photo credit: pixabay
A job interview is a common and inevitable part of
acquiring a job. Your impressive resume and glowing grades may be enough to
land you an interview - but they won’t get you a job. This is the case where
the first impression, is of great importance. So preparation means a lot. Once
you’re in the hot seat, it’s up to you to really sell yourself to the employer.
To successfully sell yourself in a job interview.
You’ll need to consider these things:
1. know
your brand - you need to have a firsthand knowledge about the company. Conduct
a deep rooted research about the company. Know their purpose, mission and
values. Know their most recent news.
2. Complete
and arrange all necessary documents ahead of time. You don’t want to be
searching for your N.Y.S.C discharge certificate on the day of your interview.
3. Arrive
in time but not too early; 10-15 minutes. Being late sends singles that you are
unreliable. Showing up two hours before interview time makes you seem over
eager and desperate. Demonstrate promptness but not in an overly enthusiastic
manner. And if for unexceptionable reason you have to be late, send an email to
keep it professional.
4. Speak
the right body language. Make eye contact. Don’t wear a too strong perfume or
cologne. Speak clearly. Dress appropriately - not too big, tight, short,
rumbled or see through outfit. And no mountain top heeled shoe that can make
you fall flat on your face (I have). Just look smart and comfortable.
5. Check
your smile. Brush your teeth or floss and make sure there is no beer or coffee
stain on your teeth. You aren’t applying for a customer care or sales
representative job, but no one wants to interview anyone with a bad breath.
6. Be
kind to everyone. Starting from the security guards/gate-man, the cleaners,
everyone you meet. You want to show a good impression in all encounters.
7. Enter
the interview room confidently and be polite. Keep your head high, be calm,
smile and be confident. Even though your mind is racing faster than a galloping
horse, present an unruffled composure.
8. Carrying
a portfolio filled with your resume gives you a polished look. Don’t drag out a
rumpled copy from your bag or back pocket.
9. Know
the answer to the routine question ‘why are you here?’ or ‘tell me about
yourself?’
10. Be
articulate. - present your attributes in powerful statements. Be authentic. Use
illustrations to explain what you are saying.
11. Have
reasonable questions of your own. Don’t go there expecting to be asked
questions. Have questions of you own about certain aspects of the company. This
shows that you have really done your unassigned homework.
12. Be
ready to handle inappropriate questions, politely. (An interviewer once told me
the job of the Personal secretary also entailed a ‘sex-with-tarry’ after a long
day at the office. And asked if I was up for the task. Yes, I know he deserved
a slap. But I got up, my smile still intact said no, thanked him for the
interview and left.)
13. Close
on a positive note and don’t give up. Yes, its happens that despite all the
preparations, some interviews might just go wrong. However, don’t give up. Know
that no matter what, with determination and persistence, you will make it.
This list isn't exhaustive. Please share your view at the comment section below. Thank you.
