When they're looking to interview people they're bringing in people that they think have all of the skills and then during the interview, they're trying to find people that actually will fit into their work culture.
Another reason that they bring people in to interview is to look for someone who's going to help them bring value to the company.
When they're hiring people they're looking for people that will help save them money by the work they do, save them time by how they do the work or make money by what they do.
When we talk about interviews we really talk about those three Ps that you need to think about.
1. The first one is to PREPARE
You need to know what is it that you have to offer an employer. What skills do you have and what is the benefit to the employer? Sit down and think about what you've written in your resume because they've obviously liked what they've seen and think about what it is that you can talk about and the stories you can tell.
2. Then the next is really the PRACTICE
Practice some of your answers so that when you get in front of the interviewer you're comfortable and confident with how you can provide them with information.
3. The last one is PRESENTATION
Your presentation involves your physical presentation in terms of coming neat and tidy but also how well you communicate.
And so you might not think that going to an online career fair that you need to worry about presentation, but if you think about it, any time that you're communicating with the employer you are making a presentation.
So you want to make sure that you're not using any abbreviations, text shortcuts, using smiley faces or spelling mistakes. You want all of your communication to be professional.
In order to do well in an interview, you need to be confident and if you practice the last three Ps you will be. One of the ways for you to be prepared and for you to present is by using a STAR story.
And that stands for a SITUATION or TASK you need to describe that to an employer. What took place, what was the problem and then you tell them the ACTION. What did you do to resolve the problem or complete the task, then the final thing is what was the RESULT. So what was the benefit of you taking action and creating a resolution?
Besides your pre-interview preparation, here are some tips that will help you to really ace an interview:
- Always arrive on time, preferably about 10 minutes early. Don't come too early it makes people uncomfortable and don't arrive late because it's a sign of disrespect.
- Come alone to an interview. Don't bring people with you. I know its a bit scary sometimes but its important that you come alone and if somebody needs to come with you they can wait downstairs.
- Dress in a professional manner. This always depends on what type of work you're looking for but come with clean clothes so that the employer knows that you pay attention to detail and you're someone they want to work with.
- Be truthful in your answers. If you lie about certain skills you have or certain experience you have at some point in time the employer will find out if they need that skill and it will be embarrassing for both of you.
- When you go into the interview turn your phone off. It might sound kind of silly to say that but there have been employers that say that people have answered their phone in the middle of an interview. You need the employer to know you're serious about that job and you're going to give them your sole focus.
- Don't ask about salary or benefits in the first interview. Unless the employer asks you about your expectations don't bring it up. The best time to bring it up is when you know they want you. And you will know that when they call and offer you the position. Then you're in a really great bargaining or negotiating spot because you know that they've already chosen you.
- Research the company. Find out what projects they are working on and any important aspects of the business so that you can talk intelligently about the company and they understand that you are choosing to work for them, you're not just looking for a job. Going online to find information about companies is probably your first step.
- Don't talk about personal matters. If you've had a terrible boss in the past or if you've had co-workers that have been annoying, leave that outside of the interview. It's best if you stay positive, so if you've had a bad experience think about something positive to say about it so that if it comes up you can focus on that.
The great thing is that employers are looking for people with the talents and skills that they need. And if you have those talents and skills the interview is where you can really shine by being prepared, practising and by presenting your information in a way that the employer sees that you are a fit for the open job they have. Good Luck!
