Archive for the ‘Interviews’ Category

Are you currently on the hunt for a new job? If you are, you will likely find yourself with a number of job interviews scheduled. If you have been out of work for sometime now or if your last employment was long-term, you may be a little bit nervous about soon-to-be upcoming job interviews.

If you are, you are definitely not alone. The good news, however, is that there are a number of steps that you can take to prepare yourself for success.

If you have the financial means needed to do so, you may want to consider buying yourself a new job interview outfit or getting your hair done, even with just a simple trim. Many have claimed that a quick hair style or a new outfit has increased their confidence. This increased confidence may be just what you need to breeze through your upcoming job interviews with success. Even if you do not have the financial means needed to purchase a new outfit or have your hair styled, you may want to turn to a close friend or family member for assistance, possibly for the borrowing of professional attire.

Another one of the many steps that you can take to make a good impression at your next interview involves researching common job interview questions. There are a number of books on the market that are designed to assist those with finding new jobs. Many of these books include job interview tips, including questions that may be asked. Familiarizing yourself with questions that you may be asked, such as questions surrounding your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and so forth, can help to improve your response time, as well as ease any nervousness that you may have.

In addition to researching or familiarizing yourself with questions that you may be asked during a job interview, you may want to hold a few practice or mock interviews. These practice sessions can be done in front of a mirror or they can be done with the assistance of a close friend or family member. You will want to treat all job interview practice sessions like they are the real thing. Be sure to answer all questions in a professional matter, as if you were in a real job interview.

Another step that you can take, when looking to prepare for an upcoming interview that you may have scheduled, involves printing off an extra copy of your resume. This makes you look prepared, in more ways than one. Although the interviewer should already have a copy of your resume on hand, it would not hurt to ask them if they would like to see a new copy. You may also want to bring along a pen and a notebook. These items can be used to write down information about the employer or job position in question. Once again, this proves that you are serious about finding a secure job and it should show that you will go through great lengths to find that job.

You will also want to take the time to research the company in question. This is ideal if they have an online website. You can impress your interviewer if you know about the company, even just a little bit. Researching each company that you have an interview with should only take a few minutes of your time, a few hours at the most. The basic information, such as the goals of the company and where their main headquarters are located is often enough to grab the attention of your interviewer.

Finally and most importantly do not forget your best smile. Let them know that you really are professional.

The above mentioned steps are just a few of the many steps that you can take to prepare for an upcoming interview or a job interview that you will likely have scheduled soon. Preparation can do you no harm, only good. Additional preparation steps that you may want to take include arriving early for your job interview, properly thanking everyone for your time and so forth.

When you apply at a college or university, you will be asked to put together your application package, which normally consists of your transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, resume, and personal statements.  The schools that you apply to are likely to send you a request for an interview if they are interested in admitting you to their school.  Whether the call for an interview is optional or not, you may want to take advantage of the opportunity to better your chances of getting admitted.  Some people find it difficult and even nerve-racking to go through admissions interviews, but it is an important part of the admissions process that plays a big role in whether or not you get accepted into school.  Read on for some helpful tips on acing your interview and sealing your slot in college.

Prepping yourself for the interview

Before you go through with the interview, you may want to do some research and prepare ahead of time.  The first thing you should do is settle the date for the interview.  Most likely, the school will already give you an interview date, but you may be able to ask for a change in schedule if necessary – just be sure not to ask for too much.  Once you have set your schedule for the interview, make sure that you allot enough time for preparation.  Try visiting the website of the school that will be interviewing you to see if they have any interview tips.  Some schools may have specific guidelines or policies that need to be followed for the interview, such as a dress code.

Perhaps the best way of preparing yourself for the admissions interview is to go through some of the commonly asked interview questions.  Sample questions can give you a good idea of what to expect and how to formulate your answers.  There are a lot of sources on the Internet that have sample interview questions, so take your time to research and prepare yourself for the questions that are likely to be asked.  Sure, the interviewer may throw in a few unexpected questions, but at least you will already be well prepared for most of the interview.

Interview DOs and DON’Ts

DOs:
-  Make sure to dress well, perhaps semi-formal or corporate attire would be best.
-  Be confident, but not boastful or arrogant.
-  Be honest and be yourself.
-  Ask educated and informed questions.
-  Remember that you are just having a conversation with another person, try not to be nervous.

DON’Ts:

-  No matter what, don’t be late.
-  Try not to deliver your answers as though they are prepared and practiced, instead be natural.
-  Don’t lie, even if you are tempted, because it will reflect badly on you if the truth comes out.
-  Don’t forget your manners, try not to be rude by interrupting, chewing gum, or being impolite.
-  Don’t forget to do some research on the college before you go in for your interview.

Conducting a simulated interview session with other applicants

Another helpful tip for acing your interview is to practice with other applicants, your parents, or perhaps even a teacher or counselor who is willing to help.  Not only will you get a feel for the tone of the interview, but you can also practice on delivering your answers more naturally, without being too nervous.