To paraphrase a well-known aphorism, we can say: who owns the information, he owns the situation at the interview.
Before heading to the office, find out:
- with whom you will talk: with the boss, the head of the personnel department or his ordinary employee;
- interview format (group or individual, question-answer or self-presentation);
- dress code and things you need to have with you (documents, gadgets, etc.);
- how to get there (it is unacceptable to be late).
It will help to find out if this is the company's website or a call to the office.
Map answers to common questions
Interviews when applying for a job are of the same type and at the same time they are not similar to each other. Many have heard of stressful interviews where they can suddenly start yelling at the applicant to unsettle him. There are also so-called case-interviews: the applicant is placed in certain circumstances (for example, a conversation with a dissatisfied client) and they watch how he solves the problem.
It is not always possible to find out what type of interview is preferred in a particular company, so you need to be ready for anything.
To do this, make a card with answers to typical questions and requests (they are asked in 99.9% of cases):
- top 5 of your main strengths;
- what are you good at;
- strategic directions of self-development;
- proposals for the work of the company;
- your life and work philosophy;
- your short and long term goals;
- unusual tasks that you had to solve.
You should also prepare in advance a list of topics that you would like to discuss with the HR manager.
Interpret the employer's questions
"A" doesn't always mean "A", and two times two doesn't always mean four. Recruiters sometimes ask insidious questions, where behind the simple wording lies a cunning plan - to get the applicant to say more than they should.
A simple question: "What salary would you like to receive?". But the answer helps the interviewer understand your motivation: money, social security, work schedule, and so on. If you are asked if you had conflicts with management and how you resolved them, then most likely the HR manager wants to know if you tend to take responsibility or are used to shifting it to others.
Tricky questions are many. You need to be able to see the "double bottom" (without fanaticism!).
Consider your non-verbal behavior
HR managers are people, not machines. They, like everyone else, pay attention to non-verbal signs: appearance, facial expressions, gait, gestures, and so on. An experienced professional can be refused just because he behaved incorrectly.
Consider body language ahead of time. If from excitement you habitually twitch your leg, then sit cross-legged. If you're tapping your fingers on the table, try something to occupy your hands with, like a ballpoint pen.
HR managers are people, not machines. They understand that you are worried. But naturalness in non-verbal communication will increase your credibility.
Set taboo on some topics
“Tell me about yourself,” the interviewer asks. “I was born on April 2, 1980 (according to the horoscope Taurus). In his youth he played football, was the captain of the city team. Then he graduated from the institute ... ”- if the applicant’s story is something like this, he will not see the position as his ears.
There are things that are absolutely uninteresting to the employer and which in no way characterize you as a professional. In the given example, this is the year of birth (this can be read in the resume), the sign of the zodiac and sports achievements.
There are topics on which you need to impose a taboo for yourself:
- summary summary;
- personal life goals (buying a house, having children, etc.);
- reputation of the company and its employees;
- skills and experience that are not related to future work (I am an excellent cook, I understand plumbing, etc.);
- failures that demonstrate incompetence.
Just as you have made a plan for what you will talk about, write down and memorize the topics that should be ignored. Also think about how to correctly answer if you are still asked about it.
Contemplate to calm down
Interviews are nerve-wracking. You can forget your name, not to mention the demonstration of business qualities.
Take a look around to calm down. Inspect the office, equipment, employees. The details will tell you a lot about the company where you are going to get a job, and their analysis will help bring the nervous system back to normal.
Taking a critical look at the firm and future colleagues can increase your sense of self-importance. Remember: a company needs a good employee as much as you need a good job.
Take the initiative
In an interview, as a rule, there comes a moment when the interviewer and the interviewee change places and the applicant has the opportunity to ask questions of interest to him.
Do not waste time on useless “Will you call me yourself or should I call you back?”, “Why is this position open?” and so on. Show yourself as a proactive employee. Ask:
- Does the company have any actual problem? How do you think I can help you?
- Could you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
- What advice would you give to someone who is starting to work for your company?
There are also a number of questions that should not be asked. Which ones - click on the button below.
Following these tips will prepare you for your interview and increase your chances of getting hired.
Are there additions? Write them in the comments.
The first interview that you have to go through when applying for a job will most likely be conducted by an HR company. But the second (in most cases it is also the last one) is your future leader. Not the fact that he has already heard a detailed report of the personnel officer on your candidacy. Therefore, before the interview, carefully consider what you will take with you.
What do you need to bring to the interview?
