6 Dec 2013

Job Interview Handling (Part-I)

Basically, above mentioned details are concerned to our "Job Interview Preparation" course. The course is very intensive in nature and prepares a candidate from all prospective of a job interview. Well, for the students, aspirants and go-getters, who are not able to join the classroom sessions, I am willing to offer a helping hand and with this blog I have accepted the responsibility to provide best of me. So, here we go....


Only a fool would tell you that looking for a job isn’t stressful.  And it would take an even bigger fool to tell you that interviews will not produce stress.  After all, you’re in an unfamiliar setting, meeting strangers, risking your ego, and about to embark on a conversation that can affect the rest of your life.



Focus on A-B-C method for preparation.

Always
Research the company with a focus on customers and competition
•Research can be done on the internet, by reading annual reports, and by talking with credible people in the industry
–Provide examples of when you have successfully worked in team environments
–Demonstrate creativity and responsibility

Beware of
–Having an “I” attitude
•Don’t overstate your accomplishments  - be honest
–Negotiating too early
•Doing this during the job interview sends a message that you are more interested in money than the job
–Being too casual with the interview
•Recognize that the job interview starts when you first arrive and does not end until you are out the door and on your way home

Crash and Burn
–Displaying bad manners
•Poor etiquette and boorish manners send a message to the interviewer that you will behave that way with clients
–Demeaning your current or past employer
•It is a very small world, and reputations are made and broken on the basis of sometimes unknown relationships
–Being dishonest
•An interview is the time to put the best spin possible on your career, but not at the cost of your integrity


Before the interview:

•Review your skills -- be positive and honor your achievements.  Do not underestimate your skills.  Write your top accomplishments down on paper
•Know your resume well.  Look at ways that your qualifications meet the job description
•Are there things NOT on your resume that are relevant to the job?
•Recognize areas for improvement and develop a plan for downplaying these weaknesses in the interview


Know the specifics of the job:

Become very familiar with the job description and the requirements for the position
•List the specific qualifications and requirements sought by the employer. 
•Match these qualifications with the accomplishments that you already wrote down
•In order to support this, identify and list specific examples (quantify if possible) of your past accomplishments
•Be prepared to answer questions regarding gaps in your skill level.



Know your employer:

•You should learn as much about the company as you can
•Company website.  Know it well!
•Company literature
•Annual reports
•Network with current employees
•Attend employer informational session at the Career Center, if applicable.




During the interview:

•Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to relax and complete any paperwork
•Learn the interviewer’s name and greet with a firm handshake
•Make sure you have a clear understanding of the job and the company
•Consider offering examples of your work
•Structure your answers to speak to your qualifications, be concrete and detailed
•Be sure to answer ALL parts of a question
•Closure and timeline for decision
•Thank You and a firm handshake




After the interview:
Write down notes after you leave the building, like the questions and answers, your opinion about your interview and any other minor details that may help you in future.


In our next chapter we discuss other essential elements in job interview preparation. Don't miss!!!








 



 

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