iaam Exclusive
The first step on a path to a brilliant career is acing that first job interview. Follow these eight, easy tips and you’ll do great.
Be prepared. Do as much research as you can about the company and the specific job you’re seeking prior to the interview. Check out the company’s web site. Study the job description of the position you’re seeking carefully. Is it something you would enjoy doing? Do you have the skills needed to perform the job? Or will you need some training? What days and hours would you prefer to work? Be prepared to explain why you’re ready to do a great job for their company.
Common interview questions include “Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” And many interviewers will simply say, “Tell me about yourself.”
Take a few minutes to think about your answers. Make notes of all the important things you’d like to say and ask in the interview.
Dress appropriately. When dressing for a job interview, it’s best to leave your trendiest clothes at home. A simple, conservative outfit is best. Just make sure it’s something you feel comfortable in and that it’s clean and wrinkle-free.
Be prompt. Arrive at your job interview 10 to 15 minutes early. This will give you some time to gather your thoughts, review your notes and just plain relax a bit before your interview. Nerves are perfectly normal. So take a few deep breaths and relax.
Be polite. Stand up and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake. Make eye contact and smile. Make sure your cell phone is turned off. The last thing you want is for your cell phone to start ringing in the middle of the interview. And if you listed your cell phone number as the contact number on your job application, make sure you have a more formal voicemail message greeting your callers.
Be Honest. Be positive and upbeat about your skills and experience but don’t exaggerate. It’s OK to admit that you’ll need some training for some aspects of the job.
Be enthusiastic. This is no time to play it cool. If you’re excited about the idea of working for this company, show it. Companies are looking to hire employees who will represent them well. An enthusiastic employee is just what they’re looking for.
Ask questions. A good job interview is nothing more than a good conversation. So hold up your end of the conversation by asking some good questions. Ask any specific questions you may have about the position and any general questions you may have about working for the company.
Stumped for a question? Ask the interviewer to describe a typical day working at the company.
"Say "thank you." Shake hands and thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Ask when they’ll be making a decision about the position. Follow up with a phone call or email and be sure to thank them again for their time and the opportunity to interview for the job.
By Lucy Lazarony
