Interview Skills
With every interview, you’ll get better at presenting yourself – but it's a lot of work and a lot of stress just to go to interviews for practice. Most career and placement centers – whether attached to a university or private ones – offer mock interview services. Here, a career or placement professional will ask you questions as though in a real interview, and then give you feedback at the end. Mock interviews aren’t as high stakes as real interviews, but you'd be surprised at how much more comfortable you’ll feel just for having gone through the process a few times. In the end, the questions that you're asked aren't really that difficult – it's just the pressure that gets to you.
You may have heard of the saying "people buy people", so take the opportunity to let people know why they should promote you, employ you or buy from you. Here are my tips to market yourself effectively:
1. Write down a list of your strengths and skills and use these as selling points when you meet new people. What is unique about you? What sets you apart from anyone else? How can you make sure you market yourself at every opportunity?
2. Develop a succinct message that you can share with others that takes about 10-20 seconds to deliver. In business, this is known as an elevator speech - who you are and what you can do for others. Design and practice your message.
3. Remember that every time you communicate, this is the opportunity to make an impact. Make sure that anything you put in writing, such as a letter or CV is clear, concise and easy to read. And remember to include the strengths you have identified above.
4. You also communicate by what you wear and whether it is appropriate for the occasion. You may wish to research the dress code and give yourself plenty of time to decide what to wear. Choose your outfit wisely with the appropriate accessories, and remember to clean your shoes!
5. Make a great first impression. People tend to make a first impression of you within the first few minutes of meeting you. When you meet new people, use appropriate eye contact, a firm handshake, and smile!
6. Preparation is key. Whether you are going to a networking event or a job interview, it is important to prepare in advance. Plan the journey before you leave, know who you are going to meet and plan what you are going to say.
First impression is the last impression this is true for job interviews.
And first thing comes your dress code. Dressing up for any formal occasion could be a skill itself one needs to learn.Appearance plays one big role for an interview. How do you present yourself to the interviewer and how well do you sell yourself. An interview itself is a lot to put someone into stress and sometimes people forget little details about physical appearance that help to create a good impression.
Your Dress code
Know a days companies are becoming more relaxed about dress codes but it is still recommended to wear a suit for an interview regardless of the dress code of the company you are interviewing at. It is helpful to know the dress code as you may then decide which suit to wear.
Most of the companies, banks and financial institutes have professional business attire and a skirt would be preferable. However, in today’s business world, a pantsuit would be similarly acceptable at any institution. Skirts should be long enough to at least touch your knees. It is recommended to wear a dark colored suit with light color blouse or shirt.
Ideally it would be good to own two interview suits in two different colors. However, you can create a different look simply by wearing a different color shirt with the same suit . Regardless of the style, your suit should be comfortable, not too tight or loose. It should not look too casual or sporty.
Accessories can help create a polished look. Interviewees should wear polished shoes.Your shoes should complement your outfit, not overpower it.
If you are wearing a belt, select a conservative leather style belt in solid color, with a small buckle.Hair needs to be clean, dry and neatly combed.
Ttips to rememberHere are some last moment tips that can save you from unnecessary stress.
Have your clothes and accessories ready the night before so that you are not in a hurry on the day of interview. If you are going to wear a brand new outfit or shoes, make sure you cut off all the tags and try them on ahead of time. Remember to turn your cell phone off before entering the interview room. Keep a breath freshener/mint and use it right before entering the office building. It is safe to carry an umbrella if there is even a slight chance of rain.
Now that you know all about how to create your desired first impression by appearance, you are all ready for the next interview and therefore, for your dream job! Good luck!
Same guidelines would apply for attending career fairs as well. Make sure you take many copies of your most updated resume along with you. As you stop at the booths, you may want to drop your resume to the representatives (usually HR) of the companies you are interested. Some may even remember you just by your appearance!
Some of the questions interviewers can ask. For example, what would you say to :
· What parts of your current job do you dislike? Why?
· Why has it taken you so long to find a job?
· How can you attend this interview while you’re still working?
· What makes you think you are worth this salary?
· I'm not sure you're really suitable for this job.
· How much have you actually learned from the jobs you've had?
· What are your greatest weaknesses?
· What makes you so different from the other candidates?
· Have you done the best work you are capable of?
· What would your boss say about you if we asked him?
· Tell me about yourself
· What do you know about the type of work we do ?
· What is your strengths ?
· Why did you leave your last Job ?
· Why should you we hire you ?
· Do you have any reference ?
Questions To Ask The Employer:
Who would supervise me?
When are you going to make a hiring decision?
What are the opportunities for advancement?
What kind of training is provided or available?
Steps for a successful interview.
Speak clearly about your experiences and skills. Be professional.
Be prepared to market your skills and experiences.
