Have you got an interview coming up? If yes, then you should get tips on how to prepare for a job interview from steadytips.com. We are all about ensuring you have the best tips and tricks that will aid your career decisions.
An interview gives you an opportunity to sell yourself. This 15 to 30 minutes meeting should not be a waste for any reason.
Being invited at first simply means the interviewer believes you possess certain potentials he wants, this means you have the sole responsibility to prove this to the interviewer.
It is imperative to note that while you have been called up for interview, some other candidates too will be present for the same interview. This should not make you scared but put you in your feet to get you ready for anything, because you are meant to win!
So if you want to ace your next interview and land your dream job, below are a few tips to help you.
Carry Out A Research On The Industry Or Company
Asides cases of recommendation and other rare conditions, the interviewer believes that you must have applied for the position in which you were invited for interview.
This means you must have looked up the company on Google or Wikipedia, you must have asked some acquaintances about the company, you must have carried out research on the company no matter how little.
The interviewer believes that you should be aware of the company’s position in the industry, so they may ask for your view on this and how you perceive the company’s position in the industry which they have carved a niche, the interviewer may also ask you about the competitive advantage of its company over others.
Every industry has a competitor, especially when monopoly is not being practiced in the country where the industry is, therefore, the interviewer can ask who its competitors are and how best to overcome them. It is good to also make research about the company’s strength, and weaknesses.
Lay Emphasis On Your Selling Point
When going for any interview, make sure to prepare yourself with at least three key selling point, at most, prepare five key selling points that you possess. One of this selling points can be letting them know what makes you the best candidate for the position you applied for.
Let them know what makes you stand out from other candidates. Also sell yourself by talking about certain skills you possess, such as good communication skills. Whenever you talk about any of your selling points, make sure to have a good example attached to it.
When you notice their attention has been tilted towards you, talk about why you want the job and what caught your interest in the job. Make the interviewer know that you’re really interested in the job and will provide value for the company when you get employed.
When Asked To “tell me more about yourself “, Make The Most Of It
When an interviewer says, “tell me more about yourself“, I understand literally it may sound like he wants you to talk about your family of six, your hobbies, your likes and dislikes, how many pets you have, dresses and designers you love, but that is not the case with this.
“Tell me more about Yourself “ means as earlier stated, to sell yourself to your interviewer. Talk about all your strengths, what you did and achieved in your previous organisation where you worked with.
This helps to make your interviewer focus on your selling points. So when next an interviewer asks you to tell him more about yourself, seize this golden opportunity to sell yourself and watch yourself ace the interview.
The Right Body Language
How you dress to a very large extent can determine how you’ll be addressed. When going for an interview, you’re advised to dress well and smart too. When you put on a cologne or perfume, it is advisable to put on a mild scented cologne and not a harsh one, so don’t end up drawing the attention of the interviewer away from your job qualifications.
Also eye contact with your interviewer shows you are confident about yourself and what you have to offer. To your interviewer, this means to them that you know what you’re doing and have a lot to offer the organization.
On the other hand, if you bend down or answer questions without maintaining eye contact with your interviewer, it only defines you as timid.
When an interviewer stretch out his hands for a handshake, return the gesture and give a firm handshake. This goes a long way to prove how confident you are. When replying to any questions or salutation, speak clearly and no chewing of words or feigning of accent.
Know What To Take To The Interview
It may seem embarrassing to you when you go to an interview with stationeries or items that are not necessary. It is important for you to know what to go along with to an interview.
For instance, as a candidate going for an interview, you should go along with a portfolio containing extra copies of your resume, a list of questions for your interviewer and also a notepad with a pen.
It is important to note that you should not attempt to go for an interview with a chewing gum, a cup of tea or coffee or any other thing asides yourself and your credentials.
Get Accurate Directions
If you’ve been called up for an interview to a location you’re not so conversant with, you should make sure to get proper direction prior to the date set for the interview.
Also try to go to the location by yourself before the interview date, set a landmark for easy recognition of the location.
If you’re not so sure the location given to you is correct, make sure to ask for proper location and time set for the interview just to be sure if you’re going the right direction or not. Also, check to know alternative route to the set location so when a situation calls for it, you won’t be left stranded.
If you drive, check for parking space to avoid parking at the wrong spot, because some organisations make provision for parking space for their staff and top directors.
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