Difference between revisions of "Go to an Interview"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Preparing for the Interview=== | ===Preparing for the Interview=== | ||
| − | #Research the company. Once you know you have an interview lined up, spend some time researching the company and the position you applied for online. You'll often be able to learn the answers to basic questions you have, especially concerning work schedule and job responsibilities.<ref>http://www.job-applications.com/resources/job-interview-tips/</ref> You may also encounter information you're curious about, so you can ask the interviewer to expand or clarify. | + | #Research the company. Once you know you have an interview lined up, spend some time researching the company and the position you applied for online. You'll often be able to learn the answers to basic questions you have, especially concerning work schedule and job responsibilities.<ref name="rf1">http://www.job-applications.com/resources/job-interview-tips/</ref> You may also encounter information you're curious about, so you can ask the interviewer to expand or clarify. |
#*Try the company website, anything a search engine turns up about the company, and the company's social media pages. | #*Try the company website, anything a search engine turns up about the company, and the company's social media pages. | ||
#*Try to understand the company's goals and mission, and how it ties in to your skills and interests. This makes you appear prepared ''and'' suitable for the company, which is a cut above someone who only repeats the website's talking points. | #*Try to understand the company's goals and mission, and how it ties in to your skills and interests. This makes you appear prepared ''and'' suitable for the company, which is a cut above someone who only repeats the website's talking points. | ||
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#*Certain common resume occurrences are often brought up in interview questions. These include a long gap in your employment, a job you only had for a short time, or unusual work experience people may not be familiar with. | #*Certain common resume occurrences are often brought up in interview questions. These include a long gap in your employment, a job you only had for a short time, or unusual work experience people may not be familiar with. | ||
#Prepare to describe yourself in a way that is relevant to the job. The interviewer may ask you non-work-related questions, and you should be able to tie them into your interest in the company. Some of these may take verbal gymnastics, but if you focus on your personal character development and your passion for the work the company does, you can usually find a way to connect them with the question. | #Prepare to describe yourself in a way that is relevant to the job. The interviewer may ask you non-work-related questions, and you should be able to tie them into your interest in the company. Some of these may take verbal gymnastics, but if you focus on your personal character development and your passion for the work the company does, you can usually find a way to connect them with the question. | ||
| − | #*Prepare a short summary of a few major accomplishments in your life or career, ending with a tie-in about how you are suited for this job. When they ask you to "tell me about yourself," they are looking for more specific information than what you included on your resume.<ref>https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-answer-the-31-most-common-interview-questions</ref> | + | #*Prepare a short summary of a few major accomplishments in your life or career, ending with a tie-in about how you are suited for this job. When they ask you to "tell me about yourself," they are looking for more specific information than what you included on your resume.<ref name="rf2">https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-answer-the-31-most-common-interview-questions</ref> |
#*Google your name and be prepared to explain any unflattering information, work experience you left off your resume, or unusual hobbies. The last category can easily become a strength if you describe positive reasons you enjoy them. | #*Google your name and be prepared to explain any unflattering information, work experience you left off your resume, or unusual hobbies. The last category can easily become a strength if you describe positive reasons you enjoy them. | ||
#*Other common questions include '''What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?''', '''Why should we hire you?''', '''Where do you see yourself in five years?''', and '''How did you hear about our company?''' These are all opportunities to describe yourself in a positive light, especially your connection and commitment to the company's mission. If you are having trouble coming up with answers, have a friend who's prepared for interviews before help you construct answers that are positive, but not clichéd. | #*Other common questions include '''What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?''', '''Why should we hire you?''', '''Where do you see yourself in five years?''', and '''How did you hear about our company?''' These are all opportunities to describe yourself in a positive light, especially your connection and commitment to the company's mission. If you are having trouble coming up with answers, have a friend who's prepared for interviews before help you construct answers that are positive, but not clichéd. | ||
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#Dress nicely. Cut your nails, tidy your hair, and wear well kept, formal clothing. See [[Dress-to-Impress-at-Your-Interview|this article]] for more detailed information if you're not confident about your dress decisions. | #Dress nicely. Cut your nails, tidy your hair, and wear well kept, formal clothing. See [[Dress-to-Impress-at-Your-Interview|this article]] for more detailed information if you're not confident about your dress decisions. | ||
#*There are rare exceptions, but you should '''only''' dress more casually if you are specifically told not to dress up. Even then you should pay attention to hygiene and not wear ratty or dirty clothing. This situation comes up most often for jobs that require outdoor manual labor. | #*There are rare exceptions, but you should '''only''' dress more casually if you are specifically told not to dress up. Even then you should pay attention to hygiene and not wear ratty or dirty clothing. This situation comes up most often for jobs that require outdoor manual labor. | ||
