Successful job interview - a complete guide on how to pass a job interview
Determined for you Job interview - Mazel Tov! Now is the time to get ready. Below is an overview and many tips on how to succeed in an interview.
Tips before the interview
in the days before ראיון Work Take the time to do the following:
Start researching your company and interviewers.
Knowing the company you will be interviewing for can help you get to your interview with confidence. Use the company website, social media posts and press releases will provide a solid understanding of the company's goals and how your background may suit it.
Research the company and show what you know
Do your homework and research the employer and the industry so that you are prepared for the interview question "What do you know about this company?" If you have not been asked this question, you should try to demonstrate for yourself what you know about the company.
You can do this by tying your responses from what you have learned about the company. For example, you could say: I noticed that you implemented a new software system last year, resulting in a dramatic improvement in your customers' satisfaction ratings. I am proficient in the latest technologies from my experience in software development at ABC, and appreciate a company that aspires to be a leader in its industry.
You should be able to find a lot of information about the history, mission and values of the company, staff, culture and recent successes on its website. If a company has a blog and a presence on social networks, they can be useful places to look for information.
Also do a little research into the industry that the company is in
Interviewer May ask how you perceive the company's position in its industry, who the company's competitors are, what its competitive advantages are and how it should proceed in the best way. For this reason, avoid trying to thoroughly research a dozen different industries. Instead, focus on finding a job in a limited number of industries that are right for you.
Get ready ahead of time
Do not wait until the last minute to choose an outfit for the interview, print additional copies of Resume Yours or find a notebook and pen. Prepare one good interview outfit so you can get to the interview at short notice without having to worry about what to wear.
when you have Job Interview, prepare everything the night before.
Make sure your interview attire is neat and appropriate for the type of office you are interviewing. Bring a nice portfolio with more copies of Resume your. Including pen and paper for writing notes.
If you are interviewing virtually, define the technology well and prepare it in advance. Experiment to make sure everything works, looks and sounds right.
Practice your answers to frequently asked questions in the interview.
Prepare your answer to the common question: "Tell me about yourself, and why are you interested in this position in our company?" The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what added value you will bring to the company and the position.
Prepare for frequently asked questions about interviews.
Each book "How to Interview" has a list of one hundred or more "Frequently Asked Questions". (You may be wondering how long these interviews take if there are so many frequently asked questions!) So how do you prepare? Choose one of the lists and think about what questions you are likely to encounter considering your age and status (about to graduate, looking for an internship in the summer). Then prepare your answers so that you do not have to make an effort to answer during the actual interview.
Review the typical job interview questions that employers ask and practice your answers.
Strong answers are the specific but concise ones, citing concrete examples that highlight your skills and back up your resume.
Your answers should highlight the most important skills for the employer and relevant to the job. While it is important to prepare the best answers, it is equally important to listen carefully during the interview to ensure that your responses give interviewers the information they are looking for.
Tip: You must come prepared to discuss your salary expectations. If you are not sure what salary is appropriate to apply for, look for salary surveys online for a customized salary range tailored to your location, industry and experience.
Practice, practice, practice.
It's one thing to come prepared with a ready answer to a question like, "Why should we hire you?" It is a completely different challenge to say it out loud in a safe and convincing way. The first time you try it, you may sound a little confused, no matter how clear your thoughts are! Do it 10 more times, and you will sound much more confident and impressive.
But there is no need to wait with your practice when you are already “on stage” in front of a real recruiter; Practice before you go to the interview. The best way to practice: Get two friends and get used to interviewing each other in a "spin": one person acts as an observer and the "interviewee" receives feedback from both the observer and the "interviewer". Move on to four or five rounds, switching roles in the process. Another idea (but certainly effective as well) is to record your answers and then listen to them in order to test what needs improvement. No matter what you do, make sure your practice consists of speaking out loud and repeating your answer only in the brain is not enough.
Score success points in the first five minutes.
Some studies suggest that interviewers decide on candidates in the first five minutes of the interview - and then spend the rest of the interview looking for things that will confirm the decision! So what can you do in those five minutes to get through the gate? Enter with vigor and enthusiasm and express your appreciation for the interviewer time. (Remember: she or he may see a lot of other candidates that day and may be tired of the child who woke up at night. So put in positive energy!)
Also, start with a positive response about the company - something like "I really expected this meeting [and not an" interview "]. I think [the company] does a great job in [a particular field or project. ], And I'm really excited about the possibility that I can contribute. ”
Make the most of the "tell me about yourself" wish.
Many interviewers begin interviews with this question. So how should you respond? You can go into a story about where you were born, what your parents do, how many brothers, sisters, dogs and cats you have, and that's fine. But do you prefer the interviewer to write what kind of dog you have - or why should the company hire you?
Consider responding to this question in something like: “Well, of course I can tell you a lot of things, and if I'm less in the direction of what interests you, please let me know. But the three things that I think are most important for you to know about me are [your strengths]. I can expand on these a bit if you like. Interviewers will always say, "Sure, go ahead." Then you say, “Well, for the first point, [give your example]. And when I worked for [a company], I [another strong example] ”etc. This strategy allows you to focus the first 10-15 minutes of the interview on all of your major strengths. The "tell me about yourself" question is a golden opportunity. Do not miss it!
