Hi! Welcome to my Blog. I like to use my experience as both a Certified Résumé Writer and administrator in charge of the candidate selection and interview process for my department to share helpful tips that I have picked up along the way. This blog will be updated frequently. I hope you enjoy it! Positive Testimonials and remembering to “Like” my Facebook page are GREATLY appreciated.
7 Ways to Make Your Interview a Success – From the One Asking the Questions
For this blog entry, I decided to take a break from focusing specifically on résumés and cover letters to address another topic that I have become very familiar with: The Interview. For many people, simply reading those words can be intimidating. Today, I’m going to show you simple steps to take that will both reduce anxiety while also increasing your chances of getting a job offer. If you have read my previous blog posts, you may know that I regularly select candidates and lead interviews for my department. Since I work for one of the largest companies in the area, this process can occur quite often. I have also been the interviewee on many occasions so I can sympathize with both sides of the interview process. Speaking from an interviewer perspective, here are 7 ways to make your interview a success.
- Study common interview questions and prepare responses. There are certain common topics addressed in the majority of interviews (these can be found through a simple google search). That is not to say that you will get these exact questions, but chances are that you will be asked something very similar. Having responses ready to go will greatly reduce stress and lead to more elaborate answers as well.
- Research the employer. While sometimes difficult, it goes a long way to be able to base your responses on specific needs or interests of the employer. This will make it very easy for the interviewer to envision how you will benefit their company.
- Be a PRO. As in Prepared, Respectful and On-time. Take time to investigate what the job opening requires, brush up on current industry lingo, go back and review everything you have accomplished to this point in your field, etc. It is equally important to be respectful, toward both the people you meet during the interview and to the position itself. Even if the person is someone you just pass by and not in the actual interview, treat them as though they are. You never know who they might know or what position they hold. Also, bringing coffee or food into the interview may give the impression that they don’t have your full attention. Be sure to formally thank the interviewer(s) via e-mail, mail or phone call after the interview has ended. Lastly, be early for your interview. Not only do you not want be late for obvious reasons, arriving early and having a few minutes to sit will help to relax you before going in.
- Be CONFIDENT. Always remember, if the interviewer wasn’t interested in you, you would’ve have been called in for an interview in the first place! You’re there because you have something valuable to offer.
- Give specific examples. Actual success stories from your previous positions will show that you are an important asset for any company. Specific and detailed examples are much more impactful than general statements or theoretical ideas.
- Ask insightful questions. This will make you seem well-versed in the industry, as well as committed to improving yourself and your potential future employer.
- Sell Yourself. Don’t be modest… or cocky. Very often, the candidate that is offered a position is not necessarily the most qualified, but instead the one that best promotes his/her strengths and value to a company. The one caveat is that you don’t want to come off as cocky. This can turn off employers and give the impression that you aren’t easy to work with. Be confident, not cocky.
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Greg Ryan Resume Writing 