Interviewing Tips - Get That Job!!

We all need to learn how to be on our own. Having a job gives an opportunity to show good responsibility. (Either way, you don't want to live under your parents roof forever!!) However, giving answers in pressure while being stared down at by people is, in fact, difficult if you're doing it for the first time. For this reason, I have collected some helpful tips for you to get that job!!

Before anything, I would like to give a brief introduction to what an interview is. Of course, you would think it to be meeting a person and answering their question. This sounds simple. Now think of it this way: an interview is a highly focused professional conversation. You have a limited amount of time to show the employer that you have the skills, background, and ability to do the job. Your goal is to impress the employer by showing your personality, confidence, enthusiasm, positive outlook, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. After all, first impressions last the longest, right? But don't worry, interviewing is a skill that improves and becomes easier with practice.

Research - 

First of all, make sure you know about the job you are striving for. Let's your mother told you to go to the grocery store and told you to buy it for $5. How can you by 'it' without knowing what is?! In the same way, you cannot give an interview without knowing what 'skills' your employer is looking for. Knowing about the job will help you prepare a list of your qualifications you need to show. One way you can do this is request printed materials from the employer, such as annual reports and job descriptions. Don't hesitate to do this, it's totally okay!!

Practice Makes Perfect!! -

Yes, you may be thinking, practice an interview? It sounds lame, I believe you. But now believe me: while sitting in a room alone with one, two, or maybe even three to five employers waiting for your answer, you will feel much better if you have prepared for the interview. 

These are some common questions you will be asked:

1) Tell me about yourself.

2) What made you want this job?

3) Give a past experience....

4) What are your strengths?

You can research more questions. This was just to give you an idea of what the basis of the questions are like. 

Now that you have an idea about the questions, practice answering with a friend, or in front of a mirror. Avoid colloquialisms, such as "like" and "you know."

Be Prompt and Professional - 

Like I stated before: First impressions last the longest. 

Make sure you arrive 5 - 10 minutes early. Wear a professional business suit. Women should avoid wearing too much jewelry or make up; men should avoid flashy suits or wearing too much cologne. And most importantly avoid wearing a frown. Always smile: People enjoy working with other happy people!!

Know Yourself -

The best way to make the interview easy is to know yourself. You will be asked to tell about yourself more than anything. Make sure you are honest, but don't make yourself look negative. If you have to say anything negative about yourself, cover it back up with a hopeful phrase reassuring the employer that the situation can be improved. However, NEVER say anything negative about past experiences, employers, or courses and professors. Try to be enthusiastic.

Show Your Interest - 

This is where the research comes in hand!! Demonstrate that you have an idea about what the job is about. You want to prepare a few questions about the job, the organization, and its services and products. Asking questions is the best way to impress the interviewer. 

Write a Thank You Note -

You should write a thank you note within 48 hours after the interview. It is important to say thank you for the time the interviewer spent with you whether or not you are interested in the position. Always do this even if you thought that the interviewer was not productive.