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Applying for a job is selling yourself to an employer as the best person for that job. Your first contact with the prospective employer is very important. The type of approach you use and the quality of your presentation will play an important part in getting you to first base - the interview.
You will need to prepare for 3 main situations when applying for a job.
1. Telephoning the employer about an advertised vacancy;
2. Writing a job application;
3. Attending an interview.
You can have a great interview the first time you meet the individual representing the organization with whom you most desire to begin your career. However, the best advice is not to make the mistake of having your most important interview your first one. Good interviewing skills are learned. It is our advice to you to make your first interview a "practice" interview. Practice is the key to success in conducting an outstanding job interview. Many job applicants don't understand the importance of preparation for this very important event.
The interviewing process is not a scientific process; there are no rules, only general guidelines. In order to succeed, first you must realize that the process is dynamic rather than static. There are no absolutely right answers; however, the more practice and knowledge of the interview process you have, the more successful you are likely to be.
Interviewing Preparation
Know what your strengths are and what you want the interviewer to leave the interview knowing about you.
Practice interview questions OUT LOUD. Answering a question in your head and how it comes out of your mouth are two completely different things. Make sure you practice with other people - talking to yourself isn't enough. Try not to create scripts in your head - practice is imperative to be polished but being over-rehearsed may make you appear insincere or dull.
Company Facts
If possible, try to find what the company you are applying to actually does. Find out what they make or sell. Also get and idea of the type of position you are applying for. If it's a larger company, go to the library and see if they have an annual report or other information about the company you can read. This is difficult commitment to make given the many other demands on your time, but forming this habit when applying for a job will decrease significantly the chance of an interviewing preparation crisis.
Company Culture
In the interview process, the interviewer represents an organization that is made up of individuals who presumably work well together and share the firm's values and style. You, as the interviewee, are being assessed on your "fit" to the needs and character of this group. "Fit" can be broken down into many categories; communication, leadership and interpersonal styles, etc. Certain elements are likely to be dominant in any corporate culture. The more you know about a firm's culture, the better able you will be to determine how well you fit with the organization and what direction the firm is likely to take in an interview. Take time to talk to associates, friends and relatives who may have worked in your field of interest.
Do's and Don'ts of Interviewing
Arrive 15 minutes before your interview.
Bring extra resumes.
Research the company and know current issues.
Know why you want to work for the company and why you are interested in the position.
Know what the "specific industry/function" does.
Remember that anyone with whom you come into contact may have input into the hiring decision.
Have questions prepare for the interviewer.
Translate your previous work experience into how it would be useful at this new company.
Practice before going into actual interviews.
Remember to ask for a business card.
Send a thank you letter to all the people with whom you have met.
Remember that firms are choosing from a large number of qualified applicants. Do not take rejection personally; decisions are often made on things over which you have no control.
Talk with others who previously worked in the company or industry you are interested in.
Have a clear understanding of what you want to get across in the interview.
Remember that interviewers are people too. Some of them will be excellent interviewers, others unseasoned interviewers who may be nervous too.
Don't:
Arrive late.
Focus on weaknesses or lack of industry experience.
Criticize previous employers.
Exaggerate or out-and-out lie.
Arrive without preparation.
Ask questions for the sake of asking questions. It is better to ask no questions than to ask an uninspired question that you could get the answer to by reading the job description.
Ever show your annoyance to a recruiter even if you have been kept waiting too long.
Assume that youknow the outcome of the interview after it is over; offers will sometimes come from the interviews you think went horribly, and it is not unusual to be rejected after an interview that you thought went particularly well. And...
Don't let the interview process get you down.
Source: American Minority Report
Links:
Preparing for the interview, the interview, be prepare to answer such questions as..., some do's and don'ts, negative factors evaluated by an interviewer, closing the interview.
I Want a New Boss Interview Tip
Pre-interview, the interview, post interview.
Commonly asked interview questions for business interviews.
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