Things every employee should consider when going for a job interview
Due to the high growth nature of our business and our relativley new inside sales model which is working a treat, we have had an abundance of positions available latley.
Our team have been interviewing hundreds of candidates and its interesting to see how many of them perform in an interview setting, or as many would say, on the first date.
Here are 15 things every job interviewee should consider when going for an interview:
Our team have been interviewing hundreds of candidates and its interesting to see how many of them perform in an interview setting, or as many would say, on the first date.
Here are 15 things every job interviewee should consider when going for an interview:
- Show enthusiasm: If you are just doing the numbers and turning up to interviews to tick a company off your list, then forget it. You are wasting your time and the company who is interviewing you. Show enthusiasm and interest in the role you are going for.
- Research: It's competitive out there, so if you haven't read the company website thoroughly, then don't turn up for the interview. It's the very least you can do.
- Tell the truth: If you lie, you have to be a very good liar. Eventually, you will become unstuck and whether you have been with the company for 1 week, 1 year, or 10 years, you will lose the trust of the people you work with.
- Explain your past positions in a positive light: This says a lot about you. If you say negative things about your past roles or the brands you have worked with, that means you will in the future say negative things about the business you are being interviewed by.
- Work out what you bring to the table: Every interviewee wants to know what you bring to the table. Usually, they have to ask a series of questions in order to work this out. Help them out by going through what you bring to the table and why you're the best person for the job.
- Show passion: Every perspective employer loves someone who is passionate about their career.
- Team players rule: Being able to work as a team is imperative to any organization performing at their optimum. You ability to communicate how you work as part of team and what role you play is essential.
- Be teachable: There will be things you don't know about the role or about any position that you may be going for. In your job interview, you will need to be able to show that you are teachable, and not a know-it-all.
- Have a compelling story to tell: There is nothing worse as an interviewer falling asleep in the interview. When you are telling your story, tell it with soul. Show the interviewer just what an amazing life you have had and how this new role will only add to that.
- Make eye contact: Don't look down, or stare at the wall. Look the person asking questions right in the eye's and engage with them. Pause when you are talking, still holding the eye contact. Now that's how to make an impact.
- Know the industry and position well: This goes without saying, but never go to an interview without doing your homework.
- Be in touch with your strengths and weaknesses: Don't be afraid to put forward your weaknesses as long as you explain them complemented by ways you are working on these weaknesses. Everyone has weaknesses so the worse thing ever in an interview is when an interviewee says they have none that they can think of.
- Be authentic: There is only one you. You don't have to be someone else to get my attention. In fact, what makes us different makes us beautiful. By owning this, you will show just how authentic and unique you are compared to others.
- Know what you want in a role and just how much you are prepared to work for it.
- Send a thank you note after the interview. Be old fashioned and send it in the mail. It's the little touches that count.
Leave a comment
Make sure you enter all the required information, indicated by an asterisk (*). HTML code is not allowed.
comments ( 3 )
Sidonie
21 Aug 2015This is a wonderful resource for a hopeful applicant such as myself, thank you Mellissah!
ReplyChristina Baschinger
19 Aug 2015I share the same opinion as Madame Smith. All of these points are very important and contribute to the success of an interview. Nevertheless, I would emphasize 3 major points: enthusiasm, team-player and passion. Nowadays a lot of people have amazing degrees or awesome grades at University/School, but not everybody shows motivation for his or her job. Some do their job to get their money and live on. They do not associate themselves with their job. In my opinion passion, enthusiasm and motivation are the key elements of a successful worker. Further, being able to work in a team is a great chance to expand one's horizons. Finally, motivated employees lead to a great team and hence contribute to the prosperity of a company!
ReplyChristina
17 Aug 2015The list looks easier said then done. Such amazing tips! I am sure to note a few of these downs. Interviews have always been so nerve-wracking for me. I guess I just need more practice and a lot more preparation. Reading this posts shows me all the pathways I can take to impress my interviewer. Better start rehearing my compelling story!
Reply