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The interview is your big chance to introduce yourself
to your future employer face-to-face. You've done a lot of work to get an interview, and a little more preparation at this point can make the difference between having
a quick chat...or landing a great new job!
Here, then, are 10 tips for a great interview:
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- Interview yourself first. Know your skills.
What do you offer a company? Make a list of your work strengths and
goals. Be able to mention five unique qualities you could bring to your
new job.
- Get to know their company.
What kind of work do they do? How big a company is it? What is their
company philosophy? What is your interviewer’s title?
- Rehearse. Have a
friend interview you. Commonly asked questions:
Why do you want to work for us? Where do you want to be in two years?
How do you work under pressure?
- Pay attention to how you
dress. Remember the famous line: You can never make a first impression
twice. Neat, presentable, professional clothes make a strong statement
about you.
- Be early. Arriving
ten minutes early tells a prospective employer how your attendance will
be on the job. If you are running late, stop and make a call. Remember to allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with
the area, or if parking will be difficult.
- Smile. Rehearse a
greeting ahead of time to break the ice.
- Sit up. During the
interview, non-verbal communication is another
clue for interviewers. They will watch how you sit and how you hold
yourself. Remember to breathe. Be natural.
- Listen. And ask questions.
What do you want to know about the company? Optimally, an interview
is a dialogue – a chance for you
both to get to know each other.
- Sell yourself. Qualities
that are valued in today’s market include: poise, ambition, flexibility,
initiative, trustworthiness, clarity and sincerity.
Don’t be afraid to let them know your strengths.
- Follow up. The interview
doesn’t end when you shake hands and say good-bye. Make sure you provide
whatever references or paperwork requested by the interviewer as soon
as possible and send a hand written thank you letter.
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