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Job Interview Tips

Utilizing our tips for Overcoming Public Specking Anxiety in conjunction with an appropriate herbal supplement application will enable you to execute your job interview successfully. Consider the following job interview tips:

Research the prospective firm.

Too many interview applicants cannot answer a simple question: Why do you want to work here? Researching your prospective firm’s news releases on their web site will help you identify how they want to be perceived by the public. Choose a couple of these redeeming attributes and be prepared to recite them in depth during your interview.

Wash your car.

An interviewer can learn a lot about a candidate if they ask for an impromptu ride in your car, so make sure you’re ready.

Research your interviewer.

Some firms provide personnel information on their web site. You may find some common ground – schools, hometown, previous employers etc. - with your interviewer that may have otherwise gone uncovered in the interview. Also, this will provide you with some ideas for appropriate questions to ask during the interview.

Write a business plan.

Some applicants develop a written plan for the interview that they plan to implement if given the job. The positive of this technique: It shows your strong enthusiasm for the position. The problem with this technique: Your plan for this position may be drastically different from that of your potential employer.

Be on your best behavior from the moment you arrive.

Make sure your make a great impression on everyone - the secretary, the assistant and the security guard - you meet the day of your interview. You never know who has a close relationship with the decision maker.

Scan your interviewer’s office.

A lot of research has been conducted about what a person hangs up in their office says about them. Do they highlight degrees, pictures of family or a trophy fish? Whatever they put up may be a great starting point for casual conversation during your interview. Note of caution: This approach can severely backfire if you ask about something (for example, a fish mount) that everyone else has asked about. Also, if you don’t know anything about fishing, don’t try and strike up a conversation about it.

Own your resume.

Prior to your interview, it is crucial that you memorize dates of previous employment, prior firms’ addresses and goals you achieved that you did or did not place on your resume. Make sure your numbers stay constant throughout the interview process. If you provide different figures in two different interviews, you may sink the interview.

Avoid anxiety.

Many job applicants cite considerable anxiety similar to public speaking anxiety (stage fright) during a job interview. To counteract these symptoms, utilize our tips for Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety in conjunction with an effective herbal supplement application (Bravina’s Ingredients).

Watch your posture.

You’ve done everything possible to make sure you say the right things during your interview. But don’t forget what messages you are sending without speaking. Sit comfortably, but not too comfortably. Don’t cross your arms. Don’t sit up and place your weight on your feet. This will convey enthusiasm for the position, but maybe a little too much enthusiasm.

Maintain appropriate eye contact.

Everyone will tell you that good eye contact is important in an interview, but what they forget to mention is that excessive eye contact is equally detrimental for your interview. If you focus on constant eye contact, your interviewer will feel uncomfortable. Eye contact during an interview is most important when someone else is speaking. Eye contact when someone else is speaking implies that you are listening and that you care about what they are saying. In fact, if you really focus on listening during your interview, eye contact will not be an issue. While you are talking, drifting your eye contact is perfectly acceptable, even comfortable and normal. However, when your eyes focus on something other than your interviewer, make sure that you are not looking down. This will imply a lack of confidence. Instead, focus on something above or behind your interviewer.

Smile and nod.

This is obvious, but often forgotten in interview. Numerous studies have shown that smiling and nodding in agreement during an intervew leaves a more favorable impression than that of people who don’t smile and nod Again, excessive smiling and nodding will appear rehearsed and weird, so use common sense.

Don’t let a ‘bad cop’ interview catch you off guard.

If you are subject to more than one interview to gain employment, there is a chance one interview will be with a ‘bad cop’ – someone whom is intentionally rude, condescending or otherwise not enjoyable to be around. The firm you are interviewing with is trying to determine how you respond in a difficult situation; do not take it personally. For this interview, it is probably even more important that you smile and nod. This interview will weed out a lot of applicants. Do not become one of them.

Ask good questions.

Interviewers always rate the questions that were asked by the job applicant as significant to the decision-making process. Start the interview out by asking casual questions to set the tone of the meeting (Interview Questions). Note of caution: Questions are appropriate when your interviewer provides you with the opportunity to ask them, but remember that your interviewer is conducting the interview; you are not. You can ask some casual/personal questions at the beginning of the interview, but then let your interviewer work through his or her list of questions throughout the interview. Most interviewers will ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview. Make sure you’re prepared for this crucial segment of the interview.

Answer the question you are asked.

You are not a politician; you need to answer the question. You need to allow the interviewer to control the content and direction of the interview. If you try and divert the conversation to your topics, your interviewer will only get frustrated.

Show me the money (later).

You may want this job solely for the money, but try and hide that in the interview. You should be able to gain a rough idea about how much the position pays going into the interview; consequently, worry about the compensation after you’re offered the position when you have the highest bargaining position.

Interviews over meals.

Talking with your mouth full is never easy. Trying to articulately answer an interview question in between bits of coleslaw is even more difficult. Always choose food items that aren’t messy. Salad is a good choice. In addition, you may find little opportunity to actually eat, so you may want to grab a quick snack prior to your interview.

Concluding the interview.

Shake hands with and thank the interviewer for the opportunity. Ask, “How and when do you prefer that I follow up with you?” This presumptive question will not let your interviewer get off the hook with, “We’ll be in touch.” You’re letting the interviewer choose the method of follow-up, but you’re mandating that you will be in contact after the interview.

Follow-up.

Follow-up to your interview is crucial. Make sure you follow up when and how your interviewer stipulated at the end of your interview. What do you do if your first email or voicemail goes without any response? In most cases, this probably means that you’re not in the running; however, you should leave one more voicemail or email. If there is no response after two failed attempts, do not attempt to re-contact.

Getting the good or bad news.

If you get hired, congratulations! But you can still mess it up. Many applicants diminish respect if they fail to provide information such as background checks or references in a timely manner. Always remember that the application process does not end at the conclusion of your interview. It ends the day that you actually become employed.

If you didn’t get the position, don’t burn any bridges. Many issues can arise in the time between deciding on and hiring a candidate. Let your interviewer know that you are still interested in the position if it does not work out with the top candidate.

Lutie Ronglien ( ronglien.lutie@bravina.com)

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration