Process

Acing a Job Interview

Going through a job interview can be a tough challenge for a job seeker undergoing the job application process . After all , it is during a job interview that the company gets to assess the applicant 's strengths and weaknesses -- whether these strengths will contribute to the company or to the department the applicant wishes to be a part of , and whether the weaknesses will not be a liability for the company . This is the time when an applicant is expected to sell himself , prove himself the best

among other applicants , and highlight his or her assets and capabilities while sounding humble and straightforward

According to Bethan Cantwell in "Stepping Through the Door : Techniques for Successful Job Interviewing " interviewers seek to answer three basic questions during an interview process : Can you do the job ? Will you do the job ? Do you fit in ? Cantwell says that the best way to approach an interview is for the applicant to consider it as a chance to showcase the benefits he or she can bring to the prospective employer

In jobsjobsjobs .com .au 's interview tips , applicants are initially advised do some research about the company . One can do this by visiting its Web site , collecting and studying a company fact-sheet or brochure or simply contacting the company 's receptionist to get some basic information about what the company does or the services it offers and what the vacancy entails

Come interview day , an applicant needs to dress appropriately for the industry in to show that he or she takes the interview seriously According to Virginia Tech 's "Interview Dos " one 's personal grooming and cleanliness must be impeccable . Career specialists say that it is better to be over-dressed than under-dressed during an interview . The applicant should keep in mind that when it comes to interviews , first impressions last

The applicant must then arrive at the location of the interview on time , preferably a few minutes earlier than the appointed schedule . This means the applicant should know beforehand how long it takes to get there , park the car , and even find a powder room to freshen up

Jobsjobsjobs .com .au says that the next step for the applicant to do when the interview is about to start , is to remove his or her coat and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a sincere smile Eye-to-eye contact is very important . It also helps if the applicant knows the interviewer 's name and its correct pronunciation . From this point forward , the applicant should remain relaxed and remember to always be gracious , polite , and courteous

Once the interview has started , the applicant must maintain an aura of confidence and should show interest , responsiveness and enthusiasm in the conversation . It is highly recommended that the applicant ask questions about the company and the job in to determine if it fits his or her life and career criteria . The applicant must try not to answer the interviewer 's questions with mere "yes " or "no " statements

While the interview process is ongoing , the applicant must sit still and avoid fidgeting and slouching . The applicant must listen to the question being asked and answer it , without elaborating more than necessary . He or she must discuss any outstanding achievements in previous careers or jobs , as well as things that make him or her unique

The applicant must not hesitate to seek clarifications if he or she doesn 't understand the question . Moreover , if an applicant does not have any experience in a specific field , he or she should not lie and must admit it , while emphasizing that he or she is a quick learner

Career experts suggest that the applicant exhibit a positive attitude all throughout the interview process . Making negative comments about previous employers is an interview don 't . It is also highly advisable for applicants to not discuss political and religious views

After the question-and-answer portion , the applicant must make sure that he or she knows the next steps in the employer 's hiring process . If the applicant , after assessing the interview , is interested in the position , he or she should say so and ask the interviewer when the company is going to make a decision and whether there will be another interview

If the position is offered to the applicant and he or she needs more time to think it over , a date can be set to get back to the company When the interview is concluded , finish off by shaking hands and thanking the interviewer for their time . The applicant can also send the interviewer a thank you note or e-mail afterward

Works Cited

Cantwell , Bethan "Stepping Through the Door : Techniques for Successful Job Interviewing " UA News . Arizona Board of Regents . 21 April 2008

"Tips for a succesful job interview " jobsjobsjobs .com .au . jobsjobsjobs Limited . 21 April 2008

"Interview DOs and DON 'Ts " Career Services Virginia Tech . 31 August 2006 . Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University . 21 April 2008 ...