Techniques For Successful Interviews
Congratulations! You have been invited for a job interview. Be enthusiastic because enthusiasm helps get jobs; First impressions are important.
Before the interview, find out as much as possible about the position and the department. Review your resume, cover letter, and the job announcement so you know your goals, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. Also, evaluate your transferable skills and be specific when assessing any of your skills. Practice your interview with a friend or in front of a mirror.
At the interview, arrive on time or a little early and take a few deep breaths to calm yourself. Review your resume or notes as you wait or picture yourself in the interview, calm and relaxed. Enter the interview with confidence and remember interviewing is a two-way street.
Some employees experiencing a layoff may hold antagonistic feelings about their previous management as a result of the layoff. Do not put the management who laid you off in a bad light. Hiring supervisors do not hire employees who �bad mouth� their prior management.
During the interview, maintain good eye contact and lean forward to show concern. If any question is unclear, ask for clarification. When the interviewer(s) complete the questions, you might ask:
- Are there other qualities, responsibilities, or skills you are looking for that we have not discussed?
- When might I expect to hear?
- I am very interested/enthusiastic in this position. Is there anything else I can tell you about me that would assure you I am the best candidate for this position?
In the closure, summarize the important points and tie up any loose ends. At this time, the interviewers may ask for references, and you may confidently submit your prepared List of References. You should contact your references in advance to ensure they are aware of the position you are interviewing for and that they are still willing to provide a positive reference.
Before leaving the interview, thank the interviewers; shake their hands; smile and leave. Follow up with a thank you letter and make sure you have the names and titles of each individual who interviewed you.