Confidence is key to winning an interview. This edition of TRIO focuses on three things that can help you make an impression that will last.
There are reasons you want to work for the company you’re interviewing with. In an interview, make sure that you highlight those elements. To do this well spend time researching the company. To get an inside look at the company, review the company’s website, social media and LinkedIn sites. Familiarize yourself with company leaders and people in the department in which you’re applying for a job. Do an internet search on the company for recent news articles. Be familiar with the company’s culture, mission and values and try to include elements of them in your interview answers. For more ways to research a company read this article by The Muse. The more you know about the organization, the easier it will be for you to formulate answers that are in line with the company’s culture.
One of the first questions that employers tend to ask is, “Tell me about yourself.” Use this time to talk about yourself, but consider talking briefly about personal interests that aren’t tied to your career or the job for which you’re interviewing. This question gives employers an opportunity to gain insight into what motivates or drives you outside of the office. You might include one or two personal interests, but follow that up by transitioning to elements that tie into why you are the ideal candidate for the job. Balance Careers offers several tips on how to answer questions about yourself during a job interview.
When it comes to answering other questions during the job interview, I find that it is helpful to remember what I call the answer formula. The first part of the answer includes comments that employers are generally going to get from all applicants. The second part of the answer consists of an example of how they demonstrated it in a current or past work scenario. The final element is how it will be a benefit to the job or company. For more tips on crafting strong answers to popular interview questions visit this article on the Top 10 Interview Questions and Best Answers.
When it comes to making a good first impression in a job interview, what you wear matters. Interviewers will see your clothing as an extension of you, your personality and your professionalism. A lot of workplaces have adopted a more business casual or even casual work dress code, but that doesn’t mean it bleeds over into the interview. You want to wear something that makes you feel confident. There are still guidelines that should be considered when dressing for an interview. In my opinion, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Not sure what you should wear to your next interview? This article simplifies dress code categories and offers tips on what to wear.
Want to learn more about how to have a successful interview? Join us for our upcoming Interviewing Techniques short course. Call 405.377.3333 with questions or register here. To find out about more classes like this sign up for our monthly e-newsletter. View all of our upcoming courses in our digital catalog.
Cara Adney is the Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator at Meridian Technology Center.
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