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Preparation
Verify the exact location of the interview and the interviewer’s name and title, including pronunciation.
Plan your route. Have a backup route planned, as well, just in case there is traffic or unforeseen circumstances that might delay your arrival.
Mobile technology has made gathering information quickly, very easy. Use your mobile device’s navigation system, your vehicle’s GPS, or visit Mapquest or Google Maps or Rand McNally to plan your route.
The time you put into preparation will allow you to easily navigate the interview process regardless of the format. Remember, you are trying to win an interview, not get a job, at this stage.
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Make sure you know your own strengths and weaknesses. Write down four or five strengths, and one
or two weaknesses. Include a short, one-paragraph example of an accomplishment using each strength.
With the weaknesses, write a specific situation where you turned the weakness into strength, or were
able to overcome the weakness.
Write about significant accomplishments. To improve your delivery during an interview, take advantage of your prep time to write about a couple of significant accomplishments. Each of these “write-ups” should be two-to-three paragraphs in length, but no more than half a page each. Write about both, individual and team accomplishments. Make sure to include examples of strengths in both scenarios.
Read through your examples in front of a mirror. As you read through it a few times, you will begin to feel more comfortable. Most candidates get a little nervous in the opening stages of an interview, which can result in temporary forgetfulness.
Taking time to write and rehearse in advance will allow for better recall of this important information.
Learn the “Universal Answer.” Most answers during the interview should be about one-to-two minutes
long. If a candidate talks for more than three minutes, the interviewer loses interest. The candidate is
often categorized as boring, long-winded, or too self-centered. If the candidate talks less than a
minute, the person may be considered superficial, incompetent, or lacking interest.
SAFW is a terrific acronym to remember. “Say a Few Words” helps you to frame your responses in a clear and concise way. Like any good story, there is a beginning, middle and end. SAFW keeps you on track.
S: make an opening Statement
A: Amplify that statement
F: provide a Few examples
W: Wrap it up
Providing the example is the most important part of the exercise. This is the demonstrated proof behind the opening statement.
Interviewers will use these examples to form their judgments about candidate competency. Most candidates talk in generalities. Specific examples are much more convincing.
Interview the Company
While the company is interviewing you, don’t forget that you, too, are interviewing the company. Review the company’s website as it will provide valuable information related to the company’s culture, history, mission, values, and locations. Search for blogs, articles and profiles of the company and its leaders. Use social media as a tool to dig up information.
If possible, visit the business as a guest. Research the position you are applying for with the company. Seek to understand how your skills align with the company’s desired skills; the more alignment, the stronger your candidacy.
Dressing for the Interview
Image is very important. Look professional. Wear proper attire and greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and an enthusiastic smile. Make direct eye contact and be confident. You have exactly 8 seconds to greet and impress the interviewer. This is “3-D thinking.” Our experiences shape our views. A first impression can have tremendous impact upon how your interview will progress. Your interviewer will size you up from the moment her or she meets you. So, don’t forget some basics.
- Stand Tall
- Make eye contact
- Have a firm handshake
- Make sure you are well groomed and prepared to make introduction
- Dress to meet a person of influence
Arrival
Late arrival for a job interview will give the interviewer the perception that you are disorganized and not punctual. Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
Don’t forget to turn off your mobile telephone or smart device. An interruption in the middle of an interview is not only distracting, but disrespectful.
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