Often, when making a decision on hiring, the manager proceeds from only two factors - the text of the resume and your behavior during the interview. Ultimately, he does not know how you performed in your last job, why you left and how much you got there. He has absolutely nothing to grab on to. Give a potential employer something tangible, make their life easier, and your chances of getting the job you want will increase dramatically. Therefore, before the interview, carefully consider what you will take with you. Any tangible detail is an extra point in your favor.
So, the short list of things that you will take for self-presentation:
- Copies of resumes.
- Portfolio (it depends on your profession).
- Diplomas of advanced training courses, certificates.
- Recommendations and letters of thanks, awards, diplomas.
- Something material, any object that is associated with your profession.
- Mobile phone.
- Notepad and pen.
- Own presentation (for example, in PowerPoint), video resume.
- Business cards.
- Adequate folder or briefcase.
- Crib.
- Actually, the head.
And now let's take a closer look at what this whole set is intended for.
- Two or three copies of resume. Most likely, eychar will already print them, but there may be several representatives of the employer at the meeting, so it is not worth spending precious minutes waiting for additional copies to appear from the printer.
- Portfolio. If you are a person of a creative profession, you simply need it.
- You need all the documents proving your professional suitability: diplomas of various courses, certificates, certificates.
- Don't forget to grab customer testimonials, letters of recommendation, photos with famous business executives, awards. All these are tangible things that even indirectly show that you are not telling fairy tales to the employer. However, do not take anything related to recreation. The diploma for the best result in a corporate paintball session can stay at home.
- Any relevant artifact that you can tell an interesting story about. For example, if you work in the mining industry, bring a piece of rock or anthracite. Let it amuse the employer a little, but at the same time create a common reality between you. And most importantly, you will be remembered.
- Do not forget your mobile phone, but turn off the sound by setting the phone to vibrate only. As the situation dictates, be prepared to take it out and offer to call one of those people who recommend you. It is clear that you must first obtain permission from the recommender to make this call. Most likely, the employer will refuse the offered opportunity, but will appreciate your confidence.
- Have a pen and notepad ready - you may need them when the manager begins to talk about the position and the requirements put forward by him. Take notes - this behavior makes a good impression.
- If you have enough materials, prepare your own PowerPoint presentation. Everything that you are going to talk about at the meeting, you can show on a wide screen. There is an option to make a presentation by years or projects according to the following scheme: task - solution. If you are looking for a job in an industry where this kind of self-introduction is not practiced, but possible, then creating such a resume will set you apart from other applicants and once again demonstrate your structured thinking and ability to sober assessment. If you want to create the image of a great techie or trendsetter, prepare a video resume.
- Take business cards with you, but don't throw them around. Your contacts are on your resume, and, among other things, you don't know how tolerant your new employer is of their competitors. It is best to give a business card when asked.
- Collect all the documents in a beautiful folder or briefcase that best matches the position you are applying for. It is not recommended to go to banking vacancies with a backpack or shoulder bag purchased in Goa.
- A cheat sheet is a short list of things you will show during your presentation. This is your homework, where you put in order what and when you will demonstrate. Put the hints at the very bottom of the stack and don't show them to anyone.
- And finally, most importantly - do not forget to take your head. She will be the most useful. Before the interview, it is not recommended to drink a lot and sleep is strongly required. Good luck!
- Summary. Yes, of course, you have already sent your resume by e-mail. But besides yours, he has several dozen more resumes, and at least a dozen he scheduled an interview for today. So keep your resume with you. Moreover, take it in several copies, because the interview can be conducted by several people at the same time. In addition, after passing a successful interview with a recruiter, you can immediately go to an interview with your immediate supervisor. So that you have something to show the next interviewer, have a second and third copy of your resume with you.
- Portfolio- an indispensable attribute for creative specialties:, etc. BUT this does not apply to those specialties whose work is difficult to present. For example, he cannot bring with him the programming code that he wrote, but he can provide links to sites that he programmed.
- Recommendations. If you already have work experience, then you may still have written recommendations with a seal, signature, on letterhead. This will immediately add points to your personal account during the interview.
- Passport. It will be required not at the interview, but at the entrance to the office building.
- Take your work book with you if your employer does not have it. A fairly small percentage of recruiters pay attention to the employment record during an interview (rather, this is an attribute that is required when applying for a job), but nevertheless, there is a certain pool of conservatives who would like to look at it too.
- Diploma of Higher Education. It is quite possible that you will be asked to make a copy of it, this is normal and does not work against you. This is a confirmation that you really have a higher education in the university that you indicated in your resume.
- Notepad and pen. The notebook should contain the name, surname and contact details of the recruiter with whom you will talk, as well as the address where you need to go.
- It won't hurt to take city map to quickly find the employer you are going to interview.
