3 JOB INTERVIEW DO’S AND DON’TS
The most important phase in a career search is the job interview. For the applicant, the interview is like being on stage, telling the hiring manager your career story. It is so important how you present yourself because they are subconsciously making decisions about you every few seconds. Following are three things you should do and three things you should avoid when interviewing for a new position.
Three key things to do before the job interview:
- Be certain you qualify for the job you are applying for. Take the time to research the company and understand the position completely and its specific requirements. The better you understand the role and the challenges set before you, the better you will be able to answer the hiring manager’s questions. They are seeking to find out if you are competent to fill this role.
- Determine if you will fit in well with the company. It is important to have the necessary skills and experience, but a hiring manager is looking for someone who will also fit into the culture of the company. They may be looking for a self-starter, or perhaps a team player. Know the position well enough and how you believe you will fit into that environment.
- Make sure you can do the things you said you can do in your resume. It is important to share your qualifications and past experiences, but never fib about your past accomplishments. With today’s technology, it isn’t difficult to verify education and work history and you will quickly disqualify yourself if you don’t present the facts truthfully.
Three key things to avoid on the job interview:
- Don’t be overly emotional. Too much emotion communicates instability. The hiring manager may see you as a risk that they don’t really want to take on. If you have had some past experiences that stir up emotion, then rehearse them before the interview to the point they no longer effect your emotions.
- Don’t complain. Never complain about a past job or employer. A prospective employer wants to know that you can work through and solve problems. Any form of complaining may cause them to doubt your ability to problem solve. If they should ask about a problem you encountered in your last position, keep in mind they are most interested in how you solved the dilemma, not the problem itself.
- Don’t avoid asking questions. Almost every hiring manager asks if you have any questions. Be prepared with some thoughtful questions. Candidates that do not ask anything come across as unprepared or unengaged. Intelligent questions show you are interested in the position. Here is an example of an appropriate question: “What are the key qualities of high performers in this company?”
Wishing you much success!
Patricia Rossi, America’s Etiquette and Protocol Coach, www.patriciarossi.com
