This is the most common interview format, where the interviewer and interviewee sit and have a discussion. This meeting will determine if there is a fit between the job seeker, interviewer, company culture, and available job. Job interviews have always been the most significant part of the selection process mainly because, from the employer’s perspective, it is time to make final decisions. Interviews are the ultimate chance in creating a lasting impression and ensuring everything that needs to be said, presented, and clarified is done extremely efficiently and professionally. In most cases, this is the final step in landing the job, and can make or break the deal. Therefore, it is extremely important to go well prepared for in-person interviews. From the word go, the employer should feel that you are best suited for the job opening. The employer should never at any point in time, doubt the job seeker’s efficiency, confidence, skills, and ability to work for the selected position.
Listed below are a few tips on how to prepare for in-person interviews well in advance:
Research
The best way to impress the employer and ensure that the entire interview goes well is to study the job profile, organization, its value system, history, and all other details that are relevant to the open position for which the job seeker has applied. Most of these details are available on the organization’s website and also in the job posting.
It is extremely important to be knowledgeable about the organization since it is an indication of interest and attention to detail, which are areas that interviews normally score potential employees on.
Rehearse
Though this might sound a bit dramatic since there is really no performance or show that is being staged, it does help to go prepared with some ideas and opening lines to avoid any embarrassment. One of the best ways to check out expressions, speech, and smile is to rehearse a few lines in front of the mirror.
This will help you understand yourself better and if you are hesitating at sometime while introducing yourself or saying something, you will find a way to improve upon the same. Practice a few standard questions that interviewers normally ask, such as a brief introduction about yourself, etc. This will help you with communicating efficiently and smoothly without failing for words.
Mock Interviews
Try and get a friend, acquaintance, or family member to hold a mock interview and throw a few questions at you. Answer these questions like you would in an interview and ask for feedback. These mock interviews help you prepare for the actual interviews much better than you would on your own.
Facing Tricky Questions
Often HR managers or employers ask job seekers some tricky questions regarding strengths and weaknesses, challenges, etc. While it is important to be open and honest with your answer, one should be careful while talking about weaknesses. It is always advisable to answer this question diplomatically and tactfully without actually saying much.
All in all, prepare yourself to face the interview with confidence and positive energy. Ensure that you look the employer in the eye while greeting him or her, do not be in a hurry to answer questions, give them time to complete their questions and talk at an even pace. Do not speak too softly or too quickly; let the employer be able to hear what you are saying and follow along with ease.
A powerful resume = job interviews = job offers!
“If You Are Not Happy With the Results Your Resume is Generating Then Act Now to Change Your Future”
We look forward to partnering with you in the future,
Candace Davies ACCC, CRW, CIC, CPRW, CEIP, CECC
Review Candace’s credentials here.