Employment Code of Conduct
In the modern labor market, education and professional experience alone are no longer enough to find the desired job. Sociological research shows that image either increases the chances of finding her, or hinders this. Those people whose appearance meets certain requirements are more likely to get prestigious positions. A successful image is the first step to success, so it is very important to keep the 15 Second Rule in mind. It is during this time that you declare yourself. In the next 10-15 minutes, you only reinforce this impression.
What you say in an interview is important, but how you talk and how you generally behave will make a much bigger impression. The employer wants to find out not only whether you are suitable for this position, but also whether you will fit into the general culture and climate of the company.
HOW TO DEAR TO SUCCESS
It is very important to know how to dress properly. Admittedly, the final selection of candidates for a particular position is rarely determined by their appearance, but it often happens that after the first round, many candidates are eliminated because they were inappropriately dressed. It is not necessary to spend money on a new wardrobe, just check if you can properly think over your outfit for the interview. Make it a point to dress like you're aiming for a higher position than the one you applied for.
Men should be dressed in a clean, traditional attire consisting of a jacket and trousers; they must wear a white shirt and a silk tie. Wearing lace-up shoes, you are also sure to be in a winning position. A man who comes to an interview should always be wearing a jacket and tie, even if everyone else in the office will be in shirts. This dress code shows that you are taking the interview seriously and showing respect for the firm.
With regard to women's clothing, the best impression on the "masters" of the interview is usually made by a strict work dress or suit, as well as low-heeled shoes. It happens, however, that hiring managers in such creative industries as advertising or publishing, expect from the candidate an informal appearance, sustained in a certain style and reflecting her personality. Always make the best use of your qualities, such as professional judgment and the ability to dress like this. to feel comfortable; however, be careful not to overuse cosmetics and jewelry.
Even more important than choosing the perfect set of clothes is impeccable personal care. Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed and fit well, and your shoes are polished to a shine. Hair should be neat and business-like, nails should be clean and trimmed. It is not recommended for both sexes to use eau de toilette or perfume - what if the interviewer has a pronounced allergy to your cologne?
WHAT TO BRING TO THE INTERVIEW?
If you have a briefcase or leather folder, take one of these items with you; with this touch you will complete your elegant, professional, desired look. Women should not take a handbag with them if they decide to carry a diplomat in their hands, as this may diminish their professional image. And don't forget your wristwatch!
Before leaving home, make sure you have a clear idea of how to get there, that you have the phone numbers and names of the people you will meet. And finally, at the interview, you should have the following items with you: a passport, a diploma and other documents confirming your qualifications, a resume, a work book (you can copy it), a diary, a notebook and a pen (to take notes during the interview), photographs , letters of recommendation, publications, programs, projects, layouts, etc., business cards.
When you come to the negotiating table, put the briefcase near the table, and not on its surface, because such a gesture can be assessed as aggression towards the interlocutor. The employer will obviously be set against you, as you encroach on his space. It is more convenient to put a business folder on the table, and not to keep it on your lap. Shoulder bag is best hung on the back of a chair (chair). Backpacks are excluded from the interview.
Interview - interview between applicant and employer. The purpose of its implementation is to assess the level of professionalism of the candidate and discuss the nature of the work for further selection of a suitable specialist and making a decision on employment.
The interview requires careful preparation. How to organize it yourself?
The main stages of preparation
Preparing for an interview involves following certain steps.
information intelligence
This stage involves collection of information about the company, which is a potential employer, and analysis of its position in the market. This will help determine how suitable the proposed vacancy is for the candidate, as well as analyze the profile of the company.
The procedure is based on the study of information about the company through its official resource (website, groups in social networks) and on familiarization with customer and employee reviews.
Map of answers to typical questions
Basically, employers ask similar questions. They can be general or personal. General questions look like this:
- “Why did you choose our company?”
- “What are your special merits and achievements?”
- Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
- "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
If we talk about personal questions, they are more atypical and often mislead the applicant. Here is a sample list of them:
- "Why should we choose you?"
- “Do you have a husband/wife, children?”
- How do you plan to balance your family life with your career?
- “Are you ready to move to another place of residence?”
If a potential employer is a polite and tactful person, he will adhere to the rules of business etiquette and ask only convenient questions.
Analysis of employer questions
The list of questions is usually typical and universal, that is, many recruiters are guided by it. Knowing the list of potential tasks, the applicant can prepare unconventional unique answers and make a good impression on the employer.
The analytical part in this case is to think through the answers to all questions, including the “uncomfortable” ones.
