OFW guide: What to do during a job interview
Jobs today are difficult to come by especially after the economic recession in the United States affected not only America but many parts of the world.
Many companies are downsizing left and right, making the competition tougher for jobseekers.
To help you land a job, the “Virginia Tech” site listed some tips for a successful job interview which you can apply when you are called over by a potential employer.
(1) Dress appropriately
Depending on the industry that you are applying in, make sure that you dress appropriately.
Being formal is usually the safest bet but sometimes, more lax jobs call for smart casual attire.
Also make sure to be groomed well because this will also be taken into account.
(2) Know the details
Before your interview, get to know details about the company and if possible, even about the interviewers. If you are expecting a company executive to interview you, it would be good to be armed with details about that person.
Additional details like how long it takes to get there and where the nearest restroom where you can freshen up are also essential.
(3) Be an early bird
Be sure you arrive at least 10 minutes earlier than your interview schedule to allow you to freshen up and review your answers to possibly difficult questions.
This will also give you a feel of the place and allow you to get accustomed to your surroundings, reducing tension.
(4) Be respectful
Whether it may be a janitor, guard, or a professional looking man in a suit, you should treat them equally by being courteous even if you don't know them.
The world is a small place and chances are their opinion about you might be solicited by the hiring manager who interviews you.
(5) Be professional
How do you show that you are a professional candidate?
Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression during the interview.
This will help you exude an impressive aura of self-confidence.
(6) Take note of the interviewer's name
Once your interviewer introduces himself or herself, make sure to take note of it and address him or her by it.
If you didn't understand or catch your interviewer's name the first time, don't be shy to ask for it again.
(7) Address your interviewer properly
Once you get a hold of your interviewer's name, address them by this with the proper title.
If they have a special professional title such as Dr. or Atty. then address them as such with their last name.
(8) Be still
Showing that you can maintain a poised position for a long time shows professionality.
Be still and avoid fidgeting and slouching as these hint about a person's short attention span. Don't be too stiff either for this will also reflect negatively on you.
(9) Give intelligent answers
When you are asked questions, take a few seconds to think through your answer.
Whenever possible, be sure to back it up with concrete examples that you have experienced.
Avoid beating the bush for this will waste both your and your interviewer's precious time.
(10) Be honest
There's no better job interview tip than this. Be honest and be yourself.
Nobody likes someone who pretends to be somebody else. We all know that dishonesty gets uncovered sooner or later so be truthful.
Remember that lying during a job interview will just be the same as fooling yourself. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News
Many companies are downsizing left and right, making the competition tougher for jobseekers.
To help you land a job, the “Virginia Tech” site listed some tips for a successful job interview which you can apply when you are called over by a potential employer.
(1) Dress appropriately
Depending on the industry that you are applying in, make sure that you dress appropriately.
Being formal is usually the safest bet but sometimes, more lax jobs call for smart casual attire.
Also make sure to be groomed well because this will also be taken into account.
(2) Know the details
Before your interview, get to know details about the company and if possible, even about the interviewers. If you are expecting a company executive to interview you, it would be good to be armed with details about that person.
Additional details like how long it takes to get there and where the nearest restroom where you can freshen up are also essential.
(3) Be an early bird
Be sure you arrive at least 10 minutes earlier than your interview schedule to allow you to freshen up and review your answers to possibly difficult questions.
This will also give you a feel of the place and allow you to get accustomed to your surroundings, reducing tension.
(4) Be respectful
Whether it may be a janitor, guard, or a professional looking man in a suit, you should treat them equally by being courteous even if you don't know them.
The world is a small place and chances are their opinion about you might be solicited by the hiring manager who interviews you.
(5) Be professional
How do you show that you are a professional candidate?
Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression during the interview.
This will help you exude an impressive aura of self-confidence.
(6) Take note of the interviewer's name
Once your interviewer introduces himself or herself, make sure to take note of it and address him or her by it.
If you didn't understand or catch your interviewer's name the first time, don't be shy to ask for it again.
(7) Address your interviewer properly
Once you get a hold of your interviewer's name, address them by this with the proper title.
If they have a special professional title such as Dr. or Atty. then address them as such with their last name.
(8) Be still
Showing that you can maintain a poised position for a long time shows professionality.
Be still and avoid fidgeting and slouching as these hint about a person's short attention span. Don't be too stiff either for this will also reflect negatively on you.
(9) Give intelligent answers
When you are asked questions, take a few seconds to think through your answer.
Whenever possible, be sure to back it up with concrete examples that you have experienced.
Avoid beating the bush for this will waste both your and your interviewer's precious time.
(10) Be honest
There's no better job interview tip than this. Be honest and be yourself.
Nobody likes someone who pretends to be somebody else. We all know that dishonesty gets uncovered sooner or later so be truthful.
Remember that lying during a job interview will just be the same as fooling yourself. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News
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