Preparing for the Perfect Interview - Get The Job!

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   Cornermouseposted 11 years ago

   In this economy, it is difficult enough to obtain an interview date, let alone impress an interviewer sufficiently to gain the position. I remember, as a professional technical writer, finding myself interviewing for a data entry clerk position after 9/11 put 180,000 or so aerospace workers out of their jobs.  I was interviewed by various groups within the company and asked many questions.  It was nerve wracking!  But, I got the job.  Why?  I am about to tell you how to win a job when there is one position and 400 applicants.  Let's examine the process from the start.
   
   1.   Dress for success!  For a woman, a suit (jacket and slacks or jacket and skirt) is a must.  Do not wear anything terribly shear and wear sensible shoes.  Heels are fine but 5 inch spikes sent a message that is unclear and sometimes negative.  Men, wear a suit or, at the very least, a shirt, slacks and tie.  Clean your dress shoes.  Do not wear athletic style shoes to an interview no matter what the job may entail.
   
   2.   Practice speaking in front of a mirror or with a friend.  Using both is best.  Ask yourself questions you think you might be asked such as, "what are your strengths?", "what are your weak areas?".  Another question I've been asked many times is to explain how I encountered a problem and resolved it and was asked for the answer to be specific.  Think business, not personal problems.
   
   3.   BE HONEST.  A lie during an interview can easily be detected by experienced Human Resource people and will definitely cost you any opportunity for employment with the Company for whom you are interviewing.
   
   4.   Avoid contractions (i.e., don't, won't, or wouldn't've).  These cause misunderstanding.
   
   5.   Use proper grammar.  Don't speak in phrases but in whole sentences.  Make sure that verbs agree with your subjects.  Never use "don't not" or "they is".
   
   6.   When introduced, shake hands firmly; no one likes a fish grip.  Do this even if your hands are moist.  And look the person you are meeting straight in the eye, smile, and say "Nice to meet you," or "How do you do?"  Never shake hands with someone and say "Hey."
   
   7.   Answer questions thoughtfully and speak up so you can be heard.  It is alright to say, "Hmmm, let me think about that a moment."  Then provide your answer.  An employer will not mind as you search your mind for the best possible answer.
   
   8.   You may be given an opportunity to ask questions.  Ask about the job, the culture of the company and lastly about money and benefits.  Before you attend your interview, look the company up to see their website and learn a little about them.  That is a big plus when  a potential employee takes the time to find out about the company with whom they are interviewing.
   
   I hope this will help you land the job of your dreams.  Best wishes!

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      theseattlegirlposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      GREAT advice.
      
      As one who used to do quite a bit of the interviewing and hiring at her old company, I can tell you this advice is DEAD ON.
      
      May I add something?
      
      9. Be sure to research the company with whom you are interviewing. Few things reflect more poorly on the applicant than a lack of knowledge about the company!

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2. 89

   RedElfposted 11 years ago

   This would make a really good article (hub) if you published it instead of leaving it here in the forums. The forums are intended for discussion, and your article is wasted here. Think about publishing it instead

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      Cornermouseposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the good advice!  I did just that.  I'm new at this so I'm learning every time I enter the site.  Appreciate you.

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