7 Easy Steps to Improve Your Interviewing Skills

In the midst of technological advancement nowadays, the
"back-to-basics" rule still applies when it comes to getting hired for
a job. It does not matter if you are planning to apply for a
million-dollar company or a small, independent firm. When you face an
interviewer, it all boils down to how you present yourself. This is the
deciding factor whether you will get hired or not.

So you have
distributed your resume to prospective employers and you have
determined the correct job to apply for. The next step is to schedule
the job interview.

You can make the acquaintance of the
assistant or the receptionist when you schedule for the interview,
either by phone or personally. Be friendly and polite, as these people
might provide information that can be essential to getting that job or,
even just give you a background of the company or your prospective boss.

Finally, you show up for the interview.

The
basic traits of being prompt, how you speak and carry yourself and even
how you dress are all factors that contribute in making a lasting
impression that will eventually get you hired.

Here are 7 easy steps on how you can improve your interviewing skills:

1.) Prepare for the interview.

First,
dress appropriately. Once the interviewer walks into the room, or once
you walk into the room to be interviewed, your appearance will be the
first thing to make the impact. Dress appropriately, check your
grooming and mind your posture.

Second, practice basic courtesy.
Know where the interview will be held and be there with ample time to
prepare yourself before the scheduled interview. Turn your phone off to
avoid unnecessary distractions.

2.) Research.

Use all
your resources to make sure that you know the basics about the company.
You would not want to be caught unprepared when asked about how you
heard or what you know about the company that you are applying for.

Learn about your potential employer. In your mind, develop a clear picture of the company profile.

Make
sure that you prepared answers to a few basic questions, but do not
sound scripted. This happens when you rehearse what you will be saying
word for word. It is enough that you have an overview of what you will
impart to the interviewer, and it is better to be spontaneous.

3.) Be cool.

Step
forward so that you are now seated and the interview is about to begin.
Make a great first impression by maintaining eye contact, giving the
interviewer a firm handshake, a friendly smile and a polite greeting.
Sit only when you are asked to do so and do not forget to thank the
interviewer for taking time off of his or her busy schedule to
interview you.

Make sure to start on a positive note and set the proper expectations.

4.) Do not sell yourself short.

In the course of the interview, answer the questions briefly and accurately. The key is to be honest.

Make
sure that as a prospective employee, you impart to your future employer
what you really are and what you can do for the company, not the other
way around. Stay positive and do not give a bad impression about your
previous employer.

If you are applying for your first job, do
not let your lack of experience hinder you from gaining the advantage
against more experienced applicants. What you lack in experience, make
up for in confidence and eagerness to learn.

You may also put
yourself in the employer's shoes. Ask yourself, if I were on the other
side of this desk, what qualities should I look for in a potential
employee? Would I profit if he works for me and can he contribute to
the development of the company?

Do not be afraid to sell
yourself but do not be overconfident. Just project an air that you are
sure of yourself and your capabilities.

5.) Ask questions.

Should
you encounter a difficult interviewer, do not be intimidated. One who
does not let you put in a word edgewise should be lightly reminded that
you should do most of the talking since he is the one who needs to
learn more about you.

6.) Wrap it up.

As you near the end
of the interview, make sure that all bases are covered. Now is not the
time to discuss or even ask about the salary and the benefits that you
will receive once employed. There is ample time for that once you do
get the position and you are discussing the job offer.

Wrap
things up by summarizing your strengths and pointing out your positive
traits. Finally, as you end the interview, make sure to thank the
interviewer again for his or her time, thus leaving a lasting
impression.

7.) Follow up.

Send that all-important thank
you note after the interview. Thank the interviewer for the time that
he took with you and for giving you that opportunity. Make sure that
you know who to contact for follow-up of the results.

A lot of research has been made about the interviewing process. Here is a brief run-through:

First, you make a schedule for the interview.

Then, you are there in the office and you are seen by the interviewee.

The interview itself then transpires.

Next is the closing, then you follow-up with a thank-you-note.

You eventually get accepted and you discuss, negotiate for and sign-up the job offer.

You
may notice that the interviewing takes up a great deal of the
getting-hired process, so you might as well polish up your interviewing
skills on your way to getting that dream job.


By: John Pawlett