You have caught the employer's attention and
they have asked you to come in for an interview. This is your opportunity to
show the potential employer who you are and why you are perfect
for the job. You can make the most of this opportunity by being prepared,
presenting a professional demeanor, and describing your qualifications well.
Preparing
for an Interview
A good job interview takes preparation. This can
be just as important as the interview itself.
Research
The best way to prepare yourself for an
interview is to research both the company and the position that you are
interviewing for. Before arriving, you should know:
·
what
the company does
·
how
large it is
·
any
recent changes it has undergone
·
what
role you could play in the organization
You can start your research by finding and
reading the company's website.
Click on the "About Us" link. Sites often include a history of the
company and a description of their products and customers. An annual report is
also a great source for information on a company.
Review the
job description
Read the job description and responsibilities
over and over. Make notes about how your experience and skills fit the
position. Think of specific examples from past jobs to illustrate how your
skills and experience match the organization's needs. This will help the
employer to actually "see" you in the position.
The salary
question
Know what you are worth
During the interview, you may be asked what
salary you are seeking. Do not bring up the salary question in the interview
unless you are asked. Be prepared to answer the question with a range, and let
them know that it is negotiable. They may be asking you this question to
determine if you fall within their range; and that information may be used in
making their hiring decision. Make sure that you have all of the information
you need to determine what salary range you should ask for.
Practice
Another important step in preparing for an
interview is to practice describing your professional characteristics and to
practice answering common interview questions. By practicing out loud
beforehand when you are not under pressure, you will strengthen your answers
during the actual event.
As a starting point, try to respond to the
following questions:
·
Tell
me about yourself.
·
Why
should I hire you?
·
What
are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
·
Tell
me about a difficult decision you made.
·
What
did you like most about your last job?
·
Give
me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or keep it.
·
Describe
a time when you encountered a work or school-related problem and how you solved
it.
·
Tell
me about a time when you worked as part of a team.
·
When
responding, focus on subjects related to your professional life, not your
personal life.
Prepare
questions to ask the interviewer
As a job candidate you also have an obligation
to hold up your end of the conversation. You should ask questions that could
not be answered through your research of the company or that arose during the
interview.
You can ask these questions during the course of
the interview or at the end. Interviewers usually end their part by asking if
you have any questions.
Be prepared with three to five questions. They
can be based on the company or the position. Ask them in an open-ended manner,
meaning they cannot be answered by just "yes" or "no." Continue
reading…
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