minutes early to show them you’re eager for the job, but remember not to come much earlier because it shows that you are desperate, do not value the hiring manager’s time, and extremely disrespectful.
Show Enthusiasm for the Position
Another interview advice is to make sure you are articulate and express why you would like the job. You should let the interviewer know why you feel as though your qualifications would make a perfect fit for a particular position. If there are multiple interviewers in the room, make sure to make eye contact with everyone in the room. Be sure to tell the truth at all times and don’t claim that you have experience doing something that you really don’t understand. Your employer has your resume, so don’t just repeat what is on it, but expand a bit by telling them about your day to day responsibilities to let them know what you have learned from previous positions. This will allow them to know what you can bring to their organization and how they can benefit from it.
Ask Questions
Next, interview tip is to remember that the meeting is not only for them to evaluate you, but for you to evaluate that particular company. During the meeting, make sure you ask many engaging questions about the position to let them know that you are interested and find out more information about the position. This means that prior to the meeting, investigate the position thoroughly. You can do this by researching on their website. After the meeting, if you find out that the position is not for you send them a thank you letter anyways and continue on with your search.
Thank You Letters
One of the most important interview tips is after the interview, make sure you send the interviewer a thank you letter. Normally, thank you letters can go out via email or personalized mailed letter. Within the letter, you want to express your utmost gratitude and highlight something you have discussed during the interview. Let them know of your continued interest in the particular position.
Try not to be Nervous
It’s very difficult to tell someone not to be nervous because that’s an action that is very uncontrollable. Use the interview as a way to explain why you would be an excellent fit for the particular job. Try to stay as relaxed as possible and realize that if it doesn’t work out; you have plenty of opportunities out there. If the company decides that you are not the appropriate candidate; you have tried your best and move on. You will eventually be granted more interviews and will find the job that is right for you. If you are going on an interview, maintain a professional appearance and show enthusiasm for the position. If you follow these interview tips and interview advice; you will find the job that fits your skill set.
