Job interviews are intimidating. There’s a lot to remember, and you obviously want to impress the hiring manager so that they offer you a job. Whether you’re interviewing for your dream job, or are seeking a new job to help you with debt management, you want this to go well. There are a few basic tips that, despite your field of work, are universally accepted to have a good job interview.
Best of luck for your job interview!
7 Tips to Have a Great Job Interview
Managing finances during a job search can be tricky, and you really need a steady steam of income. Keep these tips in mind during interviews to help your chances of landing a new job!
- Prepare Responses. You’ve seen the job advertisement with a list of responsibilities. Think of questions the interviewer may ask you, and prepare some answers. Preparation is so important. You will be nervous, so having an idea of what you will say is helpful. Preparation will also help you effectively communicate your skills in a concise manner!
- Dress the Part. If you’re going for a job interview in an office setting, dress to impress. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but make an effort to look nice. Your interviewer will notice if you look sloppy or are wearing non-business attire (ie: old, ripped or torn clothing, casual clothes, sneakers or combat boots, etc.). If you’re interviewing for a more labor intensive position, still put in an effort! A clean collared shirt and a pair of khaki pants will set you apart from the rest.
- Be Prompt. Be responsive during the entire job interview process. From answering the original advertisement, to responding to recruiters or HR representatives, to showing up for the interview, and sending a follow up email or letter. Thank people for their time and their help. A good rule is to always respond within 24 hours of someone’s email. If for some reason your response is delayed, offer a sincere apology! As always, if there are extenuating circumstances, explain them briefly.
- Do your Research: Learn about the company you are applying for. Take note of their mission statement, the company’s product or services, and how your background and skill-set can be of value. It’s always impressive for a candidate to have a working knowledge of what a company does before walking through the door.
- Be Yourself and be Honest. It’s cliche, I know, it’s important to be transparent in a job interview. You and the interviewer are both assessing one another to see if this is the right fit. Being forthright and honest will help you both make the right decision.
- Ask Questions. It’s okay not to know everything. In fact, many interviewers glean a lot of insight based on the questions that an interviewee asks. To avoid getting caught off-guard or forgetting your thoughts in the moment, jot a few questions down before the interview. And, try to ask questions that will help you establish an idea of what you could be getting yourself into! Workplace environment? Daily tasks? Employer expectations? These types of questions are great! However, questions like “how long will I have for lunch?” aren’t exactly related to the job description, and may be a red flag in terms of potential job performance.
- Show Enthusiasm! Excited about the job prospect, the field of work, the responsibilities? Show it! Take notes, and speak with intent. Sometimes, a passion for what you are doing and a willingness to learn will beat out the most qualified person on paper with the “best” resume.
Follow these tips and you’re bound to have a great job interview!
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