In order to find your dream job, you need to evaluate yourself. Make a list of all the requirements of your ideal job. Now you have a solid idea of your dream job and can start looking. So, how to book an interview and get the job?
You should be prepared to answer inappropriate and illegal questions
Interview questions regarding your race, gender, religion, marital status, and sexual orientation are not appropriate and, in some cases, illegal. You may be asked one or more.
There are two options if you get one or more of them. You can answer the question “I’m not certain how that’s related to my application” or answer the question “the question behind it”.
Be funny (or don’t)
Is it okay to joke in a job interview? This is a great question plaguing us since the beginning of jobs.
You might think it’s the stand-up hour at the local nightclub… You might think you are hilarious… We recommend you think twice before making this potential disastrous error.
Close on a positive note
What if a salesman approached you to demonstrate his product and then thanked you for your time before walking out the door? He didn’t want you to buy the product! Ask for the job if you feel like you would enjoy it.
The interviewer should know that you really, truly love the job. This means that you are excited about the job before your interview, but that now you are even more enthusiastic and convinced that you would like to work there.
Every interview requires you to bring a copy of your resume
Bring a copy of the resume to each interview. You can save time and embarrassment if the interviewer misplaces your copy.
Do not be afraid to sound “canned”
People are worried that if they practice their answers they will sound “canned” (or too polished or glib) during an interview. Don’t worry. You’ll sound natural and not canned if you are well prepared.
If you aren’t prepared for the situation, your “canned” quality will be destroyed.
Use the “Tell Me About Yourself” question to your advantage
This question is often asked by interviewers to start interviews.
How should you answer?
It’s possible to tell a story about your family, where you were born, and what you do with them. Would you prefer to have the interviewer write down the breed of dog that you own or the reasons why you should be hired by the company?
You might respond to this question by saying something like “Well, obviously, I could tell you lots of things. If I don’t know what you need, I will let you know.” These are my three most important points. If you would like, I’m happy to expand on them.
Interviewers will always respond, “Sure. Go ahead.” You then respond, “Well, let’s talk about the first point. [Example].” When I worked for [company], I [example another selling point], etc.
This strategy allows you to concentrate the first 10-15 minutes of an interview on your key selling points.
Use the correct body language
Don’t wear perfume, cologne, or other fragrances. Dress appropriately. Interview locations may be small and have poor air circulation. Interviewers should pay attention to your job qualifications, not whether you’re wearing Chanel No. 5.
Prepare for interviews that are behavior-based
Interviewers today often ask for examples of past experiences that show the qualities the company believes are necessary to be successful in a position.
For example, you might be asked about times when you were unpopular, displayed persistence, or made decisions under pressure.
- Step 1 is to anticipate what behaviors the hiring manager will be looking for.
- Step 2 is to provide at least one example in which you have demonstrated each behavior.
- Step 3 is to create a story about each example.
Many people recommend using SAR (Situation-Action-Result) as a model for the story.
- The fourth step is to practice telling your story. You should also review your resume with this format in mind before your interview.
This will help you remember some behaviors that you might not have expected.
Send thank you notes
After every interview, write a thank you note. Depending on whether the interviewer prefers it, you can either write each note on paper or email them. You can personalize your notes by referring to specific points you had with the interviewer.
For example, “I was especially excited [or interested in, or glad to hear] what …” said.” Handwritten notes may be more appropriate if you are thanking someone for their help in your job search or if the company that you are interviewing is located in Europe.
No matter what method you use, your notes must be received within 48 hours of the interview.
You will need to take the time to write down some thoughts about each interview to create a thank-you note. You can also write down the things you did well in your interview and make changes before you go to your next interview.
Think like a public speaker
Don’t lose heart if you have a poor interview for a job you really believe would be a good fit for you. Send an email or write a note to the interviewer to tell them that you feel you didn’t do a good job communicating why this job is a good fit.
Continue to reiterate what you can offer the company and let them know that you would like to be a part of it. This strategy may not get you a job, but it could. It all depends on the company.
One thing is certain: If you fail to try, your chances of getting a job offer are zero. This approach has worked for us on many occasions. We encourage you to give it a last chance. A public speaker never gives up!
Ask the interviewer questions
Bring intelligent questions to show your company’s knowledge and seriousness. Interviewers will always ask you if you have questions. No matter what, it is a good idea to have a few.
Interviewers may assume that you aren’t interested in the job and the company if you answer “No, not really.” The all-purpose question is “If you could create the ideal candidate to fill this job, how would that person look?”
You can ask the same questions to all interviewees if you are having multiple interviews. You could also ask “What type of person would you like to see in this job?” Afterward, think of at least one other person during each interview.
Practice, practice, practice
It’s one thing for someone to be able to give a quick answer to a question such as “Why should I hire you?” It’s a different challenge to speak it loudly in a convincing and confident way. It will sound garbled and confusing the first time you attempt it.
Repeat it 10 times more and you will sound smoother and clearer.
You shouldn’t practice while you are “on stage” with recruiters; you should rehearse before going to an interview. Rehearsing is the best way to practice. Two friends can practice interviewing each other in “round robin”.
One person acts as an observer, while the other is the interviewee. Both get feedback. You can go for up to five rounds and switch roles as you go. Tape recording your answer is another option, but it’s not the best.
You can then replay it to determine where you need to improve. Whatever you do, ensure that your practice includes speaking aloud. It won’t help to rehearse your answer in your head.
Be on the same team as the interviewer
Interviewers often view job interviews as adversarial. Candidates will try to get an interview with the interviewer. The interviewer’s job is to keep the offer. It is your job to make this “tug-of-war” into a partnership in which both of you are on the same side.
It could be as simple as “I’m happy that I have the opportunity to learn more and to let you know more about my company, so we can determine if this is going well.” It’s the worst thing to happen, I believe.
Take responsibility and be assertive during interviews
Some candidates who are usually assertive may become passive during job interviews because they have tried to be polite. However, politeness does not equal passiveness.
Interviews are like any other conversation. It’s a dance where you and your partner respond to each other. Do not wait for the interviewer’s questions about the Nobel Prize.
You have to ensure that he leaves with a clear understanding of your key selling points.
And that’s all folks. Go get the job!