26 Dec How to Ace that Job Interview
Finding a job is not an easy task, especially in this economy, but you have to do what you have to do. This is typically a task that has several stages before you actually start with your work. To get the job that you have always wanted will take a lot of your time, and there are a few not-so-simple steps that you need to make sure are done perfectly if you want everything to go smoothly.
A job interview is the best tool companies use to select the best possible candidates, and the better the position offered, the more scrutinizing the interview will be. This can put a lot of strain on you, and cause you to under-perform because of some unnecessary stress and panic. On the other hand, there are a lot of different techniques that can make all the difference and present you as a professional that has all the confidence needed to be the perfect candidate.
Be Prepared for Anything
Making sure that you are well prepared for the interview is the greatest tool that you have. It is not only common courtesy to perform a background check of the company where you are applying for a job opening, but it is a good idea to have all the necessary information about their recent business moves and their plans for the future. This way, you will be able to correctly answer all the questions in such a way that will make you seem like you fit in the company’s future plans. You need to understand your employer and leave a lasting impression that you are a person who checks all the facts and then acts.
Questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years” are certainly going to appear, and they can take you by surprise. You should be well prepared for how you will answer them. Not only should your answer be unique and honest, but it should also emphasize all your strengths and hide your weaknesses, without making you look pompous. Preparing all the questions in advance will not only give you a head start, but it will eliminate the stress that comes with this kind of situation.
First Impressions Matter
This cannot be stressed enough, and even though all of us know that at least 7 hours of sleep are needed every day, not everyone obeys that rule. Not only will a good night’s sleep make you feel comfortable, but will also give you all the energy you need to ace your interview. Furthermore, a well-rested person will look better than someone who was stressing all night. Try and eat something light before the interview as you do not want your stomach rumbling while you talk.
Choosing the right suit can tell a lot about you. Make sure that it is well ironed so that you look like a true professional. If you are a woman, make sure to read the dressing code (if there is one) and dress accordingly. Your hair should be impeccable, your beard neatly shaven, and if possible, you could even go for a teeth whitening procedure so that you leave a nice impression with a white smile. Even a simple bag has become an essential accessory for both men and women, and a bag can tell a lot about you, so make sure not to go with a briefcase that is showing signs of old age.
Be Polite
The same way you want to look nice, your manners also must be impeccable. Shake hands with the interviewer first, and anyone else present, smile while you talk, look confident and strong, but also show your human side – present yourself as a whole human being, not a mindless drone. In the end, no matter how you think the interview went, shake hands again, and leave with a smile on your face. Staying positive is essential if you want everyone to understand and see the true you, and they just might hire you. Most of the time, companies are not looking for the most qualified person, but a person with the right set of skills, and someone who is pleasant to work with. With a lot of preparation, and just a little bit of good luck, you will get any job that you want.
