Anyone who is a jobseeker knows that looking for a new job or career is a job in itself. Once you have completed
laborious task of writing your resume and submitting it to various companies, you now have to pass screen test to get job. Interviews are gateway to landing your ideal job. These five tips will 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, slumped shoulders, poor eye contact or poor communication skills. A potential employer can tell immediately if you are man or woman for this job by your body language. Although aggressiveness is a turn-off, being passive gives indication that you are not sure of yourself or your qualifications. Keep eye contact when answering questions or when interviewer is speaking directly to you. Smile occasionally to show your interest and enthusiasm. Keeping a steady gaze on interviewer can be disturbing to an interviewer. Look away occasionally. Lean forward to show that you are interested in what interviewer is saying. Speak in a concise and clear voice. If you have problems annunciating certain words, don’t try to use them on an interview. If this is difficult for you, practice with a mirror and pay attention to your facial expressions. Other interview killers: Slouching in a chair, Crossing your arms, Playing with your hair or jewelry, Leaning back in chair
Tip 2
Act As If
You are what you believe.
Act as if you had 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 typical day like for you in this job? Change your attitude towards yourself and your strengths. If you start thinking that you won’t get job, you will do small unnoticeable things to sabotage your chances. Great free resource: www.confidenceworld.com.
Tip 3
Know The Company
Know business.
I once sat on a couple of interviews where interviewees did not do any research on company. This sends a message that you are looking for any job, not this specific job. Once you’re interview is scheduled, get on net and start finding out everything you can about company. A good place to start is www.hoovers.com, which gives you industry information, top competitors, names of CEO, etc. If you’d like to know what current or former employees have to say about company, try www.wetfeet.com. Beware of disgruntled postings. Call company headquarters and ask for marketing department to get specific information. Weave your research into interview by stating. I read an article in Wall Street Journal, which mentioned that your company is thinking about XYZ. This lets interviewer know that you have taken time to know more about company. You can ask questions about something you read, but don’t challenge them or you’ll come across as a know-it-all.
