Job interviews are an opportunity for you to validate what the employer already believes: based on your resume or application, you are qualified for the job! It is also an opportunity for you to rate the desirability of working for a company.
An interview can be a stressful experience, but consider it a recognition of a job well done. Learn if the organization is a good fit for you.
Before the Interview
- Research the company
- Be prepared
- Look your best
- Bring your resume, contact information, Military service record (if applicable), list of references, and samples of your work if appropriate. Also bring a note pad, questions, and a pen to take short notes.
Arrive Early
- Relax
- Be conscious of your body language
- Use discretion
- Ask questions
- Unless asked, do not inquire about salary or talk about financial situations
Interview Q & A
Tell me a little about yourself?
This is an open-ended question usually asked to help “break the ice”. The key thing to remember is to keep your response related to the job. Be specific and do not ramble. Your answer should be about 2 minutes in length.
What is your major strength/weakness?
Your major strength should be easy, but ensure it’s related to the job. For your weakness, put a positive spin on it. For example, “I tend to be nervous around my supervisors, although I’ve gained more confidence in that area since my last job where my superiors encouraged me to ask questions.”
After the Interview
- Thank the interviewer
- Keep records of your conversation and who you met with
- Follow up—Immediately after the interview, follow up with the employer by sending a thank you note. An e-mail is fine if you have already corresponded with the employer via e-mail.
Continue your job search after the interview, ensuring no job searching time is wasted.
No comments:
Post a Comment