INTERVIEWING SUCESSFULLY

The interview is your opportunity to sell yourself and to learn more about the company. It is the also the company’s opportunity to evaluate a prospective employee. It should be a mutually rewarding dialogue for both the interviewer and the candidate. Some interviewers like to do most of the talking, while others will say very little. Their attitude is that you have to sell yourself.

Below are six attributes the interviewer typically looks for and tips for conveying them appropriately.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Express yourself clearly and concisely. Answer questions quickly and candidly – do not ramble. Be an attentive listener. Respond to questions with more than a yes or no answer. Describe your work achievements in terms of responsibility and accomplishments.

INITIATIVE: Show that you can perform beyond expectations, are a self-starter and have good decision-making skills. Demonstrate creativity in solving problems.

INTEREST: One way to show this is to ask relevant and intelligent questions. If you are interested in pursuing the job relay this to the interviewer by initiating a discussion of the next step. Close the interview on a positive note. Make sure to send a follow-up letter.

MATURITY: Express clear professional goals. Be able to admit imperfections and mistakes.

PERSONALITY: Be friendly, genuine, self-confident, enthusiastic, pleasant and honest. Accentuate the positives. Display ambition and competitive attitude. Smile, relax and be yourself.

PREPARATION: Know relevant information about the company, its location and its business purpose (the best place to gain this knowledge is on the Internet). Have questions prepared from your research. The more you know about the company, the greater the impression you will make on the interviewer.