Job Interviewing Made Easy

First of all, you should understand the purpose of the interview. As much as you think you want to get hired on the spot, it is not the purpose for the interview. Interviews are meant to be an exchange of information. You learn about the employer and the employer learns about you. Plain and simple.

I have been on numerous interviews, and each one is different, but the principle is the same. For the purpose of today's topic, I am referring to an interview where you expect to get hired for something.  Preparing for interviews is kind of tricky, but with a little help you can be ready.

Job Interview

A job interview is a very common interview, and an extremely powerful tool in the hiring process. Imagine meeting someone one time to decide your future. In fact, research states that the interviewer (employer) decides whether they will hire you in the first 30 seconds of meeting you. Isn't that amazing.

Traditionally, an interview is conducted in a private room with you and at least one interviewer asking and answering questions. Interviews now days can be as short as five or fifteen minutes.

Today, phone interviews are becoming more and more popular. Phone interviews save time and money. I like phone interviews because they "break the ice". A phone interview acts as a deciding factor whether or not to pursue one another. Phone interviews are also less threatening and intimidating. Everyone feels empowered because they are on their own turf.

Preparing for Interviews

Gather and research all the information you need about the organization. I recommend that you go to the company's website (provided they have one) and read "about us", read the history and read "press releases". Once you've done this, you will begin to feel informed about the company, and you will be more knowledgeable about your world. Research is a good investment.

Refresh yourself about your skills and qualifications relating to the job you are being interviewed for. Revisit your resume. Understand your transferable skills and how they fit into the job you are seeking. Transferable skills are ones you learned doing any activity in your life. -- They include things you learned as a parent, school coach, classes you took, campaigning, projects, hobbies, and other things you can think of that you learned and can actually do.

Get your wardrobe together. Dress business casual -- not too sharp and definitely not too casual. You can wear a color; blue is not the only appropriate color. No bright neons though. Black, blue, grey, brown -- you can always accent your attire with a nice color. Use your best judgment for the organization and position you are applying for.

If you are stumped, wear a classic black or blue suit and a white crisp blouse or shirt. A blazer or jacket is fine too. Shoes should be neat, clean, polished and medium height (ladies); you don't want to be stumbling while walking and have to be picked up. Ties are still in men, they show you take this opportunity seriously.

Practice answering questions

"Why should we hire you", is a good place to start. There are a ton of possible questions, and you should prepare for them all. If you do not get hired, your time spent on these questions will work for you in the future. Some significant questions are: What are your weaknesses; what are your strengths; tell me something about yourself; where do you expect to be in five years (gets you to thinking about where your life is headed and shows how focused you appear to be).

Humility

I want to mention a word about humility right here. It is good to be confident, but over-confidence will hinder your reputation. Humility will cause your interviewer to want to learn more about you, and see you as teachable. I recall this one interview I went to (didn't get the job), and I was extremely over-confident. I asked the interviewer more questions than she asked me, seriously. I sat with my legs crossed, had questions on my notepad and put her to the test. It is okay to ask questions, but you as the interviewee are not to mistake your role. I think the lady felt that if she hired me, I'd be tryin' to boss her around. Do yourself a favor, and follow their lead.

Be pleasant

Make the interviewer glad they met you. Go in with a smile and warm "nice to meet you". Give short answers and responses -- nobody wants to hear your life story. Answer the questions that are asked of you and give good relatable scenarios when asked. Because you will probably be asked, "Give me an example of a time when............".

Right Job

Know for a surety that if this job is for you, you will get it. Settle in your heart that the right job is coming to you. Keep a positive and upbeat attitude. Condition your mind to be patient for your next job. Think big for yourself and your future. Know that someone is waiting for you and is willing to pay you what you are worth. Relax and enjoy the search!

Make a comment to let me know what you think.