| − | #Go alone and without other obligations. Having a bored friend in the car or kids waiting in the lobby will increase your anxiety.<ref | + | #Go alone and without other obligations. Having a bored friend in the car or kids waiting in the lobby will increase your anxiety.<ref name="rf1" /> Similarly, keep your schedule clear so you don't keep someone waiting if the interview goes long. If you have to pick your kids up from school or have a meeting with a friend, try to get someone else to cover for you or reschedule before the interview. |
#Arrive at least fifteen minutes early. Aim to show up in advance in case of unexpected delays. You only have one chance to make a good first impression, and even a reasonable excuse for being late will make you look worse.<br><br> | #Arrive at least fifteen minutes early. Aim to show up in advance in case of unexpected delays. You only have one chance to make a good first impression, and even a reasonable excuse for being late will make you look worse.<br><br> | ||
#*Don't enter the interviewing office until five minutes before your scheduled interview time. Give yourself extra time to find the interview location if it is in a large complex or complicated building. | #*Don't enter the interviewing office until five minutes before your scheduled interview time. Give yourself extra time to find the interview location if it is in a large complex or complicated building. | ||
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#Don't share personal information. You should focus on the questions you are asked and how they relate to the job you're applying for. Be especially cautious about sharing potentially controversial information such as religious beliefs or hobbies. | #Don't share personal information. You should focus on the questions you are asked and how they relate to the job you're applying for. Be especially cautious about sharing potentially controversial information such as religious beliefs or hobbies. | ||
#*Prepare responses beforehand in case you are asked personal questions. Try deflecting them with responses such as "My (health / family situation / hobby) will not affect my ability to perform this job." or "I have a rich (background / set of life experiences / world view) that adds a lot to my work ethic." | #*Prepare responses beforehand in case you are asked personal questions. Try deflecting them with responses such as "My (health / family situation / hobby) will not affect my ability to perform this job." or "I have a rich (background / set of life experiences / world view) that adds a lot to my work ethic." | ||
| − | #*In the United States, it is illegal for your interviewer to ask about your race, religion, birthplace, marital or family status, age, sex, or disability.<ref>http://www.mentalgamecoach.com/articles/IllegalJobInterviewQuestions.html</ref> Many countries have similar anti-discrimination laws which you can find summarized online. If the interviewer breaks one of these laws, try to deflect the question without getting angry. | + | #*In the United States, it is illegal for your interviewer to ask about your race, religion, birthplace, marital or family status, age, sex, or disability.<ref name="rf3">http://www.mentalgamecoach.com/articles/IllegalJobInterviewQuestions.html</ref> Many countries have similar anti-discrimination laws which you can find summarized online. If the interviewer breaks one of these laws, try to deflect the question without getting angry. |
#Take a few notes for important information. The purpose of a notepad at an interview is to jot down important information you need to remember, such as the potential start date of the job and the contact information of your interviewer. Don't spend the interview writing down every word; your focus should be on the conversation occurring. | #Take a few notes for important information. The purpose of a notepad at an interview is to jot down important information you need to remember, such as the potential start date of the job and the contact information of your interviewer. Don't spend the interview writing down every word; your focus should be on the conversation occurring. | ||
#Ask questions when given an opportunity. Don't make this a one way street. When your answer leads to a question you have, feel free to end by asking it. When your interviewer asks if you have any questions, have a few relevant ones prepared. This is an opportunity for you to find out more about the nature of the job you're considering, not just a chance for the company to evaluate you. | #Ask questions when given an opportunity. Don't make this a one way street. When your answer leads to a question you have, feel free to end by asking it. When your interviewer asks if you have any questions, have a few relevant ones prepared. This is an opportunity for you to find out more about the nature of the job you're considering, not just a chance for the company to evaluate you. | ||
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#Don't agree to interview times you can't keep. If the date is a week or more in the future, you can probably find a way to rearrange your schedule. But if the interview is offered at short notice, or you know you have an important meeting at your current job during that time, suggest an alternate interview time. | #Don't agree to interview times you can't keep. If the date is a week or more in the future, you can probably find a way to rearrange your schedule. But if the interview is offered at short notice, or you know you have an important meeting at your current job during that time, suggest an alternate interview time. | ||
#*If you are caught in a phone conversation and offered an interview when you aren't certain of your availability, say you will try to clear up space on your calendar and will let them know soon. Call or email them back as soon as possible, preferably within a few hours, to let them know when you can make it. | #*If you are caught in a phone conversation and offered an interview when you aren't certain of your availability, say you will try to clear up space on your calendar and will let them know soon. Call or email them back as soon as possible, preferably within a few hours, to let them know when you can make it. | ||
