10 Important Tips for Interviews
Over the years, I've learned quite a
few interesting things about interviews and resumes, especially since
I've had the privilege to be an interviewer, and I think it's worth
sharing here.
Resumes:
Not every employer pays attention to
how pretty a resume looks, but many do. I had a friend who wanted me
to come work with her; she was helping her manager at the time do
interviews. She had me turn in my resume, so I did. However, when
she called to ask where my resume was, I told her I had already
turned it in. She said, “Well, it must not have looked very good,
because they will just throw away the ones that don't look good.”
I knew she meant the layout didn't look good, because I had far too
much experience for her to mean that my job quality didn't look good.
So I did a little research, and re-submitted my resume and got the
job. That was several years ago, and one of my first lessons
learning that presentation in a resume is pretty important.
If you don't know what the layout of a
resume should look like, take a look online.
Here's a page that shows some good
resume templates:
There are some sites that offer to help
you build your resume for free.
Interviews:
I had the pleasure to join one of my
employers in conducting interviews for incoming employees. I know
that may not sound like fun to some, but it was for me, and I learned
quite a bit. Some things I learned:
1. Be on time!
I am surprised that so many people are
late to their interviews. Not most, but it does happen. Years ago,
I remember being late to an interview, and it didn't go well. Even
though the employer is sometimes willing to still conduct the
interview, it is a huge red flag right at the very beginning when you
are trying to build trust and rapport with someone, and it doesn't
make a person appear very trustworthy.
2. Make it to the interview
I know this may sound silly, but this
has also come up a few times. People have had to re-schedule.
Unless something really serious comes up, it is best never to
re-schedule an interview. Again, you are trying to build trust with
an employer, and they can equate not showing up to an interview as
not showing up to the job, and rightfully so.
3. When asked the question, “What
are your faults?” Give honest examples of your faults, but talk
about how you're actively improving those. So for example, if I
believe I am not assertive enough, but I am taking action steps to
improve that by kindly telling others what I need. That is a good
example. I'm showing the employer that I know I'm not perfect, but I
am making strides to improve myself. When it comes down to it, they
know everyone has faults, they just want to make sure you are willing
to make changes where necessary, just like you will have to do in
your work.
You never want to give examples that
are too over the top. Such as, having a bad temper and walking off,
getting into fights with co-workers, ending your employment by not
showing up. If you have these in your past, it's best to leave them
in the past. Learn from your mistakes, and don't make them again.
For your faults question, think about things that are appropriate to
share.
Even if something bad comes up during
an interview, that you think might exclude you, don't assume that. I
was in an interview where a person brought something up that she felt
pretty embarrassed about. I had a feeling it was something she felt
would eventually exclude her from getting the job. However, that in
itself, wouldn't have excluded her from the job. It was something
she shared in another area that made her a less than ideal candidate.
4. It's okay to talk yourself up ex:
how you are liked by your previous employer. Employers like to hear
how you improved your sales, how you were your boss's favorite, or
how you cleaned up and organized your department.
If at all possible, be confident and
humble. Think of some good examples ahead of time.
It's great if you can show your
confidence, but still show that you are not above taking constructive
criticism. The best employees do both. They know they are good at
what they do, yet they do not believe they know so much that they
should never be questioned.
5. Look at the company website, and
get a good idea of what they do there. It's a great idea to find out
what the company does before you get there. What are their core
values? What do they think is important? What are their goals?
Sometimes you can even use that to your advantage. I wouldn't OVER
do this one. But let's say the companies mission statement is to
help people become the best they can be. So, they ask if you've seen
their website. And you say, “Yes, I have. And I really love your
mission statement to help people become the best they can be, because
that is something I can feel proud about at the end of the day.”
That would mean so much to the hiring manager. You are placing
yourself in a special spot. “I fit in here. I believe in your
mission statement.” You don't want to lay it on super thick. Say
something that feels true to you. If that statement is true to you,
then perfect.
6. Don't throw anyone else under the
bus. In fact, don't speak ill of anyone at all. If asked why you're
leaving your current job, don't say things like, “I don't like my
boss.” Or “I don't get along with any of my co-workers.”
After all, the person interviewing you knows you about as well as
they know these co-workers of yours. For all they know, YOU might be
the problem, and that's the way that comes across.
7. Ask questions! It's a good idea
to ask questions, it means that you value yourself enough to figure
out whether this place will actually be a good fit for you. It shows
the interviewer that you actually are interested in the position.
8. Think about some good answers
ahead of time. Try not to over practice them so that you sound like
a robot, but at least think up some good examples. For example, you
may be asked, “Tell us about yourself.” Or you might be asked,
“Tell me about a time when things didn't quite go right.” Think
of some examples that show you and your talents in a positive light.
A time when you went above and beyond, etc. These of course, should
always be appropriate examples related to your job.
9. Speak with positivity. I know
some might be thinking, do you really have to mention that? I have
been on the other side of interviews enough to know, yes, I need to
mention that. If you sound like a Debbie Downer whether you're
talking about your previous bosses, co-workers, life, etc, then you
need a dose of optimism. People don't like working with Debbie
Downer. Because she balks, she complains, and eventually she
leaves..probably angrily.
10. Be yourself. Don't be someone
you think they want you to be. Because ultimately, they are looking
for someone who's going to fit with their staff and managers. If you
don't get a job, don't look at it as you getting rejected. There may
have been others that just seem to fit in personality-wise with the
people who work there. If you look at every job you don't get as a
rejection, or a failure, you might miss out on a job you are really
well suited for. Be yourself, but be the best version of yourself,
and then proceed to be the best version you can be for the time you
work there, once you get that job!
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