Monday, March 25, 2024

How To Have A Great Interview

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Don’t Be Too Familiar

How to have a great interview

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer’s demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

I Am Highly Motivated

A motivated employee is a productive employee. Talk about how your high level of motivation has led you to accomplish many things. If you are a meticulous worker, discuss your organizational skills and attention to detail. Companies are always looking for dependable employees whom they can count upon.

Tips For Great Job Interviews

From researching the company to handling certain key interview questions, make sure you make a great impression and ace your next job interview by following these 20 tips.

Want to ace your next interview and land thatopen job youve been seeking? Here are 20 tips to help you prepare.1. Research the industry and company.An interviewer may ask how you perceive his company’s position in its industry, who the firm’s competitors are, what its competitive advantages are, and how it should best go forward. For this reason, avoid trying to thoroughly research a dozen different industries. Focus your job search on just a few industries instead.

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Screen All Candidates With Pre

The easiest way to have great job interviews is to have great candidates sitting in front of you. But its tough to identify the best candidates from their resumes alone. And you’ll spend a lot of time reviewing resumes if you don’t take a more efficient approach.

Especially if you have a high volume of job applications, which makes it hard to give each resume the attention it deserves. An eye-tracking study showed recruiters spend only 7 seconds on average skimming a resume. But thats not a winning strategy for identifying the best candidates.

Even if you did have all the time in the world to read every resume from front to back, a resume doesnt tell the full story. People can embellish their skills or even outright lie on a resume. Pre-employment assessments help solve that problem, giving you a more efficient alternative to resume evaluation.

A pre-employment assessment is a collection of tests given to a candidate as part of the application. You can test candidates on:

  • Programming skills
  • Software skills

By delivering these assessments to each candidate, you will reduce bias in your hiring process by giving you a view of each candidate that doesnt depend on a recruiter scanning thousands of resumes. That’s because resumes include identifying information that can trigger unconscious bias.

Learn From Your Mistakes

How to Have a Great Job Interview by Saying the Right ...

A good interviewer views mistakes and failures as opportunities to improve. Here are a few things you can do to learn from your interviewing experience more deliberately:

  • Keep records. Recording and filing your notes helps you as an interviewer since you can refer back to them any time. And your company can also use them in court, in the unlikely event that they face a lawsuit.
  • Monitor results. Ask your teammates who are responsible for tracking recruiting metrics for information about candidate experience and quality of hire metrics. Its also a good idea to keep track of your companys online reviews on Glassdoor. Take constructive feedback to heart and work to improve on feedback you receive.
  • Seek advice. Look for resources online and, if possible, ask more experienced recruiters or interviewers in your company for advice. If you plan to interview often, you could also make a case for attending interview trainings or workshops.

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Preparing Your Own Questions

You should also prepare a few questions of your own to ask during the interview. Not only does it give you the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the company, role, and culture, but it shows the hiring manager that you’re truly interested in the organization.

“During the interview, you should take the time to assess whether the employer is the right fit for you, not just try to prove to the employer that you’re right for the job,” Zahka said.

While the standard “What’s a typical day like here?” and “How would you describe your company culture?” are fine to ask, you can stand out from other job seekers by asking unique, insightful questions that ultimately reinforce why you’re an ideal fit for the role.

Travis Furlow, vice president of enterprise accounts at TrueBlue Inc., shared seven questions to ask during your next interview.

Take Your Interview Process To A Whole New Level

If youre a very ambitious interviewer looking to make your interviewing process even more effective, we can help! Our TalentLyft Track solution can make your interviewing process much simpler and more organized.For starters, you could schedule every interview with just one click!Imagine sending automated emails with an interview appointment that automatically sync with your work calendar. Cool, huh? You can also prepare your interview questions and score different candidates answers at the spot. Use our existing scorecards to evaluate your candidates, or create your own based on specific job interview questions.Sounds interesting? Try our services for free !Once you are in the free trial, you can let our team know about your needs in the live chat.During the free trial, we will help you set up a winning, hassle-free interview process!

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Strategies Of Effective Interviewing

The executive engaged in the normal conduct of business devotes much of his time to interviewing. However, there is an appalling lack of effort given to systematic attempts at building improvements into this age-old process. Interviewing remains one of those activities which we think we know all about merely because we have been doing it so long we have been lulled by habit. It seems apparent that a modest effort aimed at an analysis of our interviewing techniques would yield generous returns.

