Are you looking for a new job or a new career? If you are, your first step should be examining job listings. When it comes to finding job listings, you have a number of different options. For instance, you can use your local newspaper, the internet, or career counseling centers. In a way, finding job listings is the easy part. Actually getting the job that you want is the hard part.
When it comes to landing a job that you applied for, your interview will play an important part in whether or not you are hired. If you are able to get a job interview for one of the jobs that you applied for, you are advised to proceed with caution. Your actions or your responses during an interview can either make or break you. To increase your chances of landing your dream job, or at least the one that you applied for, you will want to continue reading on, as some helpful tips are outlined below.
When going to a job interview, it is important that you are properly dressed. You would actually be surprised to learn how many job applicants show up to a job interview in unattractive, unprofessional attire. Even if you are just applying for a job as a cashier at one of your local supermarkets, you are still advised to dress professionally for a job interview. Depending on the job you are applying for, a dress or a business suit may be called for; however, a simple pair of black pants and a white shirt is much better than a pair of jeans.
You are also advised to bring a couple of copies of your resume to your job interview. This is something that many job applicants do not think to do, but it is actually a wise move. Yes, you may have already submitted your resume to the employer giving you the interview, but it is important to remember that they probably received hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes. It is not unheard of for resumes to get lost or misplaced. Bringing along an extra copy of your resume shows that you are responsible and likely to always be prepared. In addition to bringing an extra resume for the interviewer, it is also advised that you bring a copy for yourself. This will make reviewing your work history and education easier, as everyone would be on the same page.
During the interview, you will be asked a number of different questions by the interviewer. One of the most common questions asked is about your strengths and your weaknesses. One of the biggest mistakes that a job applicant makes is stating that they don’t have any weaknesses. Everyone has at least one weakness or something that they wish that they could chance about themselves. You will want to be honest and admit this. Of course, you don’t want to go overboard. What you will want to do is try and make your weakness a strength as well.
At the end of most interviews, most interviewers ask the interviewee, which would be you, if you have any questions. You are advised to ask questions. In all honesty, even if you don’t have any questions to ask, you are advised to come up with some. Many interviewers use the do you have any questions, as a ploy. Many are turned off by interviewees who do not have any questions. Some even associated it with not be interested in the job or the company. Even if you ask about how the company got started or what the chances are for moving up the company ladder, you are advised to ask questions. Of course, be careful with the questions that you do ask. You don’t want to sound too pushy or overbearing.
At the end of your interview, it is extremely important that you shake the hand of your interviewer and thank them for the opportunity. This is very important. It is hard for some to imagine, but a simple thank you actually goes a long way nowadays, as it is hardly spoken anymore. It is also advised that you send a thank you note the interviewer you met with. This may not necessarily increase your chances of landing the job, but it will make you look professional.
By keeping the above mentioned tips in mind, you should be able to have a successful interview. As a reminder, interviews are the most important part of landing a new job.
Job Interview Dos and Don’ts
Are you in the process of trying to get a new job? If you have already applied for a few jobs, there is a good chance that you may end up having an interview scheduled soon, if you don’t already have one arranged. As you likely already know, a job interview is often the deciding factor in whether or not you get hired. That is why it is important that your interviews go off without a hitch. To ensure that they do, you may want to familiarize yourself with the most common job interview dos and don’ts, some of which are outlined below.
One thing that you will want to do is prepare for your interview. There are too many individuals who mistakenly believe that all interviews are the same. This is actually something that you do not want to do. Yes, many interviews are similar in nature, but they are not all the same. In all honesty, it depends on the job that you are being interviewed for and the employer in question. Instead of assuming that your job interview will be just like the last one, you are advised to expect something different, to help keep you on your toes.
Another thing that you will want to do is practice for your interview. As it was previously mentioned, many job interviews are similar in nature, despite being a little bit different. They are often similar based on some of the basic questions that are asked. For instance, some of those questions may be centered on your professional goals, your need to succeed, and so on. No matter how prepared you are for these questions, they can be difficult to answer in the moment. That is why you do want to prepare for your interview by doing a few practice runs, preferably with a friend or a relative.
As stated above, during the interview process, you will be asked a number of questions. These questions are what enables an employer to gain insight into you, your life, and your work habits. When responding to questions that you are asked or even when just making conversation, it is advised that you keep everything professional in nature. What you do not want to do is divulge too much information about your personal life. For instance, employers do not need to know how old you are or if you have any children. Also, do not badmouth any of your previous employers or bosses, as this will tend to make you look bad yourself.
When going for a job interview, it is important that you are properly dressed. What you do not want to do is wear jeans, sweatpants, or clothing that is too revealing. To increase your chances of getting a job, you want to look professional for your job interview. This not only includes your clothing, but your appearance as well. If you need to put on makeup or get a hair cut, go ahead and do so. When looking to hire a new employee, many employers want someone who can represent the company in a positive matter. That is why it is important that you do place at least a little bit of focus on your appearance.
Since the interview process is what is often the deciding factor in whether or not you are hired, you will want to make sure that your interview is one that is memorable, and in a good way. To do that, you will want to keep the above mentioned job interview do’s and don’ts in mind.