Re-read the job description.
You may want to print it out and start highlighting specific skills that the employer is looking for. Think of examples from your past and present work that fit these requirements.
Contact the interviewer.
You should try to develop a relationship with your interviewer. Know the name of the interviewer and use it during the job interview. If you are unsure of the name, call and ask before the interview. And also, listen carefully during the introduction.
If you tend to forget names, write it down in a discreet place, like in small print at the bottom of your notebook.
Ultimately, making contact and making personal contact with your interviewer can increase your chances of being hired. People tend to hire candidates that they like and fit well into the company culture. This way you can bring the recruitment manager by your side.
Use the STAR method to answer questions.
Be prepared to be asked about past times when you used a specific skill and use the STAR method to tell stories with a clear state, task, action and outcome.
We have prepared a list of recommenders.
Your interviewers may require you to submit a list of recommenders before or after your interview. Preparing a reference list ahead of time can help you quickly complete this step to move forward with the recruitment process.
Be prepared with examples of the work you have done. During the interview, you will probably be asked about a specific job you did in relation to the job. After reviewing the job description, think about work you have done in the past, which shows that you have experience and success in performing a similar job.
We have prepared smart questions for your interviewers.
Ask your interviewer questions.
Come to the interview with some informed interviewer questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the company as well as your serious intent. Interviewers always ask if you have any questions, and no matter what, you should have one or two ready. If you say "no, not really", he or she may conclude that you are not so interested in work or company. A good all-purpose question is, "If you could describe the ideal candidate for this position, what would he or she be like?"
Interviews are a two-way street. Employers expect you to ask questions: They want to know that you are seriously thinking about what it will be like to work there. Here are some questions you might want to consider asking your interviewers:
Can you explain what the daily responsibilities of this role are?
How would you describe the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?
If I were in this situation, how would my performance be measured? how often?
With which departments does this team work regularly?
How do these departments usually cooperate?
What does the same process look like?
What are the challenges facing who will fill the role?
If you are having a series of interviews with the same company, you can use some of your ready-made questions with each person you meet (for example, "What do you think is the best thing about working here?" And "What kind of person would you most like to see play that role?") Then, try to think of one or two others during each interview.
Tips during the interview
Plan the attire for your interview the night before.
If you talk to a recruiter before the interview, you can ask them about the dress code in the workplace and choose your dress accordingly. If you do not have anyone to ask, check with the company to find out for yourself what is appropriate.
Bring copies of resume, notebook and pen.
Take at least five copies of your printed resume on clean paper in case of multiple interviewees. Highlight specific achievements in your copy that you can easily relate to and discuss. Bring a pen and a small notebook. Be prepared to take notes, but not on a smartphone or other electronic device.
Plan your schedule so you can arrive 10-15 minutes early. Map your route to the interview location so you can be sure to arrive on time. If you take public transportation, prepare a backup plan in case of delays.
Tip: When you arrive early, use the extra minutes to observe workplace dynamics.
Once you have spent time in the preparations, you can succeed in an interview day by practicing the following tips:
Be on time (it means early)
Arrive on time for the interview. Time means five to ten minutes early. If you need to, drive to the interview venue ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.
Made a great first impression.
Don't forget the little things - polish your shoes, make sure your nails are clean and tidy, and check your clothes for holes, stains, pet hair and loose threads. Introduced Body Language Safe and smiling all the way.
Body Language correctly
Dress properly, make eye contact, give a firm, good posture, speak clearly, and do not overdo it with perfume! Sometimes interview locations are small rooms that do not have good airflow. You want the interviewer to pay attention to your job skills.
Try to stay calm
During the job interview, try to relax and stay as calm as possible. Remember that your body language says as much about you as your answers to questions. Proper preparation will allow you to radiate confidence:
When answering questions, keep eye contact with the interviewer.
Be sure to pay attention to the question so as not to forget it, and listen to the whole question (through active listening) before you answer, so that you understand exactly what the interviewer is asking.
Clarify your strengths and the reasons you want in the job.
Prepare to enter each interview with three to five key strengths, such as what makes you the best candidates for the job. Prepare an example of each strength ("I have good communication skills. For example, I convinced an entire group to…"). And be prepared to tell the interviewer why you want this job - including what interests you about it, what rewards he offers you find value in and what abilities he requires you to have. If an interviewer does not think you are really really interested in the job, he or she will not give you an offer - no matter how good you are!
Expect the interviewer's concerns and reservations.
There are always more candidates for the job. So interviewers are looking for ways to survey people. Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself why they might not want to employ you ("I do not have it", "I do not have it, etc.). Then prepare your defense: “I know you may think I am not the most suitable for this position because of [their reservations]. But you need to know that [the reason the interviewer should not be overly concerned]. “
Treat everyone who encounters it with respect.
This includes people on the roads and in the parking lot, security personnel and reception staff. Treat anyone you do not know as if he or she is the recruitment manager. Even if not, your potential employer may ask for feedback.
