Congratulations! You have a job interview!
"A job interview!"
Just the words "job interview" can make
your palms sweat. So, rather than picturing yourself sliding under a conference table as five to ten people drill you on your
life accomplishments and failures, think of it is as a two-way "conversation." Ahh! Doesn't that put your mind at
ease?
Here are 20 Top Tips to follow (and to avoid) to help you ace your job interview:
1. WANT TO LISTEN.
Almost all problems in listening can be overcome by having
the right attitudes. Remember, there is no such thing as disinteresting people, only disinterested listeners.
2. ACT LIKE A GOOD LISTENER.
Be alert, sit
straight, lean forward if appropriate, let your face radiate interest.
3.
LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND.
Do not just listen for the sake of listening: listen to
gain a real understanding of what is being said.
4. REACT.
The only time a person likes to be interrupted is when applauded. Be generous with your applause.
Make the other person feel important. Applaud with nods, smiles, comments and encouragement.
5. STOP TALKING.
You cannot listen while you are talking. Communicate:
do not take turns talking.
6. EMPATHIZE WITH THE OTHER PERSON.
Try to put yourself in the other's place so that you can see that point of view.
7. ASK QUESTIONS.
When you do not understand,
when you need further clarification, when you want the other person to hear you, when you want to show you are listening:
but do not ask questions that will embarrass or "put down" the other person.
8. CONCENTRATE ON WHAT THE OTHER IS SAYING.
Actively focus your
attention on the words, the ideas, and the feelings related to the subject.
9.
LOOK AT THE OTHER PERSON.
Face, mouth, eyes, hands will all help the other person
communicate with you. Helps you concentrate too. Shows you are listening.
10.
SMILE APPROPRIATELY.
But do not over do it.
11. LEAVE YOUR EMOTIONS BEHIND (If you can).
Try to push your worries,
your fears and your problems away. They may prevent you from listening well.
12.
GET RID OF DISTRACTIONS.
Put down any papers, pencils, etc, you have in your
hands: they may distract your attention.
13. GET THE MAIN POINTS (The
big picture).
Concentrate on the main ideas and not the illustrative material:
examples, stories, statistics, etc, are important, but usually are not the main points. Examine them only to see if they prove,
support or define the main ideas.
14. SHARE RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMMUNICATION.
Only part of the responsibility rests with the speaker; you, as the listener,
have an important part. Try to understand and if you don't, ask for clarifications.
15. REACT TO IDEAS, NOT THE PERSON.
Don't allow your reaction to
the person influence your interpretation of words. Good ideas can come from people whose looks or personality you don't like.
16. DON'T ARGUE MENTALLY.
When
you are trying to understand the other person, it is a handicap to argue mentally while you are listening. This sets up a
barrier between you and the speaker.
17. USE THE DIFFERENCE IN RATE.
You can listen faster than anyone can talk, so use this rate difference to your advantage
by trying to stay on the right track, think back over what the speaker has said. Rate difference: speech rate is about 100
to 150 words per minute; thinking 500.
18. DON'T ANTAGONIZE THE SPEAKER.
You may cause the other person to conceal ideas, emotions or attitudes by being
antagonizing in any of a number of ways: arguing, criticizing, taking notes, not taking notes, asking questions, not asking
questions, etc. Try to evaluate and be aware of the affect you are having on the other person. Adapt to the speaker.
19. AVOID HASTY JUDGMENTS.
Wait until the facts
are in before making a judgment.
20. LISTENING IS FUN.
Develop this attitude. Make a game of listening well.
OTHER DO'S
- Research the company to know
its culture and services provided.
- Use good body language to appear
energetic and interested in the position.
- Use your smile and eye contact
to win over the interviewer.
- Quantify your past accomplishments rather
than your experience.
- Be prepared to answer questions on your liabilities.
- Let the company offer the salary figure.
- Introduce yourself by first name and call the interviewer by the name the person uses to introduce him or herself.
- Write a follow-up Thank You letter to show sincere interest
OTHER DON'TS
- Don't
correct the interviewer.
- Don't take longer than 60 seconds to
answer questions.
- Don't overlook the interviewer's body language.
- Don't use excessive hand movements.
- Don't exaggerate or lie about your experience.
- Don't forget
to show that you are very interested in the position.
- Don't be late
for the appointment.
- Don't bring up the topic of compensation.
- Don't "name drop" to appear well connected if you can't back up your claim.