Five Best Tips When Interviewing

You are searching for a job, and a company has just contacted you about coming in for an interview. It’s great news, but you need to make sure you are ready. Here are a few things you need to know to ensure the interview goes well.

1. Prepare

This should come as no surprise to job seekers. It is absolutely essential. You obviously need to know everything you can about the company you want to work for – its mission and goals, its operation, its financial situation.

You also need to prepare for the questions that the hiring manager may ask you. There are questions that tend to appear at just about every job interview, such as why you want to work at the company, telling about yourself, where you expect to be in five years, and what your strengths and weaknesses are.

You need to know how you are going to approach these questions. You don’t have to memorize answers word for word, but you should have key points ready. Practice your answers with a friend to improve your responses.

Be prepared with facts and figures to support your accomplishments. High performers tend to use the words “I” and “me” more often than poor performers. High performers also use the past tense more often simply because they have more accomplishments in their background to talk about. So, respond to questions like a high performer.

2. Watch your body language

Do not underestimate the importance of body language. Hiring managers will notice. You need to project an air of confidence and enthusiasm. Look the hiring manager in the eye when talking to him or her, shake hands firmly and smile often.

Watch your posture and movements as you talk. It is acceptable to gesture with your hands as long as you don’t overdo it.

3. Dress appropriately and arrive early

Appearance is obviously important. For men, a suit and tie is the usual apparel for an interview; for women, a business suit. You also should be neatly groomed

It is also best to arrive for the interview about 10 to 15 minutes early. Whatever you do, don’t be late. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview.

4. Ask questions

This is important also. Have questions prepared to ask the hiring manager. If you are genuinely interested in the job, there are things you probably will want to know. Not asking questions is a red flag to any hiring manager that a candidate isn’t all that interested in the job.

5. Send a note afterward

Immediately after the interview, send a written note or email to the hiring manager thanking him or her for the opportunity to interview and reiterating your interest in the job.

If you are looking for a job, Arrow Staffing can help you. Arrow gives you the personal attention you deserve. Our people know the job market and what companies are looking for. Give us a call today.

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