The job interview involves talking to employers about what you can do for them and what they can do for you. Most applicants get so worried that they won't be the right candidate for the company that they forget the company must also meet their expectations. The interview is also an exchange of information, allowing you to find out more about the industry, talk about your interest in the field and why you chose it. It is very similar to networking.
"But it's not!" you may say. "This time it's REAL!" Well, networking was real, too. It was just more relaxed-you were the one doing the interviewing. Think of all the information you received from your networking contacts and how it can transfer to your interview. You should be able to talk easily about the industry and have some knowledge of what to expect in a typical day at work. If this does not put you more at ease, then perhaps the steps listed below will. They will help alleviate most of the stress related to interviewing:
- Research the company.
- Note how your strengths match the company's needs.
- Practice answering commonly asked questions.
- Prepare questions to ask.
- Be confident.
Note how your strengths match the company's needs. Believe it or not, the interviewer will ask you why you think you should be hired. What are you going to say? Take a close look at the company profile you have researched. What skills do they need that you possess? Do you have computer skills? Foreign language skills? Leadership skills? Manual labor skills? Writing skills? Match them up! For example:
COMPANY'S NEEDS:
They create a lot of data reports.
MY SKILLS:
I have handled several data gathering computer programs: Lotus 1-2-3, Minitab 6.1 and First Choice. I presided over a national management chapter in college. I saw that we met our chapter by-laws and that my officers carried out their duties as a community-conscious association. I am a member of the U.S Air Force, specially trained as an electrician Glass E5 for the Portland, OR National Guard. For one of the companies you selected, research their needs and match them with your skills. Practice answering commonly asked questions. Everyone expects to be asked questions during the interview, but ironically, it's also the thing they fear the most. Practice answering questions concerning your career selection, why you would like to work for a particular company, or where you see yourself in five years. These are tough questions if you aren't prepared for them. If you prepare ahead of time, you will feel more confident in the interview and come across as a candidate who has given serious thought to your past, present, and future. Have a friend or a parent ask you "Why should I hire you?" Brainstorm the answer together. Soon, you will be able to answer these questions "off the cuff."
EXAMPLES:
Question: Why did you choose this field? I chose writing because I like the artistic freedom it gives me to create an image anywhere in the world. It brings people happiness or excitement, sadness or important information. I have an eye for detail and I love research. Writing gives me the opportunity to do what I love to do. Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself in a position with increased responsibility over time. I look forward to more training and furthering my education. Here is a sample of some other commonly asked questions. Check the library for books which list others. Answer the questions. If you need ideas, have someone help you compose your answers. Practice answering the questions aloud.
- Why should I hire you?
- Where do you see yourself in five years? What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Describe your ideal working situation.
- What do you know about our organization?
- How would you describe success?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to work for us?
- Give examples of a time when you led a group.
- What are your career objectives?
- What have you been doing since you graduated?
- What could you add to our company?
- Why did you leave your last job? What did you like about it? Dislike?
- Describe a situation where you were criticized. How did you handle it?
- What motivates you?
- Do you like to work with numbers or with people? Why?
- How would you describe your personality?
- How long would you stay with us?
- What were your favorite school subjects? Least favorite?
- What would your previous employer say about you?
- Tell me about a time you handled a crisis.
- Would you rather work with figures, people, or things? Why?
- Do you prefer to work alone or with others? Why?
