Filled with anxiety about that inevitable job interview process?
These top five do’s and don’ts will help you walk in the door ready to respond.
Top 5 DO’s
1. Do relax. Easier said than done, but if you’re tense, the interview will be too.
2. Do research. Look up the company and find out who your interviewer is in advance.
3. Do talk to people. Talk to current and past employees if you can. Knowledge is power.
4. Do practice. But not too much, get used to answering questions but don’t write a script.
5. Do let your work speak for itself. Have a targeted resume and know your talking points.
Top 5 DON’Ts
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It shows interest and initiative.
2. Don’t be fidget. Confidence is sexy, especially in potential employees.
3. Don’t be come unprepared. It sends the wrong message about your work ethic.
4. Don’t be stay up the night before. Get a good night’s rest and come in refreshed.
5. Don’t worry about rejection. You won’t be a good fit for some positions. That’s just the truth.
Top 5 MUST HAVE’s
1. A positive presentation–no one likes a Debbie Downer. Come in the spirit of YES.
2. A professional motivation–know who you are as a professional and what you have to offer
3. A confident handshake–it’s still true. Place your hand in theirs to the thumb joining and squeeze firmly but not aggressively. It conveys confidence and positive self-worth.
4. The ability to let things go–if you blunder on something, let it go and move on.
5. An honest approach–in this case, positive honesty is the best policy, but note the word POSITIVE. Figure out ways to say things honestly without whining, complaining or boasting.
The Golden Job Interview Rule
Know who you are and why you are awesome!
Remember, interviewers are people too, no matter what their titles. They put their pants on one leg at a time, and squat to go to the bathroom just like you. In the same vein, just like you are looking to gain something from the interview, you also have something valuable to give–Don’t give the interviewer all the power. They want something from you too! Companies need employees to survive. HR needs to find the right candidates. Go in with that understanding and you can be confident that this is not a one way street. Ditch the desperation. Instead figure out what your assets are, quantify and detail them, then get ready to tell HR how awesome you truly are.
When in doubt, get help! Happy job hunting!
—
Kate E. Stephenson is a resume expert and writer with over a decade of experience. The Career Cafe is a blog that offers insight into today’s job market and hiring tips. Be sure to read more about Kate, check out a full listing of services, and enjoy her columns here, on Lexicon and on Kate-Book.com!