Interviews are a crucial part of job search. Many applicants don’t know what to expect of them. Perhaps, it’s their first attempt to land a job, or they want to switch careers. As with all things, every applicant has to come prepared for the interview to impress the recruiter with their qualification and key skills. This will solidify their position and increase the chance of getting employed.
They can start off by beating the competition with a great CV. There are professionals who can tailor a bot-beating CV. You can choose the service https://resumeservice24.com/cv-writing-service that will help you amaze recruiting firms and employers and get more interviews. This is the start on the path to building a career.
Once you have secured an interview, take some time and use all available career resources to prepare for it. We have asked a career advice expert about the aspects one has to take into account.
Research the Employer
Applicants should have a clear picture of their new place of employment. This is done by going to the company website and finding out as much as possible, ideally, even before submitting your job application. Pay attention to the following information:
- Recent announcements;
- Goals and mission;
- Values and culture;
- Accomplishments;
- History
You should also read the latest news about the employer. Learn what the company achieved and what it plans next. Learn what others have to say about their work in the organization. Read reviews and open jobs descriptions.
Read Also: Tips for Successful Job Interviews
This way, job seekers can think about qualifications and experiences that will be beneficial for the company. These details help prepare for the interview more thoroughly.
Study the Job Description
Take a close look at the job description. Potential employees should be able to explain how their expertise helps carry out the daily responsibilities. Evaluate how your skills and goals fit the position you aim to occupy. Provide relative examples to the recruiters during your talk.
By the way, you can emphasize your abilities before the interview even starts by attaching a cover letter to the resume when you apply for the job. And if you turn to a professional cover letter writing service, it can bolster the chance of employment. The points you highlight in the cover letter will give you and the employer common points for discussion.
Practice the Interview
You’re bound to get specific questions about the company opening. But, most likely, there will be many standard questions asked. Prepare by studying the list of common interview questions for a specific role that you’re applying for. For instance, research common leadership interview questions if you’re pursuing a managerial post. Then, formulate your own answers. Concentrate on answering things about your goals and qualifications and think about what makes you rank higher than other candidates.
Learn the STAR Method
This method involves talking about four things:
- Situation;
- Task;
- Action;
- Result
Hiring managers often ask behavioral questions. They evaluate how candidates handle common workplace situations. When confronted with STAR, it’s a good thing to ask for the context of the situation and your role in it. Think about how you would’ve handled the challenge and the result of your actions.
Wear Appropriate Clothes
Make sure you look presentable before contacting the hiring team. Comb your hair and dress appropriately. Look at the company website and its social media presence. See what the employees are wearing and follow the dress code. In most cases, it’s advised to wear a formal business suit or professional shirt and dress pants during the interviews.
Prepare Questions in Advance
Of course, most of the time, you’ll be answering the recruiter’s questions instead of asking them. Yet, you are expected to engage the interviewer and express interest in the company and the job. This can be done by preparing questions beforehand. Maybe, you want to know about the corporate culture and the tasks you’ll handle. This way, you show interest in professional growth and development.
Do a Follow-up
After the interview is over, it’s a good gesture to contact the hiring manager the following day. Send them an email that confirms your continued interest in the job and your gratitude for the interview. Compose another email if you didn’t get a reply a week after the job listing was closed. Highlight that you are eager to take the next step in the hiring process.
Common Interview Questions
There are a number of typical questions recruiters can employ during interviews. Analyze them and come up with your own replies.
What Can You Tell About Yourself?
Almost all interviews start with the question about your background. When answering this, you can briefly explain what your current position is and how you managed to get it. This allows establishing your professional history and highlighting its important aspects.
What Are Your Positive and Negative Sides?
Recruiters often ask potential employees about their weaknesses and strengths. This way, they know what you’re good at and what areas need improvement. Whatever your specialty is, you should always mention your greatest skills. When talking about your weak points, choose the ones you try to improve. Thus, you can turn the negative nature of the question into positive.
Why Should You Have This Job?
Recruiters often ask this question to find out how well job seekers understand their responsibilities within the company. When this question is raised, it’s a good opportunity to show how much you learned about the opening. Try briefly talking about company accomplishments and the opportunities it offers.
Why Do You Want to Quit?
Potential employees are often asked why they want to abandon their current position for a new one. Your answer shouldn’t contain any negativity about the current place of employment. Try focusing on the positive side. Say that you want to grow as a professional and look for a challenge.
Why Hire You?
Interviewers often ask this blunt question. They want to find out why you are the right person for the opening. Answer it by pointing out your work experience, skills, and accomplishments as an employee. Tie them in with how these factors will help the company achieve its goals.
Conclusion
Of course, nobody can ace an interview on their first try. But with patience and effort, you’ll overcome the anxiety and get better. Practice makes perfect, and taking interviews is no different. Remember to research the job opening, determine why you want it, and have some answers prepared for the interviewers. It’s one of the surest ways to invest in your career.
Author Bio
Gloria Lunsford, Content Writer at ResumeService24 with more than five years of experience in the resume writing service industry. Her primary specialization is English and Marketing, but she writes on a great number of other topics.
