A Few Tips For Getting Success In A Job Interview And Preparing For A Successful Job Interview

An Overview:

Going for an interview can be scary or even an overwhelming task for many of us. But it does not have to be like this. There are some tips and pointers if followed that can help any candidate tremendously. Give your upcoming job interview the importance it deserves and prepare well. The better prepared you are the better are the chances of succeeding in that interview.
But first, if it is your fist time interviewing for a job, let’s address the issue of the job interview as a selection method for hiring employees.

Why Job Interviews?

An interview is a common method for selecting the best candidate for a job. For the aspiring candidates, it is their chance to showcase their capability to carry off the job.
The candidates coming for the interview have passed the first selection procedure – Their resumes were chosen. They are “almost” qualified enough for the job or else they won’t be there. The thing that you should be concentrating upon is what is it in you that the employer will be able to see and choose you above others.

Preparing For A Successful Job Interview

Since an interview is always preplanned/organized affair, the candidate better be prepared to perform at her best in order to succeed in a job interview.

10 Quick Tips For A Successful Interview

Your Value And Job Requirement:

Have clear personal goals and career expectations.  Know your true worth. Study the job profile carefully. Evaluate your own skills and qualification against the job’s requirements.

Learn The Company Profile:

Before appearing for the interview, make a little research on the company. Try and get an idea of what the company stands for or believe in. Find out its achievements, its biggest competitors and allies. This will give you an upper hand when the questions about the company and what can you bring to it are being asked.

List Your Skills:

Write down all the skills an qualifications you have that can be applied to the job.

Practice/Rehearse:

No matter how many interviews a person may have faced in his/her lifetime, appearing for one almost always create some flutter in the stomach. And when this happens, practice helps. Rehearsing the interview improves your performance, enhances confidence level, and gives you a chance to work on your weak points.

Paperwork:

Have all the required papers and documents ready and organized well before. Nothing is more off-putting than seeing a candidate scrabbling for papers in the interview room.

Dress Appropriately:

However vain it may sound but is true that people start to judge just by looking at others. Wear nice/clean shoes. Be careful to not to wear a lot of make up. Keep the jewelry to the minimum. Avoid wearing lots of cologne.

Have A Good Night Sleep:

Wake up early enough to be ready well in time. Have a healthy breakfast.

Arrival:

Arrive at least 15 minutes earlier. It will reflect on your seriousness and punctuality.

Your Behavior At The Interview:

Shake hands firmly. Be polite. Do not sit until invited to do so. When you invited to sit, sit and stand tall. Maintain eye contact. Do not fidget or play with your hair. Do not adjust your clothes. Do not display any nervous energy. Of course, do share any negative information about your self. Show your keenness. Smile naturally and remember to use positive tone.

Sell Yourself:

Let the person/panel see the qualities in you that set you apart from others. What is the uniqueness that you can bring to the company that others cannot. Therefore, communicate well. This is the place where all you have learnt about good communication will be tested. Your goal is to influence them enough for them to hire you.

Practicing Job Interview Answers

Anticipate The Job Interview Questions:

Anticipating the job interview questions is one of the best ways to get ready for an interview. Write down at least 20-30 job interview questions and try to think of an answer to them.

The Mock Interview:

There are many ways to practice. One of the ways is to take the help of a career professional and perform a mock interview. A mock interview will be conducted like an actual one with one person as the interviewee (you) and another as an interviewer. The expert will help you with valuable interview tips. She will point out to you the areas which need to be worked upon and also show you your good points which will help you down the road.
Mock interviews are particularly good for any employer from all levels. People who want to prepare for an interview find this technique as a very effective one. You may also want to wear the clothes you chose for an interview in order to give it a real feel.
You may decide to practice with a help of your family and friends. They will take the position of the interviewer asking you ready-made questions. It is recommended to make several sessions until you are happy with the results.
One great way to see where you stand is to videotape your rehearsal – Videotaping will give you immediate feedback and a chance to make improvements.

Last But Not Least:

You have to be ready (mentally) for failures. You may be well prepared but wouldn’t succeed in a job interview. Things can happen in life as you know – Job interviews sometimes are unpredictable.
Sometimes, you wouldn’t be able to communicate well with the interviewer though you worked hard on it. From your side, you must remain composed even if the interview doesn’t go in the direction you wanted it to go.

Note:

If the interview does not go as expected or planned do not brood upon it or get stuck in negative thoughts. There is always room for improvement. Look for the points that may have gone wrong and find ways to make them right.