Workforce: Interviewing
You sent out your resume and you finally nailed an interview. Now's the time to begin being overly nervous.
I used to be the same way so I completely understand but as I continue down my path of self-improvement I’ve realized that by being myself is always the best option.
Also, learning what to emphasis and what to leave out are both important.
Let’s talk about some important things I noticed, studied, observed and
did in my interview that landed me a job!
Arrive early- arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, let them know you have an interview at whatever time. Use this time to watch what’s going on around you, get a feel for the store or office and how employees are conducting themselves.
Know what you stand for- every business has a business statement and most times a motto. Its how the company have survived was by sticking to the standards they set for themselves. You should be the same. Know things like your mission in the working world, goals, values, and values that you hold for yourself. Make sure the companies match yours otherwise you’ll end up working a job you hate and who wants that?
Know your selling points- You should go into an interview with three to five selling points that align with the job description. Bonus points for providing an example of how you demonstrated that skill at a job and perhaps even how you believe it will benefit this company. They’ll also want to know why you want the job, so you better have a good reason. You aren’t the only one who’s applied and they can tell if you really don’t care about the job.
Google is your best friend: prior to your interview, google common questions or for instance “How does an interview at *insert company* go?” and most likely, more than one person can tell you what questions were asked, how long it was, basically a walk-through of what happens. If you know the questions or common questions, practice your answers.
Be positive- During your interview they may ask why you left your prior jobs. If you left for negative reasons, find a way to spin it. Perhaps office work is boring and you hate sitting at a desk, instead tell them you weren’t challenged enough. Admit to terminations and explain what happened. They don’t need every gritty detail but being honest is better than if they call the employer and receive a different story.
Do the interview dance- just like a regular conversation, there’s back and forth action going. During the interview, don’t just provide a quick answer then stay silent until the next question.
You’re not a robot- Try pretending in your mind you’ve known the person interviewing you for a long time as a professional friend. They’re human and they want to see who they’re really hiring. So be yourself but with a professional edge. Honestly laugh when something is funny, smile, try to have fun, and basically forget you’re interviewing but instead explaining to someone who you are and what awesome qualities they’ll want around. Also remember to practice active listening, it shows them you’re focused on what they have to say and that you find what they’re saying has importance.
Relax and impress- Remember your body language. You want to keep open body language, so don’t cross your arms. Sit up straight but keep a relaxed positive. Try to look relaxed but professional. It’s also important to go into your interview with positivity, well dressed, go light or none at all on perfume or cologne, make eye contact, have a firm and comforting handshake. Look and smell your best!
Mind your manners- Remember to say things like please, thank you, excuse me, ma’am/sir/miss/Mrs. unless told to call them by their name. If you’re sitting when they approach you, stand once they enter and extend your hand to shake and introduce yourself.
Have questions for them- It means you care enough to think of questions for them. I like to ask about turnover rate, average hours for full time, what training they do, what the company is focused on for that year, or even the average vibe of the store (are they busy, slow times, cross training in other areas, overtime, or other things)
Keep a positive attitude and mindset, don’t overthink it. Go in confident, like you already have the job and you’re just telling them about you so they know the best way to train you. Practice beforehand, or at least google what to expect and show them you really want to work there but not desperate. Desperation says I’ll take what I can get, want says I want to come work here.
Some studies have shown that interviewers make up their minds within the first 5 minutes of an interview if they want to hire you or not. The rest of the interview will either confirm they will hire you or change their mind.
Just go in with energy and enthusiasm, show that you have knowledge (even if you’re not an expert and it’s just a hobby you do) and are eager to learn more. Be personable, allow them to really get a feel for you and make sure they lead the interview. Don’t over or under talk.
Do you have any tips for interviewing you’ve found to be helpful? If so, share em in the comments below. Or if you used any of these, let me know how it went. I followed this guide and I was offered the job without the second interview they always do. The interview I had for the job I got (Today was my second day) was so much fun and ran almost two hours due to conversation flow. Most don’t but if you vibe, it may and it will come naturally so just allow things to go how they go!
Good luck, out there!
Vibe Higher,
Lobeless