Al P's Job Interview Tips

When it comes to interviews most people are nervous/ anxious before, during, and after the interview takes place. They ask themselves all sorts of questions such as:

· I wonder who will be interviewing me?
· What will they ask?
· What should I ask them?
· How should I respond?
· How much money should I ask for?
· I wonder if I’m what they are looking for?

It’s not bad to ask yourself questions, but you want to make sure that you don’t overwhelm yourself with them. Before you even step foot into your interviewers’ office you need to make sure that you are calm, cool, and most importantly confident in yourself. In order to get yourself into the right frame of mind you should be well prepared, here are a few steps that you should take in order to prepare yourself for the big interview:

· Gather information: gather as much info as possible about the company and the interviewers (Dorbin).

· Anticipate Questions: Try and think about the types of questions that will be asked, and come up with answers for them. Rehearse how you will answer questions about education, resume content, and previous employment. Come up with a few questions that you would like to ask the interviewer (Dorbin).

· Conduct Mock Interviews: Practice answering questions that may come up in the interview. Conduct the mock interview with somebody who has knowledge on the position you're applying for. Video tape the interview so you can review and improve (Dorbin).

· Prepare Physically: Make copies of your resume and cover letter, and place them in a professional folder or briefcase. Dress to impress, and have your clothing ready the day before the interview takes place. Clear your schedule a few hours before the interview so you don’t feel pressured or distracted. Take a short walk and clear your mind before the interview, it will help your overall focus (Dorbin).

Now that you have taken the time to prepare yourself for the big interview here is what to expect while you are participating:

• Beginning: This is when you and the interviewer can break the ice. He/She may share some info about the company and the surrounding areas. This is when you may be asked some informal questions, but that doesn't mean they aren't important. This is where the interviewer will begin to form a positive or negative impression of you.
• Middle: This may last from ten minutes to as long as an hour. This is when the interviewer will begin to ask important question pertaining to your skills, qualificatons, and previous duties. Be sure to answer in detail and not with a general answers. You can also ask questions during this time, but only after you have answered the question asked. Answer all questions, no matter how unfair they may seem.
• Conclusion: This part of the interview is short, but this is when you want to ask questions that show you are interested in the position. The interviewer will also provide you with the hiring process and how soon they are looking to fill the position. Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and the possible opportunity(Dorbin).

References:

Dorbin, Sidney I., Christopher J. Keller and Christian R. Weisser. Technical Communication: In the Twenty-First Century. Upper Sadle,NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008.