Interviews can be tense and nervous moments. Feeling this way is perfectly normal, who doesn't? Here are some ways to combat these emotions.
Steps
Step 1. Prepare a well written and professional looking resume
Make sure you write it on your computer, not by hand. You should also correct it thoroughly. Even small grammatical or spelling mistakes can put off employers.
Step 2. Dress appropriately
Your overall appearance will be the first thing the interviewer notices about you, and you want to make a good impression.
Step 3. Shake hands firmly but amicably and look the interviewer in the eye
Practice handshaking with a friend or relative before the meeting. This is also a business card of yours, and a soft, sweaty, or aggressive hand could immediately discourage him. Go for a firm squeeze, but don't squeeze his fingers. At the same time, smile and look him in the eye. Repeat his name when you greet him; for example, say “Nice to meet you, Giovanni” while doing all these movements. Finally, don't shake hands too slowly or quickly - a short, warm squeeze is enough to make a positive impression.
Step 4. Predict what the interviewer might ask
If you've attended interviews in the past, think back to the questions they asked you, especially the ones that caught you off guard. Make a list of what you think they might ask you. Write down the answers to help you remember them.
Most interviewers will ask you, "Well then, tell me something about him." It is easy to prepare this answer. Think about the main points in your life and make a list of them. Make sure you include positive characteristics about your personality and work habits. Remember to get straight to the point
Step 5. Try to follow the classic rules of polite conversation
This means not talking about money (don't do it until the interviewer brings it up in another interview), religion or politics. These issues probably have nothing to do with your profession (unless you are looking to get hired by a political or religious organization). Focus the whole conversation on the company and this workplace.
Step 6. Try to always be aware of what you are saying
Research the company before the interview and memorize the key points to talk about. Never introduce yourself in an overly spontaneous way or without knowing anything about the company: you will only seem unprepared, and this will negatively affect the opinion that the interviewer will make of you. Here are some areas to inquire about before the interview:
- Company website. Read the corporate mission and history of the company. If possible, try to get quarterly reports, especially if the growth numbers could affect your position in it.
- Read the news. Get recent and past articles about the company. Find some positive information to share in the interview. In any case, name what you know consistently, without ranting or making out of the blue a list of facts and numbers. For example, if the interviewer brings up the company's desire for growth, he says "I recently read an article about the company's entry into China." Research the most interesting facts and figures. Of course, if you find stories that refer to scandals or illegal activities, take them into consideration. In the event that the company has been accused of something or has been involved in criminal acts, you may want to re-evaluate the possibility of participating in the interview.
- Ask your friends or acquaintances who work in this company for important information. Everything you can find from the inside will allow you to arrive more prepared for the interview and have a better chance of being hired. Of course, never ask for patent information, but you may find information about the interviewer or company that is not at hand for everyone, yet essential to be chosen (for example, you and the interviewer went to the same university).
Step 7. Never ever speak ill of someone
Whether it's your competitors for this place or an old employer, you'll only have to say good things about others. As your mother would advise you, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything."
Step 8. Express yourself grammatically correctly during the interview
Nothing discourages more than a candidate who does not know the basic rules of Italian (or another language). Do not use sentences that are difficult to understand or too informal expressions and, above all, do not say bad words. If you are unsure of your speaking skills, ask an educated friend or family member to do a fake interview and examine you. If you have more than one problem, try to read more, find out about the grammar rules you ignore (on the internet you will find numerous websites about them) and practice expressing yourself well from the oral point of view.
Step 9. Write down the important points the interviewer makes during the interview
This will only reaffirm your professional seriousness: you will not only seem organized, but also eager to work in this company. Paraphrase and repeat the information given to you by your interlocutor in order to demonstrate that you have understood what he has told you.
Step 10. Ask questions
If you don't fully understand what your interlocutor is trying to tell you, just ask "Could you explain it back to me, please?". Also, as the interviewer asks you questions, think about what you might be asking. If it was the first interview, do not talk about benefits and salary, at this time you need to find out more about the job and the company. Instead, ask questions about your role in the business, future goals, and collaboration between different teams.
Step 11. Thank the interviewer for giving you this opportunity
The talks must always be closed with heartfelt thanks. As much as you are dying to work in this business, don't look desperate and don't ask when you will be called back. You can ask questions about the next step in the process - this will give the impression that you are interested, but not overly anxious. Also, send a thank-you note to the interviewer using plain paper. By sending it a few days after the meeting, it will serve as a reminder, reminding the company to get back in touch with you for a future meeting.
Advice
- Don't get too nervous before the interview. We've all been there. Your interviewer also knows what that feels like.
- Polish your shoes before the interview to make sure they are clean and perfect.
- Bring your portfolio and samples of the work you have done in the past with you. Leave everything to the interviewer. Also, keep a clean, fresh copy of your resume on hand, maybe he'll ask for it.
- To practice, ask a friend or family member for help, especially if they are also preparing for a job. Both of you will help each other with an important interview.
Warnings
- Don't tell the interviewer what you think the company is bad for and how you would solve the problem. Although the company has flaws to fix, no one likes such an attitude, especially during the first interview. In any case, if the interviewer asks you “What would he do differently?”, Answer carefully. Instead of pointing out the problem areas, he explains “I would deal with the situation in this way…”.
- Don't be careless or careless when applying for a job.
- Resumes and / or interviews may vary depending on the type of job you are applying for.
- A good interview or a long resume does not guarantee you will be hired.