Analysis of non-verbal behavior
A non-verbal behavioral reaction of a person can interest the interlocutor or repel him. Therefore, in order to make a good impression on a potential employer, you need to follow your gaze, hand movements, posture, and facial expressions.
For the interlocutor, such behavior is a book, after reading which he can draw his own conclusions. In the process of analysis, special attention should be paid to two aspects:
- Posture. Confident individuals keep their back and neck straight. They radiate calmness and cause maximum respect for themselves, showing it to the interlocutor. A stooped person with slumped shoulders, on the contrary, is considered insecure and supple.
- Gesticulation. Gestures can be "open" and "closed". If there is no desire to communicate, the arms are usually crossed over the chest or gathered in a castle. They may also cover the nose and mouth. If a person is nervous, his condition gives out a large number of short and sharp movements with his hands. If he tries to pressure his opponent, he may tap the table. If he is lying, waving his arms can talk about it.
To make a good impression on the future boss, you need to look into his eyes and have facial expressions in accordance with the situation that is described in the conversation. Speech must be clear and articulate.
Taboo on some topics
There are several topics that it is not recommended to talk about in an interview:
- Difficulties of a personal nature. The interviewer is not interested in the fact that the applicant has no money, and therefore he is forced to look for a job. Complaints against a potential employer usually do not work.
- Wage level. This question should only be asked after the conversation has settled down. Most likely, the personnel officer himself will provide an answer to it.
- Individual working conditions. You can ask the employer for preferences, but you need to do this not at the interview, but in the process of performing work duties.
- Unacceptable working conditions. Meetings and delays at work are to the liking of a few specialists, but this should not be said in a harsh and rude manner.
- Relationships with former colleagues and bosses. Discussing this issue is considered unethical. In addition, a potential employer will not have confidence in the honesty and sincerity of the candidate.
- Offers from other companies. You should not tell the employer that there are many other offers, trying to increase your own value in his eyes.
- Personal goals. It is not recommended to announce to the employer that the applicant came to get a job in order to take out a loan and buy a car or get a mortgage.
Appearance and clothing
In this direction, there a few rules:
- Clothing should be businesslike and confirm the seriousness of the candidate's intentions. You can use a special suit or alternative forms of clothing (classic jeans with a shirt for men, fitted formal dresses for women). It is important that it is neat and has a neutral color. It is forbidden to wear short skirts, tops with cutouts.
- Appearance as a whole should be neat. Peeling nail polish, wrinkled clothes, disheveled hair, dirty shoes are unacceptable. The image may be inexpensive, but it is important that it be neat.
- Accessories must be chosen wisely. They should be dim, especially for women's jewelry. Large beads, long earrings, defiant rings and bracelets will not work. It is best to use silver or gold classic jewelry. As for the rest of the accessories - bags, purses, brooches - they should not be overly bright.
- Makeup and hair play an important role. Men's hair must be cut and washed. A woman is not welcome loose hair, as well as defiant hairstyles. It is best to collect hair in a bun or ponytail using discreet accessories.
mood
Of particular importance is the mindset. If a person is set for success, the corresponding energy emanates from him. As a result, he becomes more self-confident.
The employer will feel this, which will increase the chances of making a decision in favor of the candidate.
Tests and interview
Some employers offer applicants for a position to pass special tests. They are presented in the form of a questionnaire with a specific list of general and personal questions.
You need to answer honestly, without embellishment. If the test contains incorrect information, the employer will be able to determine this fact by discussing the details personally with the candidate.
Common mistakes
The most common mistakes made by candidates during the interview process are as follows:
- A loud statement about yourself and about offers from other employers.
- Being late for a meeting (this indicates that the person is not punctual and does not have serious intentions).
- Discussing personal problems with the employer.
- Lack of clear goals and inability to present oneself.
- Inconsistency of the data specified in the resume (questionnaire) with the actual circumstances.
Preparation for the type of interview
You need to prepare for the interview, taking into account its type.
In English
If the applicant has a goal - to get a job in a large international company, you will need to practice speaking a foreign language. Particular attention should be paid to grammar and style of speech.
By Skype
You need to think in advance of the image and background that will be visible to the employer during the video call. Clothing should be business or classic, and the background should be plain. It is important that there are no extraneous noises.
For a leadership position
An expanded set of requirements is presented to candidates-managers. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize not only the level of knowledge, but also one's own status. Speech must be clear and confident, this rule also applies to gestures. The suit must be strictly business.
It is acceptable to use expensive accessories - key chains, pens, cufflinks, ties, which will increase the level of prestige in the eyes of the employer and increase the chances of employment.
You can learn how to successfully pass any interview in this video.
