You’re Hired! How to Ace an Interview
August 28, 2009 | Category: Career
The interview process can be daunting. You’re sitting in a room with complete strangers while they ask you to talk about your professional experience and character. They watch your movements and gestures. They write down unknown statements on their yellow notepads with their ballpoint pens. They shake your hand at the end and say, ‘We’ll be in touch”.
You are not alone if this scenario sounds scary. Interview stress is quite normal. The good news is that knowing how to prepare for the interview can leave you feeling more confident and self-assured.
There are several things you can do to prepare for your interview. Some suggestions from experts include:
- Learn all you can about the organization. Interviewers love when you know what their organization is all about. You don’t want to end up speechless if you’re asked “What is your favorite part about our organization?” Doing your homework is important.
- Think about the questions you might be asked and consider how you will respond. Check out these sample interview questions and have a friend or relative mock interview you as you practice your answers.
- Prepare your clothes and make sure they are clean, pressed, and appropriate. If you would wear an outfit for a night on the town, it’s probably not interview appropriate. Ladies: do not wear open-toed shoes, sleeveless shirts, or flashy accessories. Gentlemen: many employers will prefer that you are clean shaven.
- If you have a facial piercing, take it out.
- Check your hygiene.
- Absolutely no gum chewing.
- Bring a copy of you resume or application, references, and a pad to take notes.
Monster offers information about interview questions, preparation, dress, and follow up. The US Dept of Labor also has information about different types of interviews and how to prepare.
Remember to plan how you will get to your interview before the day arrives. You may even want to take a trial run, especially if it is in a part of town that is unfamiliar to you. On the day of your interview, try to arrive about 10 – 15 minutes early. Once there, treat everyone you meet courteously and act like the professional that you are. After the interview, remember to send a thank you note – keep it short but remember to reiterate your interest in the job and refresh their memory of why you would make such a good addition to the organization.
Good luck!
I always go in with a good positive attitude for interviews, have serveral resumes out and still no work. Just starting to feel like no one wants to hire me cause of my age. Not sure what to do just know can not keep living like this, no more pain of not working and bills can not pay.
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If you feel age is a factor, ask the advice of some friends (not at the same time). Ask them to be honest. Are you fashionably dressed? Is there anything you need to change about your hair to make it stylish? Then ask them to do some mock interviews with you. Make sure your interview answers are not reflecting any type of age or health issue. Get them to critique your interview and resume. Maybe you need to update your resume so it doesn’t “age” you. According to Randy Block, a career transition coach and consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area , that today many employers are looking for people who can hit the ground running and survive the next few months. “Long-term” and strategic” phrases are not going to be as effective as they were even a year ago. Focus on selling yourself as an “expert who can get in and fix the problems of today quickly and efficiently. Focus on clear, results-oriented achievements for short-range problems.”
Volunteer at a local non profit that does work in an area that interest you. This will not only get you networking but will also give you a feeling of accomplishment. If you are 55 and older contact your local One-Stop Career Center through the Toll-Free Help Line at 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627) for the local SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program) in your community. They can provide paid training for you while they help you develop your skills toward employment. I would also suggest that you visit your physician to make sure you are not suffering from depression. If you can’t afford a physician, visit one of the free clinics today in your area. The economy has certainly made finding employment harder for everyone, and it can be discouraging. Contact other people that are seeking employment and start a support group, a job club, so that you can share ideas and help each other find that job!
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