Thread: Advice for Interviews

Phone interview tip: Have a hand held or other mirror in front of you as you converse. It forces you to smile more and that is reflected in how well you'll communicate with the other person.

Read up beforehand about the company, what they do, their history. This isn't to "show off" your knowledge in the interview, but to understand what might be behind some of the questions. Think of your answers and comments with respect to how you can benefit the company.

Also ask questions about the company, find out what it is like to work there. It is good information to have, and helps give the impression that you aren't desperate, but have a real interest in finding a job where you fit in.

If I may make another suggestion to compliment those already offered here: Get the book "Best answers to the 201 most frequently asked interview questions". I used it and I definaitely think it helpped. It gets you in the mindset of what you may encounter/what type of questions they may ask, and allows you to get ready for them and have some good answers formulated and ready for them.

Another is "Smile when talking with them (people can tell by your voice and you will seem more confident and pleasant) - and relax when talking with them (but always be professional).

Practice makes perfect. Practice your answers aloud so that you get comfortable discussing yourself, goals, strengths, and weaknesses (of course, you selected presentable weaknesses for the purpose of interviews.) Then, you need to be able to have some of your practiced answers and anecdotes ready to segue smoothly into your answers for various questions. And you need to be able to say them so come out sounding thoughtful and natural.

Other than that, do some research about the company and job that you are interviewing for. You need to present a confident image and be able to express why you are a good fit. Also, ask questions because the interview process is an opportunity for you to figure out if the company is a good fit for you too.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by rcoreyus

.... give the impression that you aren't desperate, but have a real interest in finding a job where you fit in.

Very important, indeed.

Since most of them had pretty much said it all....I'd add: Be ready for some relevant questions, i.e. how you could grow professionally if you get the job - how they help their employees improve in their respective fields. During my interview, I was asked what I'd like to know about the employer when I was applying for a teaching job here in the US.

Do not be afraid to sound eager and excited to be employed with whatever company is interviewing... enthusiasm goes a LONG way. With as many people as there are looking for jobs right now, all things being equal between a set of candidates, they are going to pick the one that wants it more. Be clear on how dependable you will be as that matters as much as skill -- you can be great at whatever you do, but if you don't show up -- it means nothing. Emphasize your ability to be present and punctual.

Express your positivity -- don't be a negative nancy... show ENERGY.. in person , smile a lot... give good eye contact, don't mumble, be clear and precicse. If you don't understand a question as them to explain it to you again what they want to know rather than rattling off something that has nothing to do with what they asked because you didn't understand what they wanted to know.

Treat EVERYONE in the place you interview at with respect and courtesy, be friendly and polite to nd anyone you come into contact with... these are all potential co-workers and you want your first impression to be a good one.

Agree with the above , do your research on the company before you interview , save some interesting facts that you learn in your mind to bring up if the opportunity presents, it will re-inforce your high interest in being employed with them.

If they ask you if you know how to use some specific instrument, program etc.. that you are unfamiliar with instead of saying 'no, i don't' say... thats something I've been excited to learn, or in someway come across confident that you will learn whatever it is they need you to know and become proficient in whatever is required of you.

But really, if they call you in for an interview its because your skills match what they are looking for... so they just want to see the person attached to the skill... so its all about personality first and foremost.

Most prospectve Employers will ask the question " Tell me a little about yourself " ?

This is and isn't a trick question. They want to know your Qualities that you can bring to the compamy..

They want to hear things like..

" I'm Dedicated, Loyal, Honest, a Team Player, Dependable. If I don't know a Process or Protocol , I am willing to ask for help rather than just attempt to Wing it and make a Bad Decision.

They Do Not want to hear ...

" I'm Married/ Divorced , have 3 kids, a dog and a cat, I like to go clubbing or watch TV . I collect elephants. I like to be lazy on my day off.

Also they may ask what your weakest attribute is ? This is also a bit tricky....

Say your weakness is you can't cook very well.. Don't say " I'm not very good at Cooking, I tend to burn stuff.. so we eat fast food alot " LOL

The best way to answer this is ..

" I would like to take a cooking class or research different cultures and try new recipies, so I can improve on my my culinary skills ".

If they ask why you left your last job or why you have been unemployed for the past (enter time) ?

Don't Say!! " I didn't get along with my Boss, I was treated like a slave, I hated my co~workers.I only kept that job till something better came along.."



The best answer is.

" I didn't feel that I was progressing or advancing or able to apply my skills to the fullest potential, so I took some time off to enhance my skills and look for a Career that I can be a benifit to the company "


Finally when they ask if you have any Questions ?

Saying " Nope " is a big turn off, it shows you really just want any job and not interested in the Company.

Asking things like " How long have you been with the Company ? What do you enjoy most about working here ? Are there any additional, classes or training by this Company that I can utilize to become a valuble employee and team player ? "

Another Important thing is to do a " Pre Visit " or have a friend do it. Go to the Company, see what the dress code is,...
Dress Casual but Professional. No Tight clothes, No Baggy Clothes, if you have Tatoos, Cover them. No Loud or " Busy Shirts/ Dresses ". Simple colors that enhance are best. Even if you have to wear a uniform when hired... going in looking professional shows them You care about your appearance even when Not at their Job.

Lastly , as all others have said...

SMILE, Be Friendly.. At the end of the Interview, Shake their hand, Eye Contact, THANK them for their Time. Let them know you are excited about becoming one of the team and leave them any and all ways of contacting you. Cell, Home, Email..

*** Note ** Make sure your Voice mail on all phones is Professional, none of the Weird Music or Crazy Sayings.. have a Professional Email set up ahead of time.. The " Imahooker6969yummygirl.yaehoo" is not going to be a good impression.