A job interview could both be a blessing and a curse.
A blessing because you are reaching the final stages of getting employed and the employer is actually interested in hiring you that seeing you face to face was necessary. But a curse if you suck at selling yourself and your capabilities.
Keep in mind,
"SELLING" in its truest sense,
isn't an act of manipulating,
pressuring, or being deceitful.
Selling is explaining the logic
and benefits of a decision or point of view.
Selling is convincing other people to work directly with you. Selling is overcoming concerns and roadblocks, and calming other people's unwanted fears. Selling is one of the principal foundation of both businesses and personal success. It's about knowing how to negotiate, how to deal with a "no" when you receive one, how to maintain confidence and self-esteem in the face of rejection, and how to communicate openly, honestly and effectively, with a wide range of people so that you could build long term relationships that garner long time trust. When you truly believe in your idea, or your business, or yourself, then you don't need to have enormous ego or an overly extroverted personality. You don't need to "sell" in the traditional sense. You just need to communicate your point of view clearly, cordially and confidently.
Switching careers after being employed for over 5 years with a company may somehow give you cold feet if scheduled for an up close interview. You may have been too relax to update that resume even. So in general, you would need a refresher. It's alright to almost feel like a first timer once again. Here are some of the things you need to get reinformed of as you prepare for the big day.
1. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCHEDULE, THE LOCATION AND ANY DIRECTIONS/INSTRUCTIONS THAT YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW AT LEAST A DAY BEFORE THE JOB INTERVIEW.
Whether the notice was given to you thru the phone, email, or post, you should take note of the time and day of the appointed interview. You should know that it's not only you that a company may be considering for a position so give importance to being "ON TIME". It's better to be there at least 15 minutes to give yourself some time to look for the location in a calm manner and to respond efficiently to any unexpected changes or instructions that may be required. Some companies ask your documents before hand for an easy breezy flow when there are other candidates present. Some interviewers need some time to review your resume too so that they could gauge what questions to throw at you. In consideration of all of these, you may want to familiarise yourself as to where the location is, how to get there and which is the fastest option. It wouldn't be too bad if you have a Plan B at hand just in case your car breaks down or what not.
2. DRESS UP APPROPRIATELY.
Don't take the second tip literally. Dressing up appropriately means considering your total look. You have to consider the aura that you give out from how your hairstyle looks to how polished your shoes are. The colours that you choose for your corporate attire somehow affect the interviewer's mood too so they say. The illustration above could give you the things to take note of. Click here for some info about the clothes.
3. BE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE COMPANY YOU'RE APPLYING FOR.
There are some companies that are very much precise about their mission statement. It would be at your own advantage if you'd make yourself abreast of this. In addition, it's better for you to research about the latest achievements of the company to support your intention of getting hired by them. Because one of the most common question is: "Why did you apply for this company?"
Another plus is if you are fully informed of the job description of the desired position you opted for. Find the distinct quality about it above all positions and work your way into convincing your future boss into making it more efficient.
Tip: Never talk wrongly of your previous employer because this will give the interviewer an impression that you will talk the same way of their company once you're over and done with them.
4. BE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF YOUR OWN RESUME.
My own experience of preparing for a job interview had led me to spending one whole night just to edit my resume. For 7 years, I didn't update it and it's quite beneficial if you'd at least pay attention to it every 5 years. Besides the fact that you may have married and added your spouse's name to your CV, your experience and current job may need some updating too. Why is this important? It would be quite embarrassing if the interviewer would be talking about a past seminar that you've attended and then you totally are lost of what was that about. Or, maybe you have upgraded your skills and learned new ones that may be needed to be written down to support your desired position.
Tip: Being a minimalist when presenting your CV is the best way to go. Choose a clear font, be specific with your timeline and attach a recent, decent profile photo.
5. BE WATCHFUL OF THE WAY YOU EXPRESS YOURSELF.
Of course, we are always encouraged at all times, to embrace our unique abilities, qualities and attitude. But there are some of those that may leave your interviewer annoyed and/or ambivalent so it's important to stay composed, prim and proper.
a) Communication is a very powerful tool in selling yourself. Yet some people get overly excited in using some words that they really don't know the definition of. I hope you'll find this list useful.
In addition, avoid usage of the following words during the interview: LOVE, PROMISE, GOOD
Such as describing this way: "I love team work." Or, "I promise to be the best." Or, "I find the job offer good enough for me." Tsk, tsk, tsk! Total No-no!
b) Non-verbal communication talks a lot about who we are as much as the real verbal communication does since the interviewer is not only there to listen to what you have to say but they are there to gauge you if you are even qualified to represent the company with your looks alone. The way you walk, greet, stand, sit and give out that hand shake could leave an impression.
There would be some questions that may trigger you to become uneasy and tense. Expect that you will be in a hot seat. Of course, normal responses may be forgiven but all in all, just be able to compose yourself as much as possible. And no matter how comfortable the interviewer makes you, never express yourself to him/her as a friend with your natural swearing self.
c) It's not important that you get noticed, it's more important to leave an impression. Most especially if you leave a good one. At the end of an interview, you're always welcome to ask your interviewer a question. Here are some that I have encountered that may quite leave your future boss something to ponder. And because of such gesture, you'll be remembered.
There goes your tips. Remember, your fate is in your hands. These are but a few of everything that you have to consider. If you wish to add up something to the list, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below.
Related posts:
1. CORPORATE ATTIRE? NO PROBLEM - a guide to what you should wear in a job interview.
2. 15 CELEBRITIES WHO ARE SMART WITH THEIR MONEY, THIS IS WHAT THEY DID - a repost of some of the celebrities who actually take time in maintaining their finances well invested.
3. FOR OUR OWN GOOD - what we ought to know about the people playing God taking over our food, money and medicine.
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