|
10 Tips for Interview Success
An Article by: Marc Belaiche C.A.
TorontoJobs.ca
It is said that one is interviewed for one's skills and hired
because of "fit". At the same time it is essential to be extremely
well prepared before setting out on a job interview. With more and
more people being professionally coached on interviewing techniques,
you can count on the competition being up on their game too. Ian
Kennedy of Essential Communications here in Toronto has insightful
advice for making the best of your interview preparation.
-
Research the company. Use the internet, annual reports or company promotional brochures. Ask employees of the company or ex-employees about the ins and outs of the company and about the people you are slated to meet with.
-
Have your own personal agenda. Ask questions. Interview the interviewer. Be prepared to discuss up to date issues or findings related to your industry. Show them you have done your homework and that you have something to offer in the knowledge as well as the skill department.
-
Write out answers to speculated questions. Identify 8-10 skills or competencies that you anticipate will be targeted and write out your Situation, Action and Result (SAR) stories for each one.
-
Dress for success. Even casual day should find you in a suit or as dressy as your industry dictates.
-
Call the interviewers voice mail after hours and listen to their voice to get an idea of how they present themselves.
-
Don't change your routine; follow your regular pattern of sleep and activity before the interview. Try some deep breathing exercises if you are nervous.
-
Don't watch the news the night before or listen to it on the radio in the morning. You need to stay focused on the interview not on the latest news breaking terrorist story. Stay positive and upbeat.
-
Don't argue with family members.
-
Start your Thank you letter or card the night before the interview. Hand written notes are very welcomed. Do not send email unless…nope, don't send a thank you by email.
-
Prepare a form that allows you to jot down your thoughts and feelings about each interview for review purposes. Detail what took place and what you could do better next time.
As an interview coach used to say, "Practice, practice, practice."
Marc Belaiche is President of TorontoJobs.ca, an internet recruitment website specializing in helping candidates find jobs in the Greater Toronto Area. Marc has been in the recruitment industry since 1995.
More Career Articles
|
