Step 1 - Know The Company
Companies like candidates who know what they want. They are also impressed with someone who has done some digging before arriving at the interview. Make the effort to research your target organization, and you'll find yourself ahead of the competition. Given two equal candidates, the one who shows the most interest usually wins.
You can find out about larger organizations by using Web search engines or, even better, by going to your target organization's Web site. There are other Web-based sources, too. If your company is smaller or local, visit the library and ask the research librarian for help.
Step 2 - Know Yourself
In an interview, your job is to sell yourself . . . so you need to know precisely what you're selling. Once you define that, you can apply these insights to the needs of your target company. Connecting the two successfully is the best way to get yourself hired. Above all else, be authentic. Like a dog that can sniff fear on a person, an employer can intuit your sincerity and true level of interest and commitment.
You're "selling" your skills and yourself as a person. First: Your skills. An easy way to uncover yours is to list your accomplishments and then think of which skills it took to do them. Did baby-sitting require psychological sensitivity? Did selling kitchen knives require skills of persuasion? Review your list, and refine your skills into a "package" you can explain easily in a minute or two.
Next: You as a person. Most organizations want honest, smart, friendly, motivated, and responsible employees. Do you deal well with people? Are you flexible and open to learning? Did you, for example, show determination to get back on the slopes after you broke your leg skiing? Again, after you make your list, refine it so you can explain your personal "assets" in a minute or two.
Step 3 - Practice
You can make all the lists you want, but there's no substitute for rehearsing how you'd handle an interview. Ask your parent, sibling, or best friend to be the interviewer, and give her or him a list of questions to throw at you. There are ways to handle each of these. If you know what they are before you're in the "hot seat," your confidence going into the interview will soar. And remember, if you get a question that you can't answer, simply say you don't know.
Then say the question is something to which you would like to give more thought and that you are willing to learn what it takes. Again, an employer will respect someone who is honest and open about his or her limitations.
Body language is the other thing to be well aware of. If you have a video camera, use it for the practice; otherwise a mirror will do. Hand and arm movements shouldn't be too large. Don't fiddle. Your posture should be relaxed, but alert. Don't slouch; if you look bored in the interview why wouldn't the recruiter presume that you'd then be bored in the job too? Communicate interest and energy. Be yourself.
Step 4 - Dress The Part
You wouldn't wear a white suit to a funeral (unless you're in China, where it's expected), and you wouldn't wear cargo shorts to an interview. With any organization, the way to dress is the way you would dress if you got the job. If you don't know what that is, ask. If you can't get any information on the company's style of attire, dress a little more formally than you think you might need to.
Personal grooming is part of your "dress" too. A good haircut or trim will impress. So will clean fingernails, a fresh-scrubbed look, pleasant breath, and a white smile (a recent teeth-cleaning can't hurt). And please, no perfume or aftershave ... you might love how you smell with that scent, but others may not!
Step 5 - Get There Early
This may seem obvious, but if you're not on time for your interview, the game is over. Getting there early allows you to take a few deep breaths, organize your notes, refresh your memory on a few points that you've found difficult in your practices, and scan any company materials that may be available in the waiting room. It also allows you to answer the "call of nature" (if there is a call) and to make any last-minute appearance adjustments.
The result? You'll feel better about yourself, and you'll be more relaxed in the interview. So leave plenty of time, and get there early. It gives you a psychological edge.
Step 6 - Make A Good Impression
It may seem cruel, but first impressions can be deal makers... or breakers. The interviewer starts forming opinions from the moment the two of you shake hands. No kidding. And by the way, that handshake is critical. Here's how to do it correctly:
- Look the interviewer in the eye as you offer your hand.
- Shake his or her hand firmly ... but not like a vise.
- Smile at the same time, and say something enthusiastic like, "Hello Mr. McGillicutty, it's great to meet you!"
