Expert Interview Skills Help You Standout On The Job Market
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So the call just came in from the job opening you applied for a few weeks back. They want to speak with you about this position and they have set up an interview in the coming weeks. You may feel both excitement and nervousness or if it is has been awhile since you have participated in a professional interview. The best thing to do is prepare yourself and take some time to practice so you feel comfortable. Your resume was strong enough to get you the interview, but now you have to really wow them with your confidence and personality. This can be an intimidating prospect, but if you know what to expect, it will help calm your nerves. The first thing you should realize is a first interview is not to discuss salary and benefits. Do not go into the interview asking questions about how much they will pay you, whether they provide workman’s comp insurance or general liability insurance, and how much vacation time you will be entitled to. In some cases, it will be appropriate to ask a salary range, but haggling for your offer should not be done until they have made a commitment to hiring you.
You should view your initial interview as time to learn about the job and to sell yourself. Both you and the company need to determine if a professional relationship would be mutually beneficial.
Remember you are selling your skills and talents, but do so subtlety. Interviewers love confidence and they love someone who is enthusiastic. They also enjoy knowing what made you happy at your last job. They will not enjoy being told how happy they will be to have you as an employee. You need to make them think they would be lucky, but saying something like that outright would be perceived as cocky or egotistical. Show that you are personable and you have an easy time getting along with others. No company wants a trouble maker who will stir the pot. Do your best to seem confident and competent without being a braggard.
Prepare to answer challenging questions in a positive manner. Most people will be asked to explain their strengths and weaknesses, so consider a strong answer ahead of time. Take some time to combine honesty with something that will seem positive.
Be sure to explain your answers when being interviewed, but there is no need to go overboard. Try to turn weaknesses into something that will be beneficial to the interviewer. For instance, if you are a workaholic, it may be perceived by your friends and family as a weakness, but your new company will love a go-getter.
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