| − | #*Some employers have unreasonable expectations, expecting potential employees to show up on a day's notice or clear their calendar no matter what.<ref>http://www.askamanager.org/2013/03/how-flexible-should-you-be-when-scheduling-an-interview.html</ref> In initial interactions, assume the other person is reasonable. If you've exchanged a few emails and noticed indications otherwise, you may need to cancel important appointments or make similar sacrifices if you're still interested in the job. | + | #*Some employers have unreasonable expectations, expecting potential employees to show up on a day's notice or clear their calendar no matter what.<ref name="rf4">http://www.askamanager.org/2013/03/how-flexible-should-you-be-when-scheduling-an-interview.html</ref> In initial interactions, assume the other person is reasonable. If you've exchanged a few emails and noticed indications otherwise, you may need to cancel important appointments or make similar sacrifices if you're still interested in the job. |
#Ask if you can attend an interview before or after your workday. Be honest with your potential employer, and let them know you already have a job. The company you're applying to join wouldn't want its employers skipping work to apply to other jobs, so trying to arrange an alternate solution sends a better message about your work ethic. | #Ask if you can attend an interview before or after your workday. Be honest with your potential employer, and let them know you already have a job. The company you're applying to join wouldn't want its employers skipping work to apply to other jobs, so trying to arrange an alternate solution sends a better message about your work ethic. | ||
#Try to fit your interview into your lunch hour. If the interview is not available outside of your work hours, and the location is nearby, suggest using your lunch hour. Be sure to ask how long the interview is expected to take, so you know whether this solution is reasonable. | #Try to fit your interview into your lunch hour. If the interview is not available outside of your work hours, and the location is nearby, suggest using your lunch hour. Be sure to ask how long the interview is expected to take, so you know whether this solution is reasonable. | ||
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#Use a simple, vague excuse. "I have an appointment Friday afternoon; could I work longer on Thursday instead?" is enough for many employers. It even has the advantage of being true, which makes you sound more convincing. If they grill you about what type of appointment it is, just stick with something simple and believable, such as a doctor's or dentist's appointment. | #Use a simple, vague excuse. "I have an appointment Friday afternoon; could I work longer on Thursday instead?" is enough for many employers. It even has the advantage of being true, which makes you sound more convincing. If they grill you about what type of appointment it is, just stick with something simple and believable, such as a doctor's or dentist's appointment. | ||
#*If you are taking time off for interviews frequently, the dentist or doctor's excuse still works. Many people need to go back several times to check their dental work, and you shouldn't be expected to reveal your health problems. | #*If you are taking time off for interviews frequently, the dentist or doctor's excuse still works. Many people need to go back several times to check their dental work, and you shouldn't be expected to reveal your health problems. | ||
| − | #Don't use an excuse that makes you look bad. In your anxiety not to reveal your job search, you may end up making your boss even angrier!<ref>http://news.efinancialcareers.com/us-en/156007/good-and-not-so-good-excuses-to-get-out-of-work-for-a-job-interview/</ref> If you're lying to make your boss think you're skipping work because of a hangover, what are you accomplishing? | + | #Don't use an excuse that makes you look bad. In your anxiety not to reveal your job search, you may end up making your boss even angrier!<ref name="rf5">http://news.efinancialcareers.com/us-en/156007/good-and-not-so-good-excuses-to-get-out-of-work-for-a-job-interview/</ref> If you're lying to make your boss think you're skipping work because of a hangover, what are you accomplishing? |
#*Always let your boss know ''before'' you take time off, not after. Any excuse sounds unprofessional once you ditched your employer without telling them. | #*Always let your boss know ''before'' you take time off, not after. Any excuse sounds unprofessional once you ditched your employer without telling them. | ||
| − | #Don't lie about a family member's problems. Of course you shouldn't fall into the old trap of "my third grandmother died", but really, even the first invented excuse about a family member is a bad idea.<ref | + | #Don't lie about a family member's problems. Of course you shouldn't fall into the old trap of "my third grandmother died", but really, even the first invented excuse about a family member is a bad idea.<ref name="rf5" /> It's not uncommon for your boss to eventually meet the person you're talking about, and then you're stuck explaining that your sister developed amnesia about the race car accident. |
#Don't make an excuse that can be easily fixed or doesn't give you enough time. If your interview and travel time is going to take three hours, saying your son is running late for school won't sound convincing when you finally slink into work. The worst mistake is telling your boss the delay is caused by something he or she can fix. "I have a flat tire, but don't send anyone, I'd rather sit on the highway all day." screams dishonesty. | #Don't make an excuse that can be easily fixed or doesn't give you enough time. If your interview and travel time is going to take three hours, saying your son is running late for school won't sound convincing when you finally slink into work. The worst mistake is telling your boss the delay is caused by something he or she can fix. "I have a flat tire, but don't send anyone, I'd rather sit on the highway all day." screams dishonesty. | ||
#*Many large companies have daycare services that can look after your kid, so be sure you know that yours doesn't before claiming your son and daughter as an excuse. | #*Many large companies have daycare services that can look after your kid, so be sure you know that yours doesn't before claiming your son and daughter as an excuse. | ||
