Dear Readers,
Congratulations! You made it to the interviewer’s office. This means that you looked good on paper; your education and experience seem to match what the employer is looking for. Now they want to meet you in person. The following is a list of the things they need to know and could not gather from your resume: Your personal demeanor, general attitude, conduct in front of people, enthusiasm, intelligence, energy level, willingness to work, ability to follow orders, ability to be a team player, weaknesses, strengths, versatility, and communication skills, and the likes.
Employers will take all the above into consideration, but they will be most interested in knowing about your productivity, dependability and honesty.
You must be prepared for your interview. If you are already married, this will be the most important sale you need to make. Yes, it’s a sale. You have to sell them the idea that they must hire you. The sale at the interviewer’s office starts from the moment you step in. Show up 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time and make sure you are properly groomed and dressed according to their corporate culture and to the position you are applying for. Now is your chance to show a friendly smile while looking at the interviewer’s eyes when shaking hands or while exchanging greetings. Nothing creates a worse first impression than a sweaty hand, a limp handshake, and looking down at the floor.
A good job can support your family for many years. Make sure you do not waste the opportunity in front of you by being lazy about preparing or being casual about it. Do significant research about the company you are applying to and about the potential questions they may ask you. Practice your answers in front of a friend, a relative, or the mirror. Professional actors practice their scripts hundreds of times before they perform.
Many employers ask questions such as: why are you in the market today? Why did you leave your prior job? What are you best at? What are your strongest assets? What are your weak areas? Why do you want to work for our company? What do you expect from your boss? What’s important for you in life? What are your goals for the next five years? What would you do differently in your life if you could go back in time? Watch out for questions such as “what did you like the least about your prior boss?”
Do you see now why you have to be prepared for the interview? Imagine hesitating when you are asked “what are you best at” or looking at the ceiling if they ask you “what do you expect from the company”. How about “I really never thought about that” when asked about your goals!!! You must come across smart, sharp, fast on your feet, and well put together. You must show you’re a mature individual who recognizes his/her strengths, weaknesses and who has set goals for him/herself and who knows exactly how he/she will be an asset to his/her employer.
Make sure you properly communicate your desire to learn, grow and achieve within the job and in all other areas. Isn’t that what life is all about?
Ariel Topf
