You've done your resume and now you're gearing up for the big interview! What are the important details that you'll need to know? Everything you've done up until this point has gotten you an interview with a potential employer. The interviewer has seen your resume which shows your employment history with the facts. The interview is a different, subtler aspect of the job-hunting process. The interviewer will form an opinion very quickly based on your interaction. Portray sincerity, be polite and enthusiastic about your interest in the organization. Show them that you have something to offer the position. Be prepared for the interview and you will be more relaxed and the better you will perform. This makes it more likely you'll be offered the position!
According to Monster.com, the major three parts to the interviewing process are preparation, presentation and post-interview.
To prepare for the interview:
Research the company
Research the interview if possible
Know why you want the job
Identify your wants and needs and know the difference
Be ready and able to express, specifically, the marketable skills you have to offer
Be prepared for the standard interview questions
Prepare qustions you wish to ask - only ask question you can't find yourself
Line up references beforehand and verify that they will be goodFor the presentation:
Find out the standard dress
Dress on the conservative side
Be early!
Bring extra resumes, notepad and pen
Be sure you know how to pronounce the interview's name correctly
Being polite to everyone is crucial....they all count
Do not chew gum, smoke, swear or use slang
Be aware of body language, vibes, reactions - use your instincts to keep things on course
Feel free to ask for clarification before answering a question
Take some time to formulate your answers before you speak
Answer all questions honestly and in the best positie lite
Never badmouth previous employersFinally, post-interview points:
Make some notes about the interview after you leave
Send a thank you letter or card to each interviewer as soon as you get home
Make sure names/titles are correct and check for errors. Feel free to call them within 4-5 days after to check
Monster.com
The best one out there. They currently have a virtual interview piece with great advice.
Many answers to usual questions asked during an interview that will make you think about how you answer.
Worth looking into even if you're not looking. Good after-interview tips too.
Quintessential Careers A good place to start. Some good answers to 109 potential questions that you may be asked in an interview. Most interviewers will ask you if you have any questions - here is a list of questions you might ask. Some good links too.
Job-Interview.net
Huge site dedicated job interviewing alone. Loads of potential questions, practive interviews, tips on
dressing and appearance and why it's important, advice on how to handle the difficult questions.
Nextsteps.org
Good site with advice that is just a bit different. There was some stuff here that isn't in the other
sites.