Tuesday 12 November 2013

Blog #3 - Interview Professionalism

"Easier said than done".

These words could not be more true when confronted with the task of going through a professional mock job interview. So many factors determine what the employer is going to think of you based upon your answers to their questions, like how much you get them to talk, how much you talk about your valid skills, and if you have examples to back your claims.

The beginning of every successful interview doesn't even start with you waiting for your turn to be called; it starts with gathering information about the company you want to apply to, and the job you want to apply for.  You must have a copy of your résumé and references with you on clean, white uncreased paper, which should be edited to contain all appropriate skills and education that apply to the job you're applying for.

After being called in for your interview, remember to shake the interviewer's hand with strength appropriate to their gender and figure, while maintaining eye contact. Keep in mind, some people have phobias that prevent them from wanting to shake hands.

When asked a question you don't have the answer for right away, take your time thinking about how you can answer the question using as many words as possible, making sure to go into greater detail than what they expect to show you know even more than what they're asking. Of course, taking too long and making the interviewer wait is also a bad thing, so ask them to wait a moment while you think. If you don't know the answer to their question, say you don't know the answer instead of trying to guess. Remember, what you say and how much you say greatly influences their opinion of you.

Another big factor going into an interview is your appearance. Missing just one piece of a complete business uniform could make you look less professional and more casual, ultimately making it seem you don't care enough about the interview and/or interviewer to dress appropriately, thus greatly decreasing your chances of getting the job.

Another great way of getting "points" towards getting hired, though not recommended or done by myself, is to lie. If you're not very social, but the job requires you to be so, tell the interviewer that you are, then work on becoming so afterwards. This only works with personality and opinions; DO NOT lie about your skills, education and/or work experience.

From what I've learned, getting the job is many times more difficult than actually doing the job. Who knew?

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