Research information about the company before the interview. Some important information to look for includes what activities are carried out by the employer, how financially stable the employer is, and what types of jobs exist with the employer.
Plan to arrive for your interview 10-15 minutes before the appointed time.
Carry a portfolio, notepad or at the very least, a manila file folder labeled with the employer's name.
Bring extra resumes and a list of questions you need answered.
social skills are part of the hiring decision for it the lunch or dinner included during the interview day its a significant part of the interview process. Mind your etiquette and have your share of the conversation during the meal.
After the interview, write down the names and titles of all your interviewers,.
Follow up the interview with a thank-you letter..
Job Success Skills
There are specific skills you need to know and use to be successful at your job. It's important to practice these skills prior to starting the job. First impressions show from day one. You only get one first impression.
Very first thing is to check with your supervisor about what's most important. Employers say many people lose their job because they don't use good work habits and not because they are unable to do the job. The following list of suggestions can be used for good work habits.
Expectations
A positive attitude is one of the most important factors in achieving job success. Don't carry negative feelings into your new workplace. Resolve them elsewhere.
Always be on time. How long will it take to get to work? Allow a few extra minutes for traffic problems and getting children to daycare. Set an alarm clock to help you get up. Being reliable and dependable gains the trust and respect of your new employer.
Good attendance and promptness are always important. If you're going to be unavoidably late or out sick, ask your supervisor the proper method of informing them.
Know and follow all office rules, policies and procedures. Read the employee manuals.
Listen and learn. Be open to new ways of doing things, even if you were taught differently in school or on a different job. Don't be quick to find fault, criticize or complain until you can prove you can do something a better way.
Meet and exceed your employer’s expectations.
Learn all you can about the job you were hired to do before thinking about moving up.
Communication
When you need to talk with your supervisor, ask when would be a good time to meet.
Take advantage of your performance reviews. Stay calm. Learn from them. Ask how you can improve. Show results or job-related classes you've taken. Most supervisors appreciate employees who are concerned about performance and in finding ways to improve. Your job success is also their success.
Be a team player. Be willing to help. Know the goals of your job and how your job fits into the overall organization. Avoid a "know-it-all attitude." Try to fit in with the team. Keep your sense of humor.
Ask for help when you need it. If you make a mistake, let your supervisor know immediately. Find out how you can fix it.
Follow the proper chain of command. Discuss items with your supervisor first.
Personal
Prior to starting the job, have all of your appointments with doctors, dentists, etc., out of the way. Have your transportation and daycare lined up so you don't immediately have to take time off. Have an emergency plan for daycare and transportation.
Be willing to learn new skills. Keep a record of classes you're taking that relate to the job. Review this with your supervisor at an appropriate time.
Take time in making new friends. Find positive and upbeat coworkers. Avoid negative, critical and gossiping people.
Be clean and well groomed. Wear clean and job-appropriate clothes. Pay attention to how your coworkers are dressed. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes.
Keep your personal life and problems at home. Do not use the employer’s equipment and time to do personal things like making personal phone calls, using the copy machine or resolving your personal problems on the job. If you're having trouble resolving personal problems, counseling, support groups or employee assistance programs may be useful.
Create the image. Dress for the job you want next.
Be patient with yourself and your employer. It takes time to get used to, learn and like a new job.
Volunteer for projects and committees if your work is completed and your supervisor approves.
Be a team player
Don't express your opinions, biases or prejudices about others while you're at work. Diversity is a priority in the workplace. Accept criticism as constructive. Don't become defensive or take criticism personally. Thank the person for their input. Consider changing if it's warranted. If you're unsure how to handle the situation, check with your supervisor.
Always be friendly to everyone. Be willing to go the extra mile. This creates goodwill with employers, coworkers and customers. Notice who your boss relies on and model yourself after them. Find a mentor, someone who knows the employer and the job well enough to coach you or show you the ropes. Realize playing politics or power games could be dangerous and backfire on you. Treat everyone with courtesy and respect. Remember that as you climb the career ladder, you may meet the same people on your way down the ladder. Keep your emotions under control. The job isn't the place to express or show your opinions or feelings. Show appreciation. Let your supervisor know you appreciate their training, support, input, feedback, etc.
Prepare a statement of major accomplishments. List your results, achievements, and home runs. Give specific examples with percentages, numbers, facts, and figures. Make before-and-after comparisons.
Write your goals for next quarter. Rather than explaining your need for a raise as a personal issue. Show industry research and show your accomplishments and goals.
Never present your request for a raise as a demand or threat. That makes you an adversary. Instead, take a questioning approach supported with written facts.
Last of all, wait until your manager is on a personal high, and don't expect a decision overnight. Give the boss your ideas, then give him or her time to think. Chances are, if you've been producing more than expected, your manager can justify a raise.
