5 tips to excel in an interview
11 June 2009
Read by 2056 persons
Talking about yourself, justifying your career choices, convincing the recruiter, distinguishing yourself from other candidates... Job interviews can be scary. Luckily, a few tricks can help you approach it with serenity and leave a good impression to get your resume into the "keep" pile.
Ask questions
Whatever happens, the most important thing is that people remember you. So don't hesitate to ask the recruiter about your future missions and responsibilities, about the company's values or about themselves... without starting a too personal conversation! Ask when you can expect to hear back. This will let you know what to expect and prove your motivation. Also know that taking notes isn't frowned upon, quite the contrary: it confirms your level of attention.
Be yourself
Wearing too much makeup, ten-centimeter heels, a short and tight skirt... Ladies, "if you're more of a natural style and jeans-sneakers type, don't completely change your style," advises Dominique Legoubey, a coach and former human resources director. Clothes you feel comfortable in will make you more at ease. Gentlemen, while the dress code is more relaxed than a few years ago, still avoid ripped jeans and sweatpants, which give a rather negative image for a job applicant.
Pay attention
Candidates often feel that if they don't speak much, the interview is going badly. False. No matter how convincing your arguments are, if you arrive reciting a ready-made speech about your motivation and passion for the company while the recruiter just wants to clarify a few points on your resume, you won't make a good impression. Briefly summarize your background, explain why you're there, and then wait for questions.
Stay calm
The big secret is... breathing! A trivial action, it helps relax the body and mind. As Dominique Legoubey explains, "it's physical: the technique of belly breathing slows the heart rate and relaxes the shoulders." It helps fight against the symptoms of stress that may hinder you. So use your waiting time in the elevator or at reception wisely: breathe. Read a book. Listen to music. Everyone has their preferences, but in any case, relax.
Prepare yourself
In purely practical terms, a few simple mistakes could harm you. So remember: don't forget to find out about the company beforehand, arrive on time, listen to the conversations in the waiting room, "because you learn a lot from the discussions of the company's staff," according to Dominique Legoubey. Turn off your phone, get rid of your chewing gum, greet everyone you meet, and bring a copy of your resume and cover letter.
Séverine Dégallaix
Published February 18, 2009
Posted online June 11, 2009
careerbuilder.fr
Ask questions
Whatever happens, the most important thing is that people remember you. So don't hesitate to ask the recruiter about your future missions and responsibilities, about the company's values or about themselves... without starting a too personal conversation! Ask when you can expect to hear back. This will let you know what to expect and prove your motivation. Also know that taking notes isn't frowned upon, quite the contrary: it confirms your level of attention.
Be yourself
Wearing too much makeup, ten-centimeter heels, a short and tight skirt... Ladies, "if you're more of a natural style and jeans-sneakers type, don't completely change your style," advises Dominique Legoubey, a coach and former human resources director. Clothes you feel comfortable in will make you more at ease. Gentlemen, while the dress code is more relaxed than a few years ago, still avoid ripped jeans and sweatpants, which give a rather negative image for a job applicant.
Pay attention
Candidates often feel that if they don't speak much, the interview is going badly. False. No matter how convincing your arguments are, if you arrive reciting a ready-made speech about your motivation and passion for the company while the recruiter just wants to clarify a few points on your resume, you won't make a good impression. Briefly summarize your background, explain why you're there, and then wait for questions.
Stay calm
The big secret is... breathing! A trivial action, it helps relax the body and mind. As Dominique Legoubey explains, "it's physical: the technique of belly breathing slows the heart rate and relaxes the shoulders." It helps fight against the symptoms of stress that may hinder you. So use your waiting time in the elevator or at reception wisely: breathe. Read a book. Listen to music. Everyone has their preferences, but in any case, relax.
Prepare yourself
In purely practical terms, a few simple mistakes could harm you. So remember: don't forget to find out about the company beforehand, arrive on time, listen to the conversations in the waiting room, "because you learn a lot from the discussions of the company's staff," according to Dominique Legoubey. Turn off your phone, get rid of your chewing gum, greet everyone you meet, and bring a copy of your resume and cover letter.
Séverine Dégallaix
Published February 18, 2009
Posted online June 11, 2009
careerbuilder.fr
