Although many of us spend countless hours reading newspaper job ads or standing in line to fill out applications, we often invest too little time in the process that really nets us that job: the interview.
"For the most part, if you know how to interview, you can get any job, anywhere," says Michael Donadio, 26, a job placement specialist with El Proyecto Del Barrio, a non-profit job training program in Arleta, California.
Not only is an interview crucial to landing the job, it also helps you find out crucial information about the job: from salary and health insurance to vacation and working conditions.
For
any interview, there are three steps that must be followed to
increase your chances of landing the right job:
- Preparing
for the interview
- Conducting
the interview
- Following
up on the interview
Preparing
for the Interview
- Put together
a file of background information which may include:
- necessary
licenses
- diplomas
- resumes
- examples
of work
- social
security card, etc.
- Ask employer
what you should bring to the interview.
- Always
bring a pen.
- Practice
answers to most commonly asked questions including:
- Why are
you qualified for this job?
- What are
your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why did
you leave your last job and why are you looking for a job?
- Why do
you want to work here?
- What type
of salary are you looking for?
- research
company as much as possible in advance to prepare for above
questions.
What
to Wear
- Pay particular
attention to dress when you prepare for the interview.
- Dress
conservatively at interview, regardless of the type of business.
- Men should
be clean shaven, without excessive jewelry.
- Women
should not wear too much make-up, jewelry or perfume.
- Simple
is better.
Conducting
the Interview
- Arrive
a few minutes early: being late to the interview implies that
you will be late for work.
- Assume
an aura of confidence.
- Offer
a firm handshake with a dry palm.
- Keep gum,
cigarettes and other nervous habits at home.
- Smile
and be upbeat.
- Sit when
asked and do not slouch.
- Immediately
establish eye contact.
- Maintain
eye contact throughout interview, switching back and forth if
there is more than one interviewer.
- Don't
blurt out answers without thinking.
- Take a
moment to consider answers to questions.
- Answer
questions with assurance.
- Cite past
experience when answering questions.
- Stress
why you want the job and how you are qualified.
- Give specifics
of training and/or work experience which qualifies you for the
job.
- Asking
relevant questions about company shows interest.
- Don't
ever criticize past employers.
- Don't
offer cocky suggestions on improving the company interviewing
you.
- Don't
interrupt interviewer.
Closing
and Following Up on the Interview
- Do not
act dejected if you are not immediately offered the job (most
companies complete all interviews before making a decision).
- You may
inquire whether they will contact you or if you should call
in a week to find out status.
- Send follow-up
letter or short thank you note expressing your interest in the
job.
- If not
chosen for the position, ask if they will keep resume on file.
- Inquire
whether they know of any other employment for which you may
be suited.
- If appropriate,
ask to be advised why they did not hire you and what skills
you could develop to improve your chances in the future.
