| Keystone
Partnership and Keystone Staffing Resources interview thousands
of candidates each year. Whether a candidate is an experienced job
seeker or a new college graduate seeking their first “real”
job, the job interview in sometimes an unnerving process. The key
to making it through to the final cut is to properly prepare and
deliver your answers in the interview process with confidence. Here
are some practical hints and some questions to help you fight the
jitters at interview time.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Don’t arrive too late or too early.
Get good directions to the interview location and try to anticipate
and plan for things such as traffic, weather, or getting lost.
If disaster strikes, be professional and call ahead to reschedule.
- Be Prepared. Make the effort to research the
company and the position for which you are interviewing. Information
about companies is publicly available through corporate web sites
and business magazines. Have questions prepared about the specific
industry, as well as answers detailing how you can make an impact.
- Be Alert to Your Non-verbal communication.
An interviewer often forms an opinion about a candidate from more
than just the words that you say. Be aware of the importance interviewers
place on a firm handshake, eye contact, fidgeting, and posture.
Also, chewing gum or smoking in an interview setting is not appropriate.
- Dress Professionally. Everyone has heard the
saying about how important it is to make a good first impression.
Dressing too casually or flamboyantly can ruin your chances. Prepare
your interview attire the night before an appointment and make
sure to check for scuffs on your shoes and loose buttons that
may convey the wrong impression to an employer.
Some Common Interview Questions
- What are your Weaknesses? Handle this
question by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths.
Try to answer with a positive weakness such as “I feel I’m
too organized.” Concentrate on professional traits as opposed
to personal qualities. Chances are the interviewer is not going
to care if you think your putting skills are weak on the back
9.
- Why should we hire You? Prepare yourself to
answer a version of this question by having an answer that outlines
your strengths for the employer. If you’ve done your research,
relate how your skills would specifically impact their company.
- Why Did you Leave (are you Leaving) Your Job?
Most employers are looking for a more in-depth answer than “I’m
just looking for a new opportunity.” Focus on what you want
to gain in your next job. At the same time, refrain from bad-mouthing
former or current employers. No one likes to hear complaints.
- What are Your Goals? This is a tried and true
old standard for the interview process. Some employers will specify
short term or long-term goals, so be prepared to answer to both.
Have an answer prepared that ties in to the job that you are applying
for.
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