There are certain things you can
do before and even at interview stage that will bag you that job. Here I
discuss the seven most vital principles which can mean the difference between a
‘You’re Hired!’ and a ‘You’re fired!’
1.
Network
Reach out. Ask. Everyone likes to be
independent and utterly knowledgeable however, no man is an island. Reach out
to those closest to you and ask for as much information as possible on
interview etiquette, company information but also company culture (this should
always be in addition to any information gleaned from the internet). There is
always extra information that someone who works for your desired company will
know. So if you don’t know someone who works there, look for someone who does,
use your network...LinkedIn, Branchout, friends etc. Get their insight on how
they landed their job, I have always found this useful. You may be asking what
they can tell you that you won’t find online. Well for starters, the company
culture and the kind of characteristics that are sought after, a guide on the
sort of things to know about the company and advice on how to show your best
side at the interview. Believe it or not while interview questions may be the
same, different companies have different methods of assessing you sometimes it
is what you ‘don’t’ say.
So Stop trying to do it all your way. The only way you can see farther is by
climbing on the shoulders of those who have gone ahead.
2.
Pre-prepare
Live Ready. Even before you are invited to an
interview you should always be prepared at least with answers to typical
interview questions. As your experience and skills increase, your examples and
interview answers should change and become better, more relevant and varied. I
have a document on my pc that is specifically interview questions and my own
answers including my strengths and weaknesses. I am constantly updating it and
so when I get a call for an interview, I just quickly do background research on
the company research and then review my document. At any point in time you
should be ready for an interview even if you are gainfully employed because you
will almost always be looking for opportunities for advancement whether within
your company or externally. I have had calls that were on the spot preliminary
interviews without previous notification, after the first time I was caught
unawares I learnt this lesson. I have also had calls for interviews the next
day or at very short notice, again, because I was pre-prepared it was not a hardship
for me to prepare myself as I was literally just doing a quick research of the
company and then a review of my document. Also prepare questions to ask the
interviewer about themselves and the company.
3.
Dress to Impress
Don’t just dress to look good at the
interview, dress to show that you fit into the company culture and style. For
some companies you can get away with and may even fit in better if you wear a mismatched
suit (i.e. black jacket, brown trousers, properly accessorized) for guys and
ladies or for ladies a dress and a jacket; and at some places you will not get
away with anything less than a power suit or a dressed-to-the-nines dress suit.
Make it a point to know what sort of company it is and dress accordingly and
fitting the position you have applied for. When you walk in, it should be
obvious you’ve made an effort, but at the same time a new employee or even your
fellow interviewees should look at you and mistake you for an employee. I know
people who have gone in for interviews and as they walked in all the other
interviewees snapped to attention because they thought their interviewer had
arrived. That’s the idea. That’s what you want to happen when you step in, and
this is enhanced by how you carry yourself.
4. Excellent Carriage
When you walk into the room, the first thing
that is observed is how you carry yourself. Are you arrogant, Shy, Proud, lack confidence
or uncomfortable? When you walk into the room you should make the interviewer
sit up and take notice. NO, not because you are proud but because they should
see a confident, pleasant professional walk in. This is the first impression
that is gleaned of you before the interview starts and as a wise person once
said ‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression’. Walk like you
are going to give very good news to your biggest client, with anticipation but
always professional because do you know what, you are going to give them good
news...their best employee has just arrived! While we are on the subject of
carriage, people always ask ‘How should I sit at an interview?’ It is always
said to sit relaxed but not too casual. Let me make it easy – sit how you would
if you were the CEO of an organization receiving a potential investor; in this
scenario you would be calm, in control, relaxed, cordial but still and above
all professional, that is what you want to portray. Ladies, I always say sit
with your legs crossed at your ankles and neatly to the side. Men I would
advise just sit straight and no ankles on knees leg-crossing. And try to avoid
tapping feet/ shoes or finger, picking nails or fidgeting.
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