Being a fresh DU graduate and having a sight to succeed in job interviews, its important to do the right things that make a positive first impression and show the employers that you would be the perfect fit for the company. Its important to avoid making mistakes that could raise questions about your professionalism or competence. The key to conquer the interview is in knowing what to avoid and what to do during the interview itself.
Here are some do’s & don’ts to help you to have success at a job interview:
– Do
1. Prepare
Analyse the job requirements and the employer and be prepared to share compelling reasons why you would be a good fit. Prepare and rehearse what you plan to say, including answers to common interview questions such as the dreaded inquiry about your weaknesses. Carefully review your resume and be prepared to discuss challenges and successes in each position listed in the document.
2. Make a Good First Impression
Dress the part of someone successful in your chosen field. Make sure your clothing
is appropriate for the work environment, fits well, and is neatly pressed. Greet
your interviewer with a firm—but not bone-crunching—handshake and a warm smile. Sit up straight and lean slightly forward during the interview. Make regular—but not piercing or staring—eye contact. Show energy and enthusiasm through your vocal tone and listen carefully to each question before jumping in with a response. When the interview is over, thank the interviewers for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.
3. Sell Yourself
Describe specific situations or challenges you have faced, the actions you took to intervene, and the results you generated. Pay particular attention to how you have positively impacted the bottom line for past employers. Examples may include saving money, increasing sales, retaining staff, recruiting employees, securing funding, or improving quality.
4. Ask Questions
Remember that you are interviewing the employer as much as the employer is interviewing you. Focus on questions about specific expectations and goals, both short-term and long-term for the company and for the position in question. Good questions help you to discover if the employer is a good fit for you, and they show the employer that you havee done your homework and have a sincere interest in the company.
5. Have Good Body Language
This can go miles during an interview. Everyone is nervous during an interview but acting out that nervousness could be a sign of weakness and can be off-putting.
6. Be Unique
Remember that the point of the interview is to stand out amongst those who are selected.
Keeping in mind that a majority of the competition is within similar skill set, being unique in answering questions and presentation will help a candidate stand out. Try to not go overboard for that being too unique could land the candidate as being eccentric and a maverick.
– DON’T (these qualities will get you rejected)
1. Be Negative
Never criticize any previous employers, supervisors, or co-workers during a job interview. It can raise questions about your ability to work well with others or to accept accountability. As well, dont fixate on your own weaknesses or treat them as hindrances. Be prepared to acknowledge them, but address them as an opportunity to learn and improve.
2. Fudge the Truth
Avoid the temptation to exaggerate when addressing your skills and accomplishments. Its important to put a positive spin on what you've done and what you can do, but it all needs to be truthful. Being caught in even the smallest of white lies can raise questions about your character and fitness for the position in question.
3. Don’t: Be Late (or Excessively Early)
Be on time for your interview, and remember to take into account that you'll likely want a few minutes to situate yourself, organize your notes, and maybe use the restroom. You should leave early enough to arrive at the interview no more than five to 10 minutes before it starts, but don’t be earlier than this. Arriving too far in advance of the scheduled time can leave a negative impression and possibly raise questions about your time management skills or ability to follow directions.
4. Forget to Use Common Sense
Dressing or behaving too casually can raise questions about your professionalism, as can
things like checking your cell phone during the interview. If the interview involves a meal, never order an alcoholic beverage or select an entree that is difficult to eat gracefully. In general, follow your gut. If something seems like it would be inappropriate for a job interview, it probably is.