In the broad sense, interviewing is the process whereby individuals exchange information. The individuals may be concerned with a job opening, a promotion, a special assignment, a product sale, information for intelligence purposes, a proposed merger, or other questions. The information exchanged need not be limited to facts. In business, particularly, such products of an interview as meaning and understanding are oftentimes more significant than objective factual statements.

  • The proper kind of preparation for the interview.
  • Value of such procedures as having an outline of points to be covered and taking notes.
  • Use of questions and questioning techniques.
  • The kind and amount of control that the interviewer should exercise over the discussion.
  • Analysis and evaluation of information obtained.

Create A Strong First Impression

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First impressions count, and non-verbal cues matter even more than verbal ones. So in those first few minutes, its all about smiling confidently, shaking hands firmly, making eye contact and generally looking as if youre glad to be there and you want the job. Lean in slightly, widen your eyebrows slightly, and wait to be invited to sit down. In everything you do, project an attitude of energy, enthusiasm and interest.

Clothes-wise, try to match your dress style to that of the company youre meeting. You should be able to get a good idea of the companys typical dress code through its website and social media output, especially any content about its working culture, and your recruiter can advise you too. You want to project some personality and charisma, but you also want to come across as a good fit, so if in doubt always err on the formal side.

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How To Set Up A College Interview

Once you decide which schools youre applying to, find out if they offer interviews. Also, you need to make a note of how and when to set up interviews. For schools that give interviews, youll often be contacted after you submit your application with information about setting up an interview. Generally, interviews are conducted in the fall if you’re applying early, and they’re conducted in the winter if you apply under regular decision.If you’re given the option of having an interview, you should interview. Interviewing shows the school that you’re genuinely interested in attending, and demonstrating interest can help your chances of gaining admission. Also, the interview gives the school an opportunity to learn more about you outside of what’s in your application, and you get to learn more about the school.

Scan The News Headlines For Red Flags

Its a good idea to scan headlines for major changes in a companys recent past. Note any significant events, such as widespread layoffs, corporate mergers or buyouts, a new CEO, etc. Such changes can bring opportunities, but could also result in low employee morale and leave a volatile work environment in their wake. Proceed with caution.

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Treating Phone Or Video Interviews Casually

Many initial interviews are conducted by phone or video, but you shouldn’t treat them any less seriously. Formal interview etiquette still applies.

Test your microphone or camera before the interview. Choose a quiet place to set up, and don’t interrupt the interview to take calls, answer the door or talk to anyone else. If you live with family or roommates, let them know you are interviewing and should not be disturbed during that time.

It’s also OK to have your notes and resume in front of you to reference during the interview.

How Should The Interviewer Prepare For The Interview

How to have a great job interview
  • Read through candidates’ CVs and make note of key points to elaborate on during the interview.
  • Prepare your interview questions.
  • Be prepared to answer questions that candidates’ may ask about the position and organization.
  • Schedule enough time for the interview and try and stick to the time-limit .
  • Know your company’s goals and culture and be prepared to “sell” it to the candidate.

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Stay Focused And Visibly Engaged

One way to show your interviewer that youre motivated and engaged is by practicing active listening. Consider nodding your head to give affirmations of understanding while they talk, and asking clarifying questions when necessary. Also, take hand-written notes! Keep a notebook nearby so that you can jot down questions or key takeaways from the interview without having to disrupt the flow of the conversation with loud typing.

What Good Interviewers Do After An Interview

Many good interviewers I know say that the hardest part of their work starts after they have conducted job interviews with all candidates. This is because in this phase interviewers need to make an actual about who you are going to hire. Interviewers also need to let all other great candidates youve met and interviewed that they didnt get the job.

Here is how good interviewers go about this process:

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Create A List Of Questions To Ask The Interviewers

At the end of the interview, the hiring manager will probably ask you if you have any questions. Have a few questions prepared to show the hiring manager you’re interested in the job and company. Reread the job description and review the company’s website to craft thoughtful questions that can help you learn more about what it would be like to work there. Some good questions to ask include:

  • How would you describe the company culture?

  • What would my day-to-day responsibilities look like?

  • Who would I work with most?

  • How would my performance be measured?

  • Why is the position open?

  • What are the next steps in the interview?

Write Down 5 Questions Beforehand

How to have a great interview.