As you walk to his or her office, make some small talk-- team or sports scores, how great the lobby looks, a recent storm... you get the gist. Establish positive vibes and the rest of the interview will feel more natural and less like you're being grilled at the Spanish Inquisition.
Step 7 - Answer Well
You're going to be asked some questions, but there are some tricks to answering them well:
- Don't ramble. It's better to give a shorter answer with strong points in it than to babble on for five minutes in a disorganized fashion.
- Look the interviewer in the eye when you're answering. If you don't, he or she may think you're fabricating your answer right there on the spot.
- Gather your thoughts. If you need a minute to collect your thoughts in order to answer a specific question, feel free to say: "I need to think about that for a moment ... " or "That's a great question ..." The interviewer will respect your honesty and your desire to offer a thoughtful answer. If a question is a difficult one, try to remember how to approach it. If you blank out, be honest, but definitely put a positive spin on your answer. A little humor never hurts either.
Step 8 - Ask Questions
Usually at the end of an interview, you'll be asked if you have any questions. If you don't ask something, it can be taken as a sign of lack of interest . . . so prepare some questions before the interview. There are two areas to question -- the organization and the job itself. We recommend asking about the job first. Are you clear on the responsibilities of the job? If not, ask for clarification.
Do you see where the job fits into the structure of the organization? Do you understand whom you'll be working with, and what their expectations of your work are? By the way, do not ask about the salary or benefits -- vacation, holidays, sick days, etc. -- in the first interview. Leave that for after they have presented you with an offer.
Be sure you know what the next steps are after the interview. Are they going to contact you? When do they think they can do that? Would they prefer you to follow up with them? How is the best way to do that?
The end of the interview is also a good time to emphasize how interested you are in taking the process to the next step and why you think you'd be the perfect candidate for the job. Do not beg for the job, but let your positive energy and enthusiasm win the day. Upon leaving, make sure to shake the person's hand again and make sincere eye contact. And, of course, don't forget to thank him or her.
Step 9 - Be Yourself
This is the most important step. No matter what anyone says, you can't pretend to be someone you're not. In the interview, let who you really are shine through. Trained interviewers spot actors quickly. Be proud of that precious collection of talents, motivations, and skills that make you the individual that you are. Believe in your ability to learn, grow, and develop, and act accordingly. Show "the real you" -- sense of humor and all -- and you'll be well on the way to getting hired.
Step 10 - Follow Up
Your interview isn't over when you walk out the door. As soon as you get home, write a short thank-you note to your interviewer. You appreciated the time they spent with you and the chance to learn more about the job and the organization, so tell them.
If you promised to send something additional --writing samples or another copy of your resume, for example -- make sure to enclose it. Keep your note short, and restate your understanding of the next step. If you'd like to add something you forgot to say, this is the time and place.
You'd be surprised how many candidates never offer this simple bit of courtesy. Send a thank-you note, and you'll stand out in the crowd.
1. Go through your resume - This seems like a pointless step, where you will say "I do not need to go through my resume, I made it and I know it verbatim". But, it is always better to go through your resume and try to understand it from the point of view of the interviewer. What was it that attracted the attention of the interviewer for you to get an interview call? When you do this, you may understand what it is that the company is looking for and what it is expecting from you. This puts you at an advantage during the interview.
2. Go online again - The Internet is your best friend. It helped you create the perfect resume and perfect cover letters, now it will help you understand the company. Visit the company website and understand everything about the company and its activities. The more information about the company you have the better equipped you are for the interview.
3. Study and learn - Try to study and learn all that there is about the company. The more you know the better you are going to feel about going in for that interview. Knowledge is your best friend during an interview.
4. Rehearse - Ever heard anyone tell you to make a script for an interview? Well, making a script for an interview makes sense. It helps you rehearse the kind of questions that you know will be asked and you can rehearse the answers to give the best ones possible. You will be asked questions on your past positions and achievements. You will also be asked to describe your strengths and weaknesses, what can you bring in terms of skill to the workplace. These are the kind of questions you can prepare the answers to. You can ask a friend to rehearse with you and make the preparation for your big interview fun.
