Most of what I am going to say, you already probably know. However, reminders can be timely and for those new grads who don’t know because they are really on their first true job search, hopefully this will be helpful.
When asked for an interview, observe these protocols and you will gain experience through the process. Interviewing is not difficult, but can possibly be intimidating if you are not used to it. You applied for a position, the company appears to be interested in you. You are excited, but nervous, because you want or need this job and you don’t want to blow it. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Keep in mind that you are being asked to interview because a company sees potential in you, probably based on your resume or Linked-In profile. This is a good sign.
Interviewing is basically about confidence, confidence in yourself and confidence in your ability to perform. How do you generate confidence? Preparation breeds confidence. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will be. If you are very prepared, you will not be caught by surprise, which is why many interviews go awry.
Preparation begins by conducting research on the company who has extended an invitation to interview. If that company is well known (Home Depot, Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines), you pretty much know what that company produces or sells. But be sure to research the specific department that wants an interview. The more you know about the company, the more confident that you will be. Most companies have websites, which is a fantastic place to start. Sometimes calling the receptionist can be beneficial. Leverage your contacts on Linked-In for a more in-depth look at the company.
Preparation continues with anticipating the questions that will come your way. Here are some questions that usually occur on most initial interviews:
1) Tell me about yourself (more of a statement, but usually happens first thing out of the box).
2) Why do you want to leave your current company (if you are still employed)?
3) If not employed, they usually ask how your last employment ended.
4) What is it about the company (or opportunity) that caused you to apply?
5) What do you think that you can offer or bring to the table?
6) Tell me about a success in your career of which you are most proud.
7) Tell me about your greatest failure, how you handled it, and what you earned from it.
8) What is your greatest weakness and how are you trying to improve?
Once you have anticipated these questions along with others, your preparation then switches to creating an honest narrative in response without sounding defensive. You need to practice your response to these questions to ensure that your response is thorough, clear, and convincing.
Arlen R. Crawford
arlenarcresumes@gmail.com
www.arcresumes.com
John 14:6 / Acts 4:12
“The waves and wind still know His name.”
