Preparing for job interviews can be challenging. Resumes alone usually do not help you to land a job. Once you passed the resume screening process, you will need to prepare for the job interview. Most companies or organizations look for candidates that are a good match for the job position that they are advertising. Not only that, but most employers also look for candidates that can fit into their work culture. Once you confirm with the employer that you will have communication access at the interview (i.e., sign Language interpreter or the hiring manager knows sign language, etc., here are seven ways that help you with your job interviews:
1. Study the Job
A vital part of interview preparation is to make time to study the job posting. As you evaluate the job advertisement, think hard about what the organization is looking for in a job candidate. List the skills, work experience, qualifications and qualities (both professional and personal) that you have for that particular job you applied for. This first step will help you with the next six steps below.
2. Practice for Relevance and Credibility
It is important to practice your interview answers beforehand. Try to think about your real life examples, work experience and achievements. Relate your own examples of how that particular skill that the organization is looking for. Try to come up with relevant examples from your past work, projects or other job duties that you can share during interviews. By backing every claim you make, your credibility improves significantly. It is important not to be vague or dance around with your answers. Incorporating your past successes that are relevant to the job position you are applying for makes you more credible to the hiring manager and the organization.
3. Do Your Research
The organization’s website often includes information regarding its goals, mission and the kind of workforce it seeks to hire. You will need to learn as much as you can about the organization before your job interview. It is very critical for you to do that. Many hiring managers and organizations appreciate the job candidates who do their homework by learning more about their organizations. In addition, look for information on how you can fit into their work culture and navigating their website can help you with this. Looking at other external websites about the organization is also a good idea. In the interview, you should take as much advantage as you can by discussing your job skills and how you can fit into their work culture. It is okay to brag a little bit about your skills and work experience during the interview but make sure that you do not look too over-confident. Try to be natural with your answers and try to transform them into short sentences if the hiring manager is running short on time. Lengthy answers are never appreciated. Be confident and precise.
4. Dress Well
Your dressing can play a crucial role in deciding whether or not you will get hired. Try not to overdress or dress too casually. The amount of time you spend on making yourself look presentable for a job reflects your attitude and how serious you are about the job. Decide a day before regarding what you are going to wear.
5. Follow the STAR Model
One good way to ace the job interview is to follow the STAR model. STAR stands for “Situation, Task, Action, and Result.” By following this model, you can systematically talk about your past experience in a particular situation or scenario. You then can explain your role in the task and how you accomplished it. Finally, you can conclude your answer by talking about the results (or outcomes) and how that is going to assist you in the job you are applying for. It is always a good idea to practice answering the questions using the STAR model before you head for an interview.
6. Nonverbal Language
It is essential to have a positive body language when you go for a job interview. Make sure to put up a confident smile on your face. You also should stay calm and composed during an interview. Be mindful of your body movements. You can practice by talking to yourself in the mirror and observing your body language. Ask a friend or a job coach to help you with mock interviews before you head for an actual job interview.
7. Finish Strong
An excellent way to finish strong in your job interview is to ask the hiring manager several good and thought-provoking questions about the job itself, the organization and its employees. You also should conclude the job interview by summarizing your work experience, your strong interest in the job position, and why you are a good match for the job and the organization itself.
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