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10 Tips to Help You Ace
the Interview and Get the Job
The interview is the "beauty contest" part of the job
search process. Interviewers get to compare candidates by
asking them similar questions and comparing the answers.
Being just the right person for the job won't help you if
you blow the interview.
Here are ten tips to help you come out of the interview
with a job offer.
1. Show responsibility by arriving on time.
Nothing sets you off on the wrong foot more than arriving
late for an interview. No matter what reason you have, it
won't completely erase the impression that you are
disorganized and irresponsible.
2. Show confidence through a strong handshake, a pleasant
expression and an upbeat manner.
Although you may not feel particularly confident, it's
important to look as if you are. Perception is everything
when creating a good impression. Weak handshakes are a
turnoff, so practice to make sure yours is strong. Sometimes
we think we are smiling when we are not, so look in a
mirror, smile and remember how your face feels when you are
smiling. If you smile, extend your hand confidently and
introduce yourself with energy, the interviewer will want to
get to know you.
3. Show initiative by researching the company in advance.
Even small organizations have websites, so there's really
no excuse for not knowing some basic information about the
company before the interview. If you ask questions that
could clearly have been answered through half-an-hour of
browsing, you'll come off as someone with no initiative or
common sense.
4. Show your priorities by focusing on the job before
asking about benefits and perks.
When it's your turn to ask questions, focus on aspects of
the job and the company and even the department. There will
be plenty of time to discuss benefits when you and the
interviewer have agreed that you are a good candidate for
the job. Asking about perks, benefits and even salary too
early in the conversation marks you as too to be a team
player.
5. Show composure under pressure by asking well
thought-out, meaningful questions.
When you browse the company's website, think of what else
you would like to know. What questions does the website
bring up for you? Use your knowledge to ask meaningful
questions, and practice in advance because it's important
not to stumble over the words. And, most importantly, listen
to the answers.
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