Preparing for a Job Interview

All interviewers have a few questions in mind before the interview starts. Which are: 1) How suited are you for the job and, are you truly interested in the company and position you seek employment with. Their goal is to get information about your background, strengths and level of interest and enthusiasm to answer these question. On the other hand you should learn as much as you can about the job you'll be doing and the employer you'll be working for.

What to Expect in a Job Interview

You should be prepared to handle many interview types whether they are structured or more formal. Most interviews tend to be more formal and usually include ice-breaking, their questions, your questions and last remarks. Most interviewers are friendly and try to make you feel as relaxed as possible. There are numerous types of interviewing styles and you'll find that you'll feel more comfortable around some interviewers than others.

What the Interviewer is Looking for

When interviewers are questioned about what impresses them most about their best interviewees, a few categories are mentioned often, such as:

Preparation: Knowledge of, and interest in the job/employer.
Personality: That you show confidence, enthusiasm and friendliness.
Career-related goals: That you have specific interests in mind.
Communication skills: Good posture, eye contact and your tone of voice.
Appearance: Looking neat and professional while not over-dressed.
Experience: Understanding your own skills and how they relate to the job.

Preparing for an Interview

Research:

First, know what type of job you're looking for and why you're qualified for it. Think over what information about yourself you want to include in your responses to questions. It's important to never go into an interview unprepared but it's just as important to not sound rehearsed in the interview.

As for learning about your potential employer it's important to know the company's size, location and what their products and/or services are. Find out about all the relevant details for the position you seek along with the job description, training, advancement and such.

The best places to get this information is from the company's website, at local job centers and/or Chambers of Commerce or someone who is employed by the company.

The Best Way to Answer Questions

Interviewers are well-trained and experienced in detecting rehearsed answers. These type of responses give neither interesting nor reliable information about yourself. When you give answers, remember these things:

There is no right answer: How you answer is usually more important than what's in your answers.

Tell the Truth: Don't try to portray yourself as someone you're not. The realities of how you've chosen this line of work are interesting and say many positive things about your decision-making abilities.

Give Details: General answers to questions get boring and won't help the interviewer trying to get to know you. Be specific. Giving details help make your answers more understandable and memorable. When discussing your strengths always give examples of them. When mentioning interests give details of what you like. Remember to stay focused and not to stray from an answer. Relevancy, and no rambling, is what will help you land the job. Also, don't repeat yourself and respond directly and clearly.

Keep your ideal job position in mind: What job-relevant details can you give that'll help you? Try to remember those for your interview. Past successes and experiences in former jobs help a lot with this.

Why Interviewers Reject Applicants

Showing no enthusiasm: The applicant's answers are too short and their tone of voice sounds un-enthused.

Unclear answers: Lack of details and the use of general words irrelevant to the position.

Fidgety-ness: Very little, if any, eye-contact is made. Too many signs of nervousness.

The Know-it-all: Answers lack sincerity. The applicant acts like they know all about the job. Making remarks to try and impress the interviewer.

No career direction: The person has no idea what they want in a job. An inability to show skills and experiences that prepared them for the job.

Responding to Questions about Salary

This is something that is rarely asked during a first interview. But when asked you need to give a careful answer. It's best to give a salary range after understanding what an acceptable range is for your field. If you choose you can turn the question around and ask the interviewer what they salary range is for the job before giving an answer. Then give a comment on the figure they gave you.

Types of Questions to Ask that Make the Best Impression

To make the best impression you need to ask questions about the company and the job you're interested in. What do you want to know more about? Make sure you're specific with your questions.

If you've received prior information about benefits and other questions then stay away from asking them. Because that conveys a sense that you didn't read through the information provided.

Stay Calm During the Interview

An applicant who seeks a better job, instead of feeling pressure to find a new one, is usually in a better situation. On the other hand, someone feeling pressured to find a job out of necessity usually doesn't fair as well in an interview.

Of course, the person looking for a better job will most likely have a better interview. Clearly the stressed potential employee would not fair as well. Just remember to relax before an interview. It's easier said than done but important to calm down nonetheless. Knowing relaxation techniques and being sure of your interview skills are also important. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. if you don't get the job just remember there are more jobs available even in bad economic times. Just don't give up on finding one. Eventually you will find a job.

It's best to make every interview and the outcome a learning experience for the future.