Job Interview Tips - Make a Great Impression(3)

An interview is considered finished when you have the followup and the feedback.

What to do - before the interview  - Click here!

What to do - during the interview - Click here!

What to do - after the interview

When the interview is over, give yourself the best chances of moving forward by doing the following:

1. Ask about next steps.

After your interview, it is appropriate to ask either your interviewer, hiring manager or recruiter about what you should expect as next steps. This will likely be a follow-up email with results from your interview, additional requirements like an assignment, a Psychometric test or reference list or another 

interview.

2. Send a personalized thank you letter after the interview.

Ask for the business card of each person you speak with during the interview process so that you can follow up individually with a separate thank you email. If you interviewed in the morning, send your follow-up emails the same day. If you interviewed in the afternoon, the next morning is fine. Make certain that each email is distinct from the others, using the notes you took during the conversations.

Do practice the above steps to make it a habit. Read "Things not to do during the Interview"

Now read about what to do - before the interview - Job interview Tips

 Now read about what to do - during the interview - Job interview Tips

Job Interview Tips - Make a Great Impression(2)

Job Interview Tips - Make a Great Impression

What to do - before the interview Click here!

What to do - after the interview - Click here!

What to do - during the interview

Once you’ve spent time preparing, you can be successful on interview day by practicing these tips:

1. Plan your interview attire the night before.

If you’re speaking to a recruiter before the interview, you can check with them about the dress code in the workplace and choose your outfit accordingly. If you don’t have someone to ask, research about the company and look at employees on LinkedIn to learn what’s appropriate. Read "Easy ways to not ruin your interview".

2. Carry copies of your resume, a notepad and pen.

Take at least 2 copies of your printed resume on clean paper in case of multiple interviewers. Highlight specific accomplishments on your resume that you can easily refer to and discuss. Prepare to take notes, but not on your smartphone or another electronic device. Write information down so that you can refer to these details in your follow-up thank-you notes. Maintain eye contact as much as possible. 

3. Reach 10–15 minutes early.

Map out your route to the interview location so you can be sure to arrive on time. If you’re taking public transportation, identify a backup plan if there are delays or closures. When you arrive early, use the extra minutes to observe workplace dynamics. This will help you get acclimatize.

4. Make a great first impression.

Don’t forget the little hygiene things—shine your shoes, combed hair, make sure your nails are clean and tidy, and check your clothes for holes, stains, pet hair and loose threads. Display confident body language and a smile throughout.

5. Treat everyone you encounter with respect.

This includes people on the road and in the parking lot, security personnel and front desk staff. Treat everyone you don’t know as though they’re the hiring manager. Even if they aren’t, your potential employer might ask for their feedback.

6. Practice good manners and body language.

Practice confident, accessible body language from the moment you enter the building. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders back. Before the interview, take a deep breath and exhale slowly to manage feelings of anxiety and encourage self-confidence. The interviewer should extend their hand first to initiate a handshake. Stand, look the person in the eye and smile. A good handshake should be firm but not crush the other person’s fingers.

7. Win people with your authenticity and positivity.

Be genuine during the interview conversations. It will help employers easily relate to you. Showing positivity with a smile and upbeat body language can help keep the interview light and constructive.

8. Respond truthfully throughout the discussion.

While it can seem tempting to embellish on your skills and accomplishments, interviewers find honesty refreshing and respectable. Focus on your key strengths and why your background makes you uniquely qualified for the position. Read "How to give a killer presentation"

9. Relate your reply with your skills and accomplishments.

With any question you answer, it is important that you relate it with examples of solutions and results you’ve achieved in your past jobs. Use every opportunity to address the requirements listed in the job description.

10. KISS - keep it Short and Simple.

Your time with each interviewer is limited so be mindful of rambling. Practicing your answers beforehand can help keep you focused.

11. No Negative comments about your previous employers.

Companies want to hire problem solvers who overcome tough situations. If you’re feeling discouraged about your current job, focus on talking about what you’ve gained from that experience and what you want to do next.

Do practice the above steps to make it a habit. Read "Things not to do during an interview"

Now read about what to do - before the interview  - Interview Tips

Now read about what to do - after the interview - Interview Tips

Job Interview Tips - Make a Great Impression(1)

Congratulations!! You have your job interview scheduled— All the Best.

 This is a 3 posts series to help you ace in your interviews. The posts are as under:

What to do - before the interview - Click here!

What to do - during the interview - Click here!

What to do – after the interview - Click here!

Let us help you prepare for your interview. Below is an overview of how to succeed in an interview.

What to do - before the interview

In the days before your job interview, set aside some time to do the following:

1. Research about the company and your interviewers.

Understanding key information about the company you’re interviewing with will give you the much required confidence to go into your interview. Using the company’s website, social media posts and recent press releases will provide a solid understanding of the company’s goals and how your background makes you a great fit.

2. Read about common Interview questions and practice your answers.

Prepare your answer to the common question like “Tell me about yourself, and what interests you in this role with our company?” Your preparation will help you quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role—this is your personal elevator pitch. Read 9 deadly Interview Questions

3. Decipher the requirements from the job description.

You may want to print the job description and begin underlining specific skills the employer is looking for. Recall few examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements.

4. STAR methodology in answering questions.

Prepare to be asked about times in the past when you used a specific skill and use the STAR method to tell stories with a clear Situation, Task, Action and Result.

5. Call a friend to practice answering questions.

Generally, practicing your answers out loud with a friend or someone is an effective way to prepare for your interviews. You will observe that you gain confidence as you get used to saying the words.

6. Prepare a list of references.

Your interviewers might require you to submit a list of references before or after your interview. Having a  list of referees ahead of time can help you quickly complete this step to move forward in the hiring process.

7. Prepare examples of your work.

During your interview, you may likely be asked about specific projects you’ve completed in relation to the position. After reviewing the job description, think of work you’ve done in past jobs, that show you have experience and success doing the work they require.

8. Prepare smart questions for your interviewers.

Interviews are a two-way discussion. Employers expect you to ask questions: they want to know that you’re thinking seriously about their company and the position. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your interviewers:

• Is this a new or a replacement role?
• Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities this job entails?
• What are the required characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?
• How would the performance of the individual in this role be measured? How often?
• Who are the internal stakeholders that this position works with?
• How do these departments typically collaborate?
• What does that process look like?
• What are the challenges you’re currently facing in this role?

Do practice the above steps to make it a habit. Read Things not to do during your interview

Now read about what to do - during the interview - Job Interview Tips

Now read about what to do – after the interview - Job Interview Tips