- Make sure to show up early for the interview. I'm talking about arriving 15-30 minutes early. We know what commuting is like in the Bay Area, you don't want to risk running late when you could have been early. Worse is not showing up at all.
- Accept the interview time the employer gives you. Barring death or illness, you should not try to reschedule to make it convenient for you. For one interview slot there are dozens if not hundreds of applicants vying for the position. You want the job, then you do what they want.
- When you are seated at the reception area do not slouch, this is part of the interview. Make sure to sit up straight, stay alert and be ready for the interview to start. Do not fidget or remove any clothing such as jackets or ties. Look eager for the job from the moment you set foot in the office and have a positive and sincere attitude.
- Dress appropriately from start to finish. What I mean is the second you are anywhere near the building, you want to dress the part. Just because your interview is at 1:30 pm, there is no reason for you to be caught by the employer wearing short shorts in the hallway at 1:00 pm.
- Know the company - make it a priority to have thoroughly researched the company by reviewing their website and Googling the company for any new information regarding any recent changes.
- Know your resume - review your resume prior to the interview. You don't want to go into the interview, have the interviewer ask you a question about your resume, to have you ask, "What are you talking about?"
- Be confident, project your voice, look the interviewer in the eye and maintain good posture. Do not confuse confident with cocky - no one wants to hire someone who comes across as arrogant.
- Think about the types of questions that you may be asked but make sure to sound natural when answering the questions. The last thing you want to do is to sound like you have rehearsed your responses.
- Remember that even if you're meeting in a restaurant, you are still being interviewed and you should keep your conversation professional and courteous. Remember table manners and when it comes to ordering for yourself, keep your order within reason.
- Ask everyone you meet for business cards and email thank you's individually to each person shortly after your interview concludes. Try to make each thank you unique - for example refer to something that came up during your conversation with that person.
- Even if you don't get the job offer, remain courteous and professional - you never know when you might cross paths again or when the door might unexpectedly reopen. Keep your bridges with everyone you meet intact!
Lisa Slater
These are very helpful tips. This is of great help to me especially that I am soon to graduate. I hope you could post some possible questions or mostly asked questions during a job interview. Thank you
ReplyDeleteGeemiz -
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the questions asked vary based upon the individual being interviewed, the interviewers and the firms. Employers have specific needs they are trying to fill and will ask questions that help determine who are the best candidates to fill them. You can expect anything from traditional to behavioral questions.
Examples of traditional questions:
1. So, tell me about yourself.
2. Why do you want to do this job / work for this company?
3. What do you think you have to offer this company?
4. What do you know about the company?
5. What do you believe are your key strengths?
6. Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Examples of behavioral questions:
1. Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
2. Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
3. Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.
4. Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).
5. Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.
However, as long as you are prepared going into the interview, you should have nothing to worry about.