| Expert Interview Skills Take Practice |
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| Written by Connor Sullivan |
| Sunday, 15 August 2010 17:06 |
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So the call just came in from the job opening you applied for a few weeks back. They want to speak with you about this position and they have set up an interview in the coming weeks. Your feelings of nervousness may outweigh your excitement if you have little experience being interviewed or if it is has been awhile since you have participated in a professional interview. The best thing to do is prepare yourself and take some time to practice so you feel comfortable. Your resume got the interview scheduled, but now you have to really wow them with your confidence and personality. This can feel intimidating, but if you know what to expect, it will help calm your nerves. The first thing you should realize is a first interview is not to discuss salary and benefits. Do not go into the interview asking questions about how much they will pay you, whether they provide workman's comp insurance or general liability insurance, and if you will get plenty of vacation time. In some cases, you can ask for a range of salary, but haggling for your offer needs to occur at a second interview.
So you just got a call about an open position at the company of your dreams. They want to speak with you about this position and they have set up an interview in the coming weeks. You may feel both excitement and nervousness or if it is has been awhile since you have participated in a professional interview. The best thing to do is prepare yourself and take some time to practice so you feel comfortable. Your resume got the interview scheduled, but now you must impress them further. This can feel intimidating, but if you know what to expect, you will feel more confidant. The first thing you should realize is a first interview is not to discuss salary and benefits. Do not bring up how much you will be paid, whether they provide workman's comp insurance or general liability insurance, and if you will get plenty of vacation time. In some cases, you can ask for a range of salary, but haggling for your offer should not be done until they have made a commitment to hiring you. You should view your initial interview as time to learn about the job and to sell yourself. Both you and the company need to determine if a professional relationship would be mutually beneficial. Remember you are selling your skills and talents, but do so subtlety. Interviewers love confidence and they love an employee who has a can-do attitude about things. They also enjoy hearing about previous accomplishments and what you enjoyed doing at your last job and why. They will not enjoy hearing about how great you are and why everyone likes you and how lucky they would be to have you. You need to make them think they would be lucky, but saying something like that outright would be perceived as cocky or egotistical. Show that you are personable and you have an easy time getting along with others. No company wants a trouble maker who will stir the pot. Do your best to seem confident and competent without being a braggard. Prepare for a few challenging, thought-provoking questions. Most people will be asked to explain their strengths and weaknesses, so consider a strong answer ahead of time. Take some time to truly think about what your strengths and weaknesses are and why. Be sure to explain your answers in a concise way that makes sense. Try to find a way to turn both your strengths and weaknesses into things that are beneficial for the company. For instance, workaholics may bother their family and friends, but your new company will love a go-getter. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Connor R. Sullivan recently researched how to purchase workmans comp insurance for a client.He purchased general liability insurance to protect his business and employees. Free reprint avaialable from: Expert Interview Skills Take Practice. |