Are you eagerly anticipating a much-needed career change? Have you recently been notified that you are a qualified candidate for a specific position? If so, it is likely that an interview will be taking place in the near future.
What steps can you take to prepare for the big day? Even professionals who are considered experts in their field often dread such interactions; assuming that they do not have what it takes to secure a potentially lucrative opportunity.
However, there are many ways to ensure that you always put your “best foot forward”. Let’s cover some lesser-known tips and tricks that can help to ensure that all of your bases are covered in advance.
A Cut Above the Rest
In the majority of cases, you would be right to assume that multiple candidates are applying for the same position. This brings up an important question. How can you rise head and shoulders above the masses? One innovative strategy is associated with how your CV is presented.
As opposed to handing over a few stapled pages to the HR representative, why not instead passively illustrate your prowess with the help of BachelorPrint? This online printing repository offers a host of resources such as:
- Various high-quality cover pages.
- A selection of bindings.
- The ability to order multiple copies (if you will be attending more than one interview)
- Three-dimensional previews.
- Express worldwide shipping at no additional charge.
These are all excellent ways to leave an indelible first impression; providing you with an innate advantage before the actual interview begins.
Is it Wise to Work with Third-Party Agencies?
A growing number of job applicants choose to partner with staffing agencies to find specific roles; especially if they do not have the time to manually apply to a number of positions. This can be a wise choice; assuming that the agency in question boasts a solid reputation.
Even if you have secured a future interview, make it a point to consult an agency representative. He or she should be able to tell you what to expect from the recruitment session. Agencies can represent invaluable tools if they have multiple industry contacts, so leverage these possibilities whenever practical.
A Dose of Marketing
It is not uncommon for recruiters to interview dozens of candidates during the initial hiring process. This is why you should always strive to rise above any potential competition. One effective way to stand out involves a a concept known as strategic marketing.
Strategic marketing is associated with defining certain metrics before the day of the interview. These include:
- Your vision
- Your talents
- Your short- and long-term goals
Once these have been clarified, it will be much easier to present yourself in the most amenable light. Furthermore, candidates who are confident about what they are hoping to achieve will be more likely to obtain the position in question. This brings up another important point.
Body Language
Recruiters are already aware that every interview results in a certain level of anxiety. While they will take this into account, confident prospects always leave excellent impressions. Are there any ways in which you can adopt a self-assured stance?
One way to address such a concern is to remember the importance of body language. Here are some suggestions that can have a massive impact:
- Be sure to smile
- Maintain eye contact; especially when discussing important topics (such as your talents)
- Dress to impress
- Begin and end the interview with a handshake
- Avoid fidgeting
Be Ready to Answer Typical Questions
Most job interviews will involve a handful of common questions intended to establish your background, and to shed a bit of light on your personality. Examples include:
- What are your most important strengths?
- Do you have any weaknesses?
- Are you comfortable working in a team environment?
- What makes you an ideal candidate for this position?
- How would you positively impact our business?
Being able to quickly address these queries will once again illustrate confidence and professionalism. When combined with the advice outlined above, the cards are already stacked in your favour!
