7 Fantastic Interview Tips

7 Fantastic Interview Tips 7 Fantastic Interview Tips Career 7 Fantastic Interview Tips How To Land The Job PROSTOCKSTUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK If youre new to job interviews and the business world, you probably dont realize just how much tact is expected and required to make it past your first encounter with an interviewer, especially if youre facing a fair amount of competition for a single position. In this article, weve compiled seven interview tips to coach beginners how to find their footing (and a way to stand out from the pack). 1. Have an impressive resume and application For most positions, a simple form with your basic background information (such as your job history, references, and availability) is required before an interview can be offered. Your application should be written neatly, succinctly, and thoughtfully. Avoid run-on sentences, small or illegible handwriting, and keep your availability as open as possible. This will make you a higher-ranking candidate when compared to the rest of the applicant pool. Whether or not its required, you should always submit a professional resume with your job application. It shows employers that you are willing to go above and beyond, and it also gives you the chance to show off your credentials. Spend plenty of time creating a detailed and impressive resume. We can help you there. 2. Practice your conversation skills Your potential employer will want to know that youre comfortable being social. You should be able to engage your interviewer in small talk and intellectual conversation, if they so choose. Dont try to rush through the interview to get to the questions. Be calm, collected, and patient. This person is trying to determine how well youll do in a stressful environment. You shouldnt give them any reason to doubt your capabilities. Just sit back and be personable. 3. Be honest about your flaws This is a big one. When your potential employer asks what your biggest flaw is (and they will), dont give them the predictable, face-saving runaround that everyone else has given them prior to you. Its practically a guarantee that theyve already heard: I work too hard. My ambitions get in the way of my normal day-to-day life. My friends tell me that I need to take it easy and relax. I spend too much time helping my coworkers. Its all been done before. Instead of turning a perk into a flaw, and then awkwardly trying to twist it around in order to impress your interviewer, just be honest with them. By being straightforward, youre giving them information that they can use to place you in the company and figure out where you stand as a worker. Were all human. Unless you tell them that youve robbed a candy store or party too hard on the weekends, they arent going to use this question to determine the outcome of your interview. The question is meant to throw you a hard ball and see whether youll shoot straight, or adjust course to avoid the hard stuff. 4. Have a firm, confident handshake The most important part of being a memorable candidate is your confidence level. In an interview, youll have endless opportunities to make a great first impression. But it all starts with the handshake. Your greeting should be firm, brief, and friendly. We suggest practicing with a family member or a friend before trying it for the first time. And dont forget to smile. 5. Dont be afraid to ask questions At the end of the interview, youll usually be given the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the position youve applied for. You should write these down beforehand, and ensure that they are either answered during the interview or asked afterward. Nodding and insisting that you dont have any questions isnt helping anyone, and it doesnt necessarily make you look smart. If it comes down to making a difficult decision, you need to have as much information as possible. Your interviewer is there to help. 6. Practice your posture Keep your back straight and your eyes focused. Dont be afraid to make eye contact with your interviewer. Averting your eyes because you dont want to feel uncomfortable is common, but its also noticeable after a lengthy period of time. Avoid putting your elbows on the table, or slumping over in your seat. You want to be alert and polite. 7. Job Interview Follow-Up When the interview is over, your job isnt done. Be sure to obtain the contact information of your interviewer and follow-up by phone or email within forty-eight hours. This shows that youre serious about the position and that youre not afraid to take the initiative to get things done. Dont wait a week before you make contact. At that point, its too late. You need to push your way into their memory. Follow these tips, and youll already be taking strides to stay ahead of your competition and get ahead in our competitive job market.