Job Interview Tips
Getting an interview is difficult enough these days, and is nerve inducing time for anyone, especially those that are just starting out in a field or changing into one. Surviving that first interview can induce some real anxiety into potential job seekers, and for good reason. The first face to face meeting is very important for a job seeker, and you don’t get many chances to impress after that. This is especially true for positions where you will be challenged to answer technical queries or show off a portfolio. Doing well on the first interview is critical, and some anxiety will help to keep you sharp.
Allowing anxiety to take over, however, is not the reaction that you want to have when going for the first interview. Take a deep breath and try to calm down a little. Yes, the interview is worth thinking thoroughly about, but an excess of anxiety is not really going to help matters. Being thoroughly prepared for the interview is the best way to allay your own fears and overcome the accompanying anxiety. If you are well prepared, you will have the confidence of your own knowledge to lessen the fear.
More important than anything, however, is the attitude with which you approach an interview. Although technical knowledge of your field is critical, nothing can trump the importance of the perception that employers have of your personality. If an employer perceives that you may be a little lacking in knowledge, but have a very positive and responsible attitude, they will most likely overlook small gaps in knowledge and training.
On the other hand, if you attempt to oversell yourself by exaggerating claims and making false statements, your potential employer will pick up on this in an instant. This is a very negative perception that is sure to sink your chances quicker than anything else. A perception of dishonesty, even mildly seen, can destroy your chances of landing that new job. Although you want to represent the skills that you have, you should never try to pass yourself off as an expert when you are not. Even if false claims are discovered after you have been hired, the employer can still just as easily withdraw its offer of employment.
Talking about compensation and benefits upfront is another definite “no no”, no matter what field you are considering. If you talk about these points too early, an employer will think that you are presumptuous and perhaps even arrogant. These points will be covered later once an employer has decided that they are interested in hiring you.
It is also important, of course, to approach an interview with confidence. Although arrogance is not an attribute you want to show, confidence in your skills and knowledge should definitely be displayed.
Just as you do not want to misrepresent yourself by exaggerating skills and knowledge, you also do not want to sell yourself short. Be sure employers know all that you are capable of.
Once the interview has concluded, be sure to give your prospective employer a call back after three or four days. This can be a way of letting your potential employee know that you are really interested in the position. Although it is a good idea to stay in touch with an employer, neither should you over do this contact. A single phone call is a good way to remind employers of your interest, but multiple phone calls will annoy potential employers.
Approach every interview with enthusiasm. Research a little about the company you are applying to, so that an employer feels like you really have a strong desire to work there.
Tags: attitude, interview tips, job interview, tips