Things to keep in mind at a job interview

Here are some tips you should keep in mind when you go for that all important job interview.

*Humans are drawn to energetic people because energy is contagious. When you are at an interview keep your energy levels high.

*Dressing appropriately, sitting erect, maintaining eye contact, waiting to sit until your interviewer is seated — these things matter a lot while you are at a job interview.

*Mature people know how to focus on the needs of others. Immature people are just wrapped up in themselves. Employers prefer the first, so appear mature.

*When interviewers ask, “tell me about a time when you made a judgment that was best for your organisation, that’s the opening to bring up examples of your excellent judgment.

*Employers seek candidates who can demonstrate loyalty to colleagues, a company, and profession. Support your answers by describing situations when you where loyal to your company.

*A positive attitude, a smile, and an easy-going attitude are necessary at the interview.
nEmployers need to believe that you are physically fit for the job. If you have visible health issues, you might consider preemptively addressing them.

*Demonstrate that you finish what you start. This is one reason many employers require a college degree. If you don’t have one, look for other examples of your stick-to-it nature.

Explain to your employers that once a job is given to you, you will be able to complete the task.

*Following through is a habit of mind highly valued at most companies. A good example is writing a thank-you note after the interview.

*Demonstrate that you have the ability to go above and beyond. Employers dream about these kinds of employees. Think of a time when you showed this quality and find a way to talk about it.

*When interviewers ask about “your biggest weakness,” they want to see that you’re capable of recognising your weaknesses, and that you’re willing to put in the work to correct them.

*Be nice to receptionists/assistants/colleagues. Show them that you would be an asset to the team. Describe a situation to your employers where you cooperated with your team members/colleagues in any problem.

*Interviewers generally notice how well you appear to understand questions and whether you answer them clearly, in complete sentences, using reasonably good grammar.

*Demonstrate that you know something about the employer’s business. While you go for an interview, take a few minutes to read about the company so that you are ready to answer questions about them.

*Learn to talk about your career in a way that shows you have a plan.

*Demonstrate that you are a thoughtful person with goals, and the smarts to pursue those goals with new ideas and creativity.

*Provide solid, thought-through reasons for leaving past jobs. Even if you have had 10 jobs in the past six years, it does not have to hurt you if you can show good, smart reasons for leaving your previous jobs.

*Be punctual. The reason you need to be on time for interviews is that this is the employer’s first clue that you can meet a deadline.

*Demonstrate resilience. Can you still perform when the going gets tough? Think of examples from your personal and work life, and try to work them into the interview.

*Get yourself a proper resume. Your resume is the classic platform for showing an employer that you are the potential candidate they are looking for.

*Interviewers sometimes ask unexpected or even “crazy” questions just to see how you react. This is the time to be at your most unflappable best. You should always hint at being flexible and willing to adapt to new learning.

*Show some evidence of achievement and commitment in your personal life. Employers ask about your hobbies and passions as a way of getting to know you, and because they like to see some success here, too. Give details if they ask you about your achievements.

*Greet and thank people. Once you are done with your interview thank all the members of the organisation who interviewed you.