Who will not agree on the idea that job hunting could be a nerve-wracking experience? The process of job hunting goes right from recording each qualification painstakingly and drafting the ideal cover letter to appear for the job interview in the most pleasing as well as fruitful manner. The interview for sure is the most challenging of the lot. Consider the scare that a pair of piercing eyes asking questions on mistakes committed during past jobs and expected payments could create a fresh job candidate.
However, facing an interview armed with the right kind of data could be an advantage on the part of the candidate. This way, the applicants can relax a bit to focus on what they thought was really crucial in the interview; which was for many, showcasing a professional image beside highlighting experiences that are relevant. Here is a guide that flashes light on certain practical tips that could help the job candidates stay cool from and before to during as well as after the interview.
Has the candidate done his homework?
Recruiters expect to hire talents that are genuinely interested in their company as well as the position in question. Therefore knowledge about the company reflects the hirer that the candidate would go the extra mile as his firm’s employee.
The candidate is advised to gather as much information possible regarding the firm he is targeting before the interview. The company website could be the ideal source for having this. The candidate can prepare some model questions after visiting the company website besides researching competitors, position and the entire industry as well to show the recruiting firm that he is serious regarding his role in their team.
Candidate dare not dress casually
This is a widely understood because many a professional hirer thinks that a casual attire suggests a casual attitude regarding the job. The candidate is hence best advised to attend the interview in business attire even if the company does not force a uniform dress code for its employers. See that not a lot of skin is exposed as it is considered unprofessional.
It is also a fact that a considerable number of employers say when choosing between a couple of candidates with similar qualifications they tend to make a decision based on the attire of the interviewee.
Greet the interviewer with a smile
Certainly sounds simple, nevertheless smiling is capable of setting the mood for the interview. The smiling candidate is said to increase likability besides emitting an element of confidence. Hirers have the tendency to favour candidates who are positive as well as engaging.
Respect the hirer’s personal space
The ideal business culture gives great preference to personal space. Violating the personal space of an interviewer might simply make him feel uncomfortable. This gives you the idea of standing at least five feet off the hirer’s position. Getting closer to the desk of the interviewer could well make him uncomfortable with the candidate while touching something on the interviewer’s table might land the person in further trouble.
Candidate must be Punctual
When the candidate arrives early at the venue of the interview the hirer gets the feeling that the person is serious about his work. On the other hand, if the candidate fails to make it to the interview on time, the hirer might just think that the person is not reliable.
Leaving for the interview early could do a world of good for the candidate here. Planning for traffic and weather must be done early to ensure a timely arrival at the interview spot.
Candidate should be courteous
At the venue of the interview, the candidate’s interaction with the support staff could well get back to the interviewer’s consideration. This is why there is a general view that a candidate should treat everyone at the interview spot with equal respect. Being courteous to all support staff at the venue will only result in boosting the applicant’s chances of being selected.
Candidate should try to be studious; not bizarre
A notebook can be handy for the candidate at the interview spot. Writing answers to certain general interview questions such as ‘What is your strength and passion?’ or ‘Where are you weak?’ in the notebook can help a lot if the candidate’s mind tends to go blank at the time of the interview probably due to pressure.
Then too much show off at the interview spot like excessive makeup, jewelry, flamboyant colours and even fragrance can simply turn an interviewer off or at least be distracting for him. Sticking to a colour palette that reflects neutrality alongside toned down scents and accessories are highly recommended here since the goal is to look and confident and professional.
Start Confident preferably with a Handshake
What the candidate thinks about his chances in the interview could considerably influence his chances of doing well there. If he feels defeated by the process of the job hunt, it would only decrease his chances of doing well there.
A firm handshake from the part of the candidate will be good enough to show the hiring manager that the person is confident, positive and enthusiastic. A successive interview starts with a handshake since many hirers consider the first ninety seconds of an interview to decide if they would hire someone.