10 tips to ace your job interview
16 December 2013
Read by 2670 persons
Your resume and cover letter have caught the recruiter's eye. You've been invited for a job interview. This is a crucial step in the selection process. Prepare accordingly. Maximize your chances by following StepStone's advice.
1. Dress appropriately
Choose your outfit carefully. Consider the position and company you are applying for. You will dress differently if you are presenting yourself at a law firm, an advertising agency or a construction company. Adapt your outfit to the company's 'style'. And be punctual!
2. Know who you will meet
Before entering the doors of your potential new employer, take a look at your interview invitation and note the name of the person you are to meet. This way, you will be able to spontaneously give it to reception and greet the person by name with a firm handshake. You only have one chance to make a good impression...
3. Be well-informed
Chances are the recruiter will ask you what you know about their company. Find relevant information before the day and answer this question positively. Also, match the information you've gathered with your profile to explain why you are the ideal candidate.
4. Review your application
Know what's in your resume, cover letter, and job offer. It may seem obvious, but too many candidates forget to reread these documents before a job interview.
5. Be spontaneous
Avoid literally reproducing what you've read in interview preparation books. Chances are other candidates have read them too. You need to stand out! It's better to be spontaneous and avoid clichés.
6. Be constructive
If you are asked your opinion on the company, its website or anything else, be constructive. Don't openly criticize your potential employer. Remember, you want them to hire you!
7. Don't complain or denigrate
Above all, don't denigrate your former employer or colleagues. Always stay positive. If the HR manager asks you why you want to change jobs, don't talk about personality clashes, for example. Instead, highlight your motivation and your desire to take on new challenges.
8. Think about your strengths
You can't escape it... The recruiter will ask you what your strengths are. Your answer must be coherent and structured. Practice answering this question before the interview and limit yourself to 3 or 4 strengths.
9. Present your weaknesses carefully
Another inevitable question: your weaknesses. Prepare for this in the same way as for your strengths and make sure to balance it all out. Don't mention 2 strengths and 4 weaknesses (or vice versa). For each weakness, try to end on a positive note. If you're disorganized, for example, specify that you always find your way around in your mess and that it doesn't prevent you from meeting deadlines.
10. Ask questions
Is curiosity a bad thing? Not if it's used wisely! During a job interview, you should be curious and ask questions, without appearing invasive. At the end of the interview, ask a question about a point discussed during the conversation or about the position to be filled. However, avoid anything that could work against you. Asking about the number of vacation days during a first interview isn't a good idea...
Stepstone.lu
Posted on December 16, 2013.
1. Dress appropriately
Choose your outfit carefully. Consider the position and company you are applying for. You will dress differently if you are presenting yourself at a law firm, an advertising agency or a construction company. Adapt your outfit to the company's 'style'. And be punctual!
2. Know who you will meet
Before entering the doors of your potential new employer, take a look at your interview invitation and note the name of the person you are to meet. This way, you will be able to spontaneously give it to reception and greet the person by name with a firm handshake. You only have one chance to make a good impression...
3. Be well-informed
Chances are the recruiter will ask you what you know about their company. Find relevant information before the day and answer this question positively. Also, match the information you've gathered with your profile to explain why you are the ideal candidate.
4. Review your application
Know what's in your resume, cover letter, and job offer. It may seem obvious, but too many candidates forget to reread these documents before a job interview.
5. Be spontaneous
Avoid literally reproducing what you've read in interview preparation books. Chances are other candidates have read them too. You need to stand out! It's better to be spontaneous and avoid clichés.
6. Be constructive
If you are asked your opinion on the company, its website or anything else, be constructive. Don't openly criticize your potential employer. Remember, you want them to hire you!
7. Don't complain or denigrate
Above all, don't denigrate your former employer or colleagues. Always stay positive. If the HR manager asks you why you want to change jobs, don't talk about personality clashes, for example. Instead, highlight your motivation and your desire to take on new challenges.
8. Think about your strengths
You can't escape it... The recruiter will ask you what your strengths are. Your answer must be coherent and structured. Practice answering this question before the interview and limit yourself to 3 or 4 strengths.
9. Present your weaknesses carefully
Another inevitable question: your weaknesses. Prepare for this in the same way as for your strengths and make sure to balance it all out. Don't mention 2 strengths and 4 weaknesses (or vice versa). For each weakness, try to end on a positive note. If you're disorganized, for example, specify that you always find your way around in your mess and that it doesn't prevent you from meeting deadlines.
10. Ask questions
Is curiosity a bad thing? Not if it's used wisely! During a job interview, you should be curious and ask questions, without appearing invasive. At the end of the interview, ask a question about a point discussed during the conversation or about the position to be filled. However, avoid anything that could work against you. Asking about the number of vacation days during a first interview isn't a good idea...
Stepstone.lu
Posted on December 16, 2013.
