By: Jimmy Sweeney
In the world of job interview preparation, new tricks and methods are developed everyday to ensure success –a lot of which are complicated yet effective. Prospective employees are trying out these tricks and so-called “trade secrets” and are getting real results. With all the buzz of these new ways to land a job, classic and effective techniques and concepts are being pushed aside.
What a lot of people don’t realize is that sometimes, it’s best to stick to the classics. Keep it simple by practicing these old and slightly forgotten advices for interviewees:
Start the interview right by taking a pleasant aura with you and into the room. Mastering job interview skills start with taking on a positive outlook, which is likely to influence an amiable reaction from the interviewer. By simply smiling and maintaining a friendly demeanor, you’ll be perceived as someone who can work well with others.
First impressions last. No more is this true than in a formal interview. You answer to the first question will determine how the interview will go. The first question asked is likely to be a request: “Tell me about yourself.”
Grab this opportunity to lead the interview towards a more casual conversation wherein you can openly divulge information about your skills, plans, strengths, weaknesses, intentions on joining the company –everything that makes you hirable.
Communicate. The single best advice in any roster of job interview tips is this: practice good communication skills. This means listening intently to questions and comments, taking the time to think of a good response, and articulately expressing honest answers. Whatever career or field you’re planning on getting into, good communication skills are always gold to an interviewer.
Part of this is watching your own body language. Don’t cross your arms or you’ll appear defensive; biting your nails shows weakness. Sitting in a straight posture conveys confidence; consistent and natural eye contact shows interest and friendly intimacy.
• Practice sincerity. As the cliché goes: honesty is the best policy –most true in a job interview. Most companies are looking for the classic basic characteristics of a good employee: hardworking and truthful. These values cannot be replaced by any qualifications you possess, and are universally accepted in whatever business or field of work.
• Make your mark. Every potential employee, however qualified or right for the job, can sometimes be overshadowed by the dozen other applicants going for the same gig. You need a unique selling point to keep you remembered. Be creative and explore, but take care not to oversell yourself.
For instance, a childhood story about how you got that scar on your left knee shows personality and amiability –if told and timed right, should make you hard to forget. Another good way to do this is to write a job interview thank you letter –keeps your name floating in the hiring department’s heads long after the interview is over, and provides a subtle opportunity for you to remind them why you’re hirable.
Article Source: Article Maniac
