Continuing on our theme of last week, here are the final five of ten tips to help you with your next job interview:
6. Practice positive body language and eye contact. This can be intimidating, but we can’t stress this enough. Nonverbal communication, like your initial handshake and the way you sit in a chair, convey a lot about the kind of person you are (whether true or not).
7. Get ready for the “what are your weaknesses?” questions. The hiring manager is looking for evidence of your resilience, self-awareness and flexibility. Prepare an example of something that you overcame, such as time management, by setting out clear goals for yourself that ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
8. Prepare to ask some insightful questions about the team, the company and the position. These could range from something like “How would you describe this company’s culture and values?” to “How is this department perceived within the organization?” And if you’re interested, ask something like “What are the greatest challenges facing this team / this organization in the short and long term?”
9. Close the deal by reiterating your strengths and your potential fit for the team. This is an opportunity to show that you are organized and proactive. You could even consider asking “Have I said anything in this interview or given you any other reason to doubt that I am a good fit for the role?”
10. Don’t forget to send a thank you email or personal note to the people you met. This is a great touch that many people overlook.
After all of that, even if you don’t get the job you’ll walk away with invaluable interview experience, and be more prepared for the next opportunity. Jobs come and go, so concentrate on finding a company or a team where you can truly enjoy your career. Good luck!