Prepare by doing some research on the company and industry. Try to think of five good questions that arent about salary or benefits

You want to think up five in case some of them are naturally answered along the way. Most interviewers ask at the end if you have questions and having two or three questions to ask will show youve put thought into this.

Pro Tip: Ask questions that show you would be an engaged and valuable member on the team, ready to get to work as soon as you are hired.

Also Check: Interview Questions To Ask A Cfo

Prepare Food And Drinks

A small gesture such as preparing a glass of water and offering your candidates with cookies and tea or coffee can go a long way. Make sure to prepare everything you need in advance or have your colleague available to make and bring a tea or coffee for your candidate. Be a kind and considerate interviewer. 🙂

Once Youve Had The Interview Confirmed:

1. Research the organisation

Youll already know the basics from your research ahead of submitting your application, but now is the time to delve a bit deeper. What are their current projects? Have they been in the news? Who are their clients? Who will be interviewing you? Check out the organisations website, newspapers, or social media for this information. Showing you know what the organisation is up to will look good to your interviewers. If you have been told or can find out who will be interviewing you a bit of research about them could potentially help reduce your nerves.

“Once, someone I interviewed had looked through the news online and pulled out quotes from journalists about the organisation. I was so impressed, it showed how much time and effort she’d put in and that she really cared about the organisation.”

Katy, Director, Events Business

2. Prep the possible questions and their answers

Check out our advice on some of the tough questions you might get asked, here and log in or sign up to hear from 22-year-old entrepreneur and seasoned interviewee, James sharing some of his interview success secrets.

3. Research career progression and training opportunities

4. Sort out extra support you might need

If you need special access or additional materials to be arranged for your interview, make sure you get in touch with the organisation and let them know.

For example:

5. Plan the route

6. Figure out what to wear

Thalia, 21, student

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Inform Rejected Candidates About Your Decision

As soon as your selected candidates accept your job offer, contact all other candidates to inform them that they didnt get the job. It is crucial that you know how to say Sorry, you didnt get the job in a way to maintain a strong employer brand. Make sure you send only customized post-interview rejection emails and give a brief explanation of the main reason why they didnt get the job.

Tell The Candidate What Comes Next

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While you shouldnt give any candidate an assessment on the spot, you should give them an indication of what comes next, should their interview be considered a success. At the end of the interview, let the candidate know what the next steps in the process look like, including when they can expect to hear back.

For example, if theres a possibility of a second interview, let them know approximately when that may happen so they can adjust their schedule if needed. After that, thank them for their time and tell them to enjoy the rest of their day!

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How To Answer Interview Questions

  • Speak clearly and vary your tone to show youre interested and enthusiastic.
  • Take time to think about each question before answering so you can give a good response.
  • Listen to questions carefully and let the interviewer lead the conversation. If you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be explained or repeated.
  • If youve had a job before dont criticise previous employers or co-workers.
  • Give examples from your experience that demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
  • Show confidence in your skills and be positive about what you have done. For example, instead of using phrases such as “I only have…” or “I don’t have” tell the employer what you do have to offer.

Questions about your experience

When you answer interview questions about something youve done its best to use the STAR method .

  • Situation describe what the situation was.
  • Task describe the task you had to do.
  • Action describe what you did to achieve the task.
  • Result describe the final result.

For example:

When I was an assistant manager at Sallys Sandals we hosted a VIP sales event for our loyalty card customers, and I was in charge of organising it. I needed to make sure that the store was decorated, we had food and drink for the customers, and we had enough staff members to work that evening. The event went very smoothly and we exceeded our sales targets for the evening by 50 percent.

Acting Overconfident Or Entitled

Valerie Streif, marketing manager at GetMyBoat, warns job candidates to pay attention to their tone.

“Something that hurts a lot of job seekers is being overconfident and unaware of how they sound in an interview,” she said.

While being confident of your skills and excited about the value you can add to a company will benefit you, there is a fine line between poised and arrogant. Acting as if you are entitled to a position will instantly seem rude, no matter how qualified you are. Remember that you were invited to interview, and stay quietly confident and humble.

MORE RESOURCES:

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Show How Your Brain Works

BAD:I have good time-management skills.

GOOD:Im an exceptional time manager. My job requires staying on top of many moving parts, so I routinely plan on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis. I use project management software to ensure our team is tracking to meet deadlines as promised. On a personal level, at the end of every day, I invest 10 minutes in planning the next day, blocking and scheduling time to meet my top two to three priorities for the day.

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