5-Prepare a list of questions - Most people think that when they go for an interview, they have to answer all the questions and ask none. This is a mistake. Most interviewers appreciate questions. This shows that you have prepared and researched before coming for the interview, and that the job is important for you. Do not ask questions like "How much will I get paid?" or "What benefits will I get?" first. Save these for later. Ask questions that are more position and company oriented. Ask those questions relevant to information given by the interviewer.
6 Immediate Steps After Receiving An Interview Call:
1. Write down day/ time: As soon as you receive the notification for an interview call, make a point to note down the exact day and time immediately. If it’s an email, you should separate it away in your ‘important’ folder so that it is not lost in your other emails by your friends telling you about their extended vacation in the Bahamas. Mark the day and date on a kitchen calendar if possible. It’s not unheard of about people mixing up their dentist’s appointment with a job interview. As an added insurance, tell someone close to you about the schedule. They might be able to remind you of it in the unlikely event of your overlooking the event.
2. Look up location on a map: Unless you are already familiar with the place of interview, please look it up as soon as possible on a map. It is a good idea to look it up on Google maps and I would go as far as visiting Google’s street view, if available in your country, to have a look at the office building. Not only this view gives you an idea of the place you will be going to, but you can also calculate the exact distance and time required to reach the place on the interview day. These simple steps give a physical shape to the whole interview process and are helpful in your preparation.
3. Set up transport: Unless you are already familiar with the place of interview, please look it up as soon as possible on a map. It is a good idea to look it up on Google maps and I would go as far as visiting Google’s street view, if available in your country, to have a look at the office building. Not only this view gives you an idea of the place you will be going to, but you can also calculate the exact distance and time required to reach the place on the interview day. These simple steps give a physical shape to the whole interview process and are helpful in your preparation.
4. Files and folders: Now that all arrangements have been made to reach your destination in time smoothly, you should turn to other important preparations. At first opportunity, go through that pile of papers on your desk or drawer and pull out all the relevant papers related to that particular interview. That includes the job ad, your certifications and relevant documents. Put them all in a file or folder and neatly arrange them in order. Do not leave this to the last day as your mom might have cleaned your drawer out for you and today she might be away to your cousin’s for overnight and might not remember where she put away your ‘pile’ of papers.
5.Clothes: It is only when you receive your call that you realise you have only two days or two weeks to prepare. So the first preference always is to keep a set of interview worthy formal clothes ready at all times when you start job hunting. If not, dive into your closet as soon as you finish the call informing you about the interview, and start making the required set of clothes. If a piece of clothing is to be given to the drycleaner, make double sure about the delivery times as the owner might decide to go away to Ukraine to visit his sick brother and the caretaker wouldn’t know anything about your clothes. At home, never assume that nice tie to be in its place in the drawer as your three year old might have used it to polish his dirty fire truck.
6.Employer research: Finally to the most important part after you receive your interview call. Pull out all the information about the company that has invited you for interview, including the job ad. Visit their website, if any, to learn as much about them as possible. Look up their staff page, if any, as many of them have pictures and designations posted. Make a mental note of them. You will be surprised how much this research is going to help you calm your nerves on D day and you will score high with the interview panel once they find out that you know a lot about their organisation. It will bring forth your passion to work for them and may lend you that coveted position.
Twenty-five Steps to a Good Interview
1. Interview in person or on the telephone? If convenient, it's best to do it in person. Then you can catch the essence of the person in their surroundings and home.2. Call ahead for an appointment and indicate your publication. If you're a freelancer, then say so when scheduling the interview. Don't underestimate the time you'll need for the interview.
Where will you meet? Their home? Their office? I prefer a neutral location. It helps set the person at ease and cuts down on interruptions. I dislike using restaurants since taping is impossible. If you do interview at a restaurant, be prepared to pay.
