Interviewing for a Job
Job interviews are never easy no matter how many you do or don’t do. Talking to strangers to sell your skills never gets any easier. There is a lot riding on whether you get the job or not. Even when it is an entry level or low paid job. It is all important. A job interview is nerve wracking.
Preparation is the key. No matter what the job, prepare for the interview and stay positive. Do your due diligence and research the company. Understand what they want in a new employee so you can talk about how your skills make you a good fit.
People can make up their mind about someone in the first minutes of meeting them. You only have one chance to make a good impression. So, make sure you dress appropriately for the job you are interviewing for.
Here are some things to help you prepare for any job interview.
Show what you know about the company
Research the company before the interview. Know something about the organisation in relation to the job and the interview. If not asked what you know about the company, let your knowledge show slip as a part of an answer. Interviewing for a house maid job could mean saying, “with 500 rooms there must be a good system for completing the work on time. I noticed housekeeping ratings were high for this hotel. I understand following policies and procedures are important for maintaining high standards.”
Check out the company website and blog for valuable information. You want to learn the organisation’s culture, staff, history, and values. Anything that can help you.
Prepare for the interview questions
Review interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses”. Have strong responses prepared. Back up what you say with examples. Interviewing for a job as a bartender with little actual experience? Highlight your time management and customer skills. Say something like, “I understand the importance of time management. You need bar staff to work fast while keeping customers happy”. If it comes down to hands on experience pouring drinks offer to work a couple of shifts for free to get the experience.
Create a list of questions for the interviewer. It shows interest in the job and company. Ask about the work culture and what the company does to help employees progress.
Connect with the interviewer
Showing knowledge about the company can help develop a connection with the interviewer. Make sure you know their name and use it occasionally throughout the interview. Always know the name of the person interviewing you beforehand. Ask if you don’t know. It is important to make a connection with the interviewer. You want to feel comfortable with each other if you are going to work together. They are more likely to hire people they like they think will fit the company culture.
Plan ahead
Plan ahead. Plan everything from your outfit to your shoes. Make sure it is appropriate for the job you are interviewing for. You wouldn’t wear a suit for an interview as a laborer. Organise how you will wear your hair and how you will get there. By bus or will you drive. Work out the time you need to leave the house to be a few minutes early. On the night before an interview, get everything ready so all you need to do tomorrow is get to the interview on time.
Don’t be late
Don’t be late for your interview. Be 5 or 10 minutes early. Make sure you account for traffic at the time of the day. You don’t want to be running through the door as the interview is about to start. Otherwise you are flustered and that is not a great start to an interview. Being early lets you calm your nerves and compose yourself.
Stay calm, relax in the interview
Stay calm and relax in the interview. Easier said than done you say? Not really. When you prepare you feel confident so let that show. Listen to the question before answering and be honest in your answers. Avoid cutting off the interviewer while they are speaking. Wait until they finish before answering. Take a minute to answer when you need to. Remember, you prepared for the interview. Gather your thoughts and calmly answer the questions.
Things to avoid at an interview
There are some things to avoid at all costs at an interview. Do not:
- Answer with a yes or no to questions. Try to answer in context, with an example and an outcome.
- Put down a previous employer or former colleagues.
- Lie. Answer truthfully and be straight to the point.
- Over answer questions. Keep answers relevant to the interview.
- Ask about salaries or holidays unless asked first. Know the going rate for the job and specify your salary range when asked.
- Show disappointment when the interview does not go well. This can be a test to see your reaction.
The why should I hire you question?
The inevitable question, “Why should I hire you?” Be honest. Because you are the best person for the job. Reinforce the skills and qualities you would bring to the company. Talk about your interest in the industry to show your knowledge and interest.
Follow up 24 hours later
Send a follow-up email 24 hours after the interview to thank the interviewer for their time. Reinforce your interest in the position and even include any details relevant you forgot to talk about at the interview.
Ask why if you don’t get hired
Unfortunately, not every interview brings success. Find out why if you don’t get hired. Send your interviewer a quick note thanking them for the interview and ask why you did not get hired. Use this information to do better next time. Even look back on the interview and think about how you could do better.
Use these tips to prepare for your next job interview. They will help you feel more confident and relaxed, and more likely to get hired.