Job Interviewing Tips
A blog post by Serina Gilbert
So you’ve scoured the job search websites, found your perfect job, applied for it and now you have an interview! Exciting right? If you are anything like I was when I interviewed for my dream job I’d bet you are super nervous. You want to make a great impression, you want to be able to answer the interview questions with confidence and most importantly, you for sure don’t want to trip over a chair or run into a wall right? Keep on reading below to get some tips and tricks for navigating that job interview like a pro.
Research The Organization
Oftentimes you can discover a lot about a potential employer by conducting a little research both online and through your networks. Take a look at the organization’s website and social media accounts to learn more about their mission, vision and values and see what is on the horizon for them. Also, don’t be afraid to use your own personal and social media networks to learn more information about the organization. . This information will help you predict potential interview questions as well as aid you in framing your answers to commonly asked questions.
An additional resource you may find helpful is Glass Doorwhich provides you with information about what to expect during the interview and hiring process for tons of specific employers.
Practice, Practice, Practice
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for an interview is to practice your responses to commonly asked interview questions. You can expect to hear some questions at pretty much any interview especially if you are applying for positions within a specific industry. Develop well planned answers and be sure to have examples that you can draw from to make your answers stronger. Employers love examples, even when they don’t ask for one, because this demonstrates your historical abilities and it’s a bonus for you because it gives you an opportunity to show how awesome you are.
Plan Your Interview Outfit
First impressions go a long way, especially in an interview. Don’t let your outfit get in the way of your amazing skills and abilities during the job interview. Be sure to wear an outfit that matches the type of job that you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for work in an office that requires business casual attire, then for your interview wear an outfit that is one step up from business casual such as a shirt with a tie for the men out there and a nice skirt or pantsuit for the ladies.
It never hurts to have a sighted person take a look at your outfit to make sure everything matches the way that you planned and to ensure that your outfit is free of wrinkles. Lastly, if you are a service animal user, be sure to carry a portable lint roller and use it prior to entering into the employer’s lobby.
Do a Test Run
Going to a job interview is nerve-racking enough without the added stressor of figuring out not only how you are going to get to the interview, but also the layout of the building. Take this stress inducing factor off of your mind by doing a test run of the route and layout before your interview. This will help you reduce your anxiety the day of and help you to identify any bumps in the road that could possibly derail your transportation plans.
Ask Relevant Questions
Remember that research you conducted on your potential employer? Put that research to work by crafting insightful and educated questions to ask the employer at the end of the interview. Drawing a blank? An excellent question to ask a potential employer is “What are some characteristics you are looking for in your next employee?” The employer will always give you a nice list of things that they are looking for and then you can take that opportunity to highlight how your skills and abilities compliment exactly what they are looking for.
Don’t Forget to Follow Up
Now that you just blew away the interview panel with your brilliant personality and expert skills your work is still not complete. Immediately after your interview make sure that you send a thank you note to each of the individuals that interviewed you, preferably by email so that they receive it prior to making a decision. Thank you notes are rarely sent and always appreciated in the job search process.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to follow up with your potential employer after you job interview. When making your follow up call, you can always ask if the employer requires any additional information and emphasize how much you appreciate the opportunity you had to interview for the position.
Final Thoughts
Searching for employment is hard work. I know it can get discouraging to keep hearing “No.”, but remember it only takes one “Yes.” to land your dream job.
By Serina Gilbert
Serina is Co-host of Job Insights and you can find all of the Job Insights Podcast here.
YOu can also find her blog on the web at Blindy Blog.
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