Is your interview an exclusive or will it be shared with others? Find out ahead of time so you are not surprised.
3. Before the interview, know as much as possible about the person. Have a current bio sheet sent to you ahead of time.
4. Cultivate a relaxed atmosphere.
5. When you first arrive, utilize the informal moments to gather impressions--atmosphere of the house, details like flowers or cars in the driveway. Pay your subject a sincere compliment to set the person at ease from the beginning.
6. To tape or not to tape. In a number of states, the law requires that the subject knows you are taping. If it is a sensitive interview, you will want to keep that tape for your records.
Always inform the person, asking, "If it's all right with you, I'm going to tape this conversation because you may be speaking faster than I can write. I want to make sure it's right."
If you record the interview, also take notes since nothing is failproof.
7. On or off the record? I assume it is on the record, unless the person says that it is not. I prefer not to go off the record. When part is on and part is off, I mark my notes clearly.
8. Prepare your questions before the interview. Write out a short list but don't show the questions to your subject. The only exception is when you have to interview through the mail or email. Some times this is the only way to get the information. You can also interview by tape. Send a tape with the questions and get tape recorded answers from the person.
If sharing the interview with a competing publication, try to get a portion where you ask your questions in private.
9. Begin with the non-threatening, non-emotional topics. Usually this means you will begin with something about their life background. I check the information from their bio and the clips to see if there are any gross errors of fact.
10. Then move the interview to the person's achievements, ideas and beliefs. You will begin to ask and talk about areas which are more conceptual.
11. Catch the uniqueness, the mannerisms, and the feelings of the person. That's why interviewing in person better than on the phone.
12. Observe the person's features. Good stories will include this information in the article.
13. Let the person reminisce, but if time is limited, be aware that you may have to interrupt. The more limited your time, the more you have to keep the interview on track.
14. Here's some techniques to get people talking: "Tell me about..." Or "Did you ever..." Or "How did you feel when..." If you need to play the devil's advocate, instead of direct confrontation say, "Suppose a critic were to say..."
15. Know your market for the article. What would your readers ask? What would they sense and hear?
16. At the end of the interview, lay down your pen, turn off your laptop computer and have a little chat. This is where they may remember things they haven't before. Provided they aren't spooked, it's all right to open up your notebook and take more notes.
17. Use the feedback principle to restate the views of the person.Sometimes I'm not sure what they are after. "In other words, your theory is..." Sometimes I want them to say it better than they have but don't want to ask them directly. I use phrases like, "What I hear you saying is..."
18. Don't allow yourself to become the subject and tell your life story. When the subject says, "Tell me about yourself...," use something like, "The reason, I'm here is to talk with you."
19. Do you send a copy of your story to the subject beforehand?You may have to. I agree to send it after publication--and only if they ask for it.
20. I agree to check all direct quotes or factual matters, but I don't agree to their editing my story. An exception is when your publisher has already made such an agreement before the interview.
21. Ask ahead of time to call back for clarification or additional input. This paves the way for any possible gaps from your interview. Stress that you want to be careful and accurate.
22. Anticipate any possible objections and opposition to your story but go in with an open mind.
23. Don't argue or try to prove the interviewee wrong. This is not the forum for that. If the article is to include opposite views, tell the person that you're looking for diversity of views.
24. If your interview is refused, you can simply say, "Thank you anyway and that's that." Or "Thank you. But if you don't mind, I'll check with you again in a month. Or "The story will be more balanced and fair if your views are represented. I wanted to hear your side. Are you sure that you won't change your mind?" Or in a hard ball approach, "I'm writing the story anyway, so it will be a better story if your views are included?"
Ask if they will answer written questions. Or would they be willing to give a 15-minute phone interview or do it by tape?
25. Be genuinely interested in the other person. Thank them for the interview. They've given of their time about themselves. Remind them of the publication and the date. Make arrangements for the photos.
No comments:
Post a Comment