| Anyone who is a jobseeker
knows that looking for a new job or career is a job in itself.
Once you have completed the laborious task of writing your
resume and submitting it to various companies, you now have
to pass the screen test to get the job. Interviews are the
gateway to landing your ideal job. These five tips will help
you get own your way to making that job yours.
Tip#1
Be Confident
“Your first impression is your only impression.”
Nothing is worse than a limp handshake, slumped shoulders,
poor eye contact or poor communication skills. A potential
employer can tell immediately if you are the man or woman
for this job by your body language. Although aggressiveness
is a turn-off, being passive gives the indication that you
are not sure of yourself or your qualifications. Keep eye
contact when answering questions or when the interviewer is
speaking directly to you. Smile occasionally to show your
interest and enthusiasm. Keeping a steady gaze on the interviewer
can be disturbing to an interviewer. Look away occasionally.
Lean forward to show that you are interested in what the interviewer
is saying. Speak in a concise and clear voice. If you have
problems annunciating certain words, don’t try to use
them on an interview. If this is difficult for you, practice
with a mirror and pay attention to your facial expressions.
Other interview killers:
-Slouching in a chair
-Crossing your arms
-Playing with your hair or jewelry
-Leaning back in chair
Tip# 2
Act As If
“You are what you believe.”
Act as if you had the job. What would you do if you had this
position? How would you act? How would a person in this position
act and speak? What are your responsibilities in this position?
What is a typical day like for you in this job? Change your
attitude towards yourself and your strengths. If you start
thinking that you won’t get the job, you will do small
unnoticeable things to sabotage your chances. Great free resources:
www.confidenceworld.com.
Tip#3
Know The Company
“Know your business.”
I once sat on a couple of interviews where the interviewees
did not do any research on the company. This sends a message
that you are looking for any job, not this specific job. Once
you’re interview is scheduled, get on the net and start
finding out everything you can about the company. A good place
to start is www.hoovers.com., which gives you industry information,
top competitors, names of CEO, etc. If you’d like to
know what current or former employees have to say about the
company, try www.wwetfeet.com. Beware of disgruntled postings.
Call the company headquarters and ask for the marketing department
to get specific information. Weave your research into the
interview by stating. “I read an article in the Wall
Street Journal, which mentioned that your company is thinking
about XYZ.” This lets the interviewer know that you
have taken the time to know more about the company. You can
ask questions about something you read, but don’t challenge
them or you’ll come across as a know-it-all.
Tip# 4
Be Prepared
“Know what to say.”
Most interviewers ask the same standard questions about your
strengths, weaknesses, former employers, work history. If
you are being interviewed by several people, this might be
a good cop, bad cop situation. Pay attention to who is playing
bad cop, they are looking for signs of weakness and dishonesty.
To be well prepared, before the interview, write out all your
accomplishments, both personal and professional. List your
strengths and weaknesses. Be honest, it’s easier to
remember the truth than it is a lie. Extra Tip: Write out
situations in which you have demonstrated: leadership skills,
determination, stress management, creativity, and flexibility.
Be prepared to answer the question: “Why do you want
this job?” If you’re not sure, reevaluate your
decision. If you arrive a few minutes early, review what you
wrote in the waiting room before the interview. Great list
of interview questions: Tested Interview Questions.
Tip#5
Ask For The Job
“You get what you ask for.”
The most important step in the interviewing process is one
most people miss. ASK FOR THE JOB! Most interviewers are waiting
for that closure. If you have done everything exceptionally
well during the interviewing process, but have not asked for
the job, you’ve just wasted an interview. Asking for
the job shows the potential employer that you are assertive,
confident and right for the job. It might feel uncomfortable,
but this is your only chance to ask for something you really
want. Make sure your voice is firm and you make eye contact.
Think of it as your closing argument, you’ve got to
win over the jury. You should also ask the interviewer if
he or she thinks you are right for the job. Even if they tell
you something unpleasant, think of it as a lesson learned.
However, do yourself a favor and ask for the job. You deserve
it!
Marie Magdala Roker is
helping parents and their children to live extraordinary lives.
Smart Bee Coaching LLC helps you get from where you are in
life to where you want to be. http://www.smartbeecoaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Roker
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