Practice good manners and body language. Practice safe and accessible body language from the moment you enter the building. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders back. Before the interview, take a deep breath and exhale slowly to manage feelings of anxiety and encourage self-confidence. The interviewer should reach out first to initiate a handshake. Stand, look a person in the eye and smile. A good handshake should be steady but not crush the other's fingers.
Remember to come with your authenticity and positivity.
Being genuine during the interview can help employers relate to you easily as well. Showing positivity with a smile and optimistic body language can help keep the interview light-hearted and constructive.
Respond honestly to the questions asked.
While it may seem tempting to brag about your skills and accomplishments, interviewers find refreshing and respectful honesty. Focus on your key strengths and why your background makes you uniquely fit for the job.
Link your answers to your skills and achievements. In any question you answer, it is important that you link your background to the job by giving examples of solutions and results you have achieved in the past. Use every opportunity to present a deal with the requirements that appear in the job description.
Keep your answers concise and focused.
Interviewers' time is limited. Practicing your answers in advance can help you stay focused.
Do not worry about sounding "too ready".
Some people fear that if they rehearse their answers, they will sound “too ready” (or too polished) during the interview. Do not worry. If you are well prepared, you will sound confident and polished.
Be prepared to deal with illegal and inappropriate questions.
Questions about your age, gender, religion, marital status and sexual orientation are inappropriate and in many areas illegal. However, you may ask about one or more of them. If so, you have several options: you can just answer the question ("I'm not sure how relevant this is to the job"), or you can try to answer the "question behind the question": "I do not know if I will decide to have children in the near future, but If you are wondering if I will leave my job for a long time, I can say that I am very committed to my career and honestly can not imagine giving it up. “
Be assertive and take responsibility for the interview.
Perhaps out of an effort to be polite, some assertive candidates usually become too passive during job interviews. But politeness is not equal to passivity. An interview is like any other conversation - it is a dance in which each party responds to the other. Make no mistake, just sit there and wait for an interviewer to ask you about the same Nobel Prize you won. It is your responsibility to make sure he knows and understands your strengths.
Do not talk negatively about your previous employers.
If you feel desperate about your current job, focus on talking about what you have gained from that experience and what you want to do next.
Think positive.
No one likes complaining, so do not dwell on negative experiences during an interview. Even if the interviewer asks you to elaborate, "What tasks did you dislike the most?" Or "What did you dislike most about your previous job?" Do not answer the question directly. Or rather, do not answer it as you were asked. Instead, they said something like, “Well, I actually found something in all my missions that I loved. For example, even though I found that [some task] was very difficult, I liked the fact that [positive point about the task] “or” I liked [previous work] quite a bit, although now I know I really want [new work]. “
Be prepared for "behavior-based" interviews.
One of the most common interview styles today is to ask people to describe experiences they have experienced that demonstrate behaviors that the company believes are important for a particular role. You may be asked to talk about a period when you made an unpopular decision, found a high level of perseverance or made a decision under time pressure and with limited information, for example.
Step 1 is to anticipate the behaviors the recruitment manager may be looking for.
Step 2 is to identify at least one example for the date when you demonstrated each behavior.
Step 3 is to prepare a story for each example. Many people recommend using SAR (action-result-outcome) as a model for a story.
Step 4 is to practice the story. Also, make sure to check your resume before the interview with this type of thought in mind; It can help you remember examples of behaviors you may not have anticipated.
Tips after the interview
After completing the interview, give yourself the best chance of moving forward by following these steps:
Ask about the following steps.
After your interview, you should ask your interviewer, recruitment manager or recruiter what you should expect next. This may be a follow-up email with results from your interview, additional requirements like a to-do or auxiliary list or other interview.
Close the interview in a positive atmosphere while expressing enthusiasm.
If a salesman came to you and demonstrated his product and then thanked you for your time and walked out the door, what did he do wrong? He did not ask you to buy the product! If you come to the end of an interview and think you really like the role, ask for it! Tell the interviewer that you really, really like the job - that you were excited about it before the interview and even more excited now, and that you are convinced that you want to work there. If there are two equally good candidates at the end of the search - you and someone else - the interviewer will think that you are more likely to accept the offer, and thus there may be a greater tendency to offer you the job.
Make it easy to send a custom thank you note after the interview.
Request the business card of each person you are talking to during the interview process, so you can follow up separately via a separate thank you email. If you were interviewed in the morning, send your follow-up email that day. If you interviewed in the afternoon, the next morning it's okay. Make sure each email is different from the others, using the comments you made during the conversations.
Don't give up!
If you had a bad interview for a job that you really think was very appropriate do not give up! Write a letter, send an email or call the interviewer and let him know that you are aware that you have done a bad job in the media and why you think this job is very suitable for you. Repeat what you have to offer the company, and say you want an opportunity to contribute. Whether this strategy will bring you a job offer depends on the company. But one thing is for sure: if you do not try, your chances are just nil. We have seen this approach work in a large number of cases, and we recommend that you give it the final shot.