Everyone wants to be the candidate employers are lining up to hire. That would make the job search so much simpler, right? For some job seekers, the hard part is getting the interview; for others, the interview is the excruciating part of the process. If you’re the sort of person who is wracked with insecurity over the interview process, here’s your chance to put your best face forward and have potential employers eating out of your hands.
Only Apply for Jobs You’re Qualified to Do
No employer wants to sift through a mountain of applications for people who are specifically not qualified to fill the available position. Employers will appreciate the fact that you’re not wasting their time. They’ll also respect that you value your own time enough not to waste it applying for jobs you aren’t likely to receive.
Do Your Homework on the Company
It’s a good idea to know a little about the company and the types of products they offer before walking into the interview. Get your information from a variety of resources so it doesn’t look like you just hit the number one spot on Google and didn’t go any further in your efforts to learn about the company. You can also set up Google alerts to keep you informed any time the company comes up in the news. It’s always wise to be well-informed. Bring questions of your own to the interview. Make sure the questions are intelligent ones that let the company know you mean business and you’re not there just to play softball.
Let Your Confidence Shine
There’s one thing that people from all walks of life find completely irresistible: confidence. It does so much more for you than merely attract the attention of the opposite sex. Confidence can help you attract the attention of potential employers and managers when the time for promotion comes along.
The job interview is not the time to downplay your knowledge or pretend you understand less than you do. While you don’t want to come across as arrogant, you definitely need to let potential employers know that you are the right person for the job and give them all the reasons why.
The interview process can be a nerve-wracking experience. That’s why it’s a good idea to practice your winning smile in the mirror 24/7 leading up to the interview. It’s also extremely important to practice potential interview questions. Don’t go for the golden oldies alone, though. Try using a mobile phone or iPad apps that ask off-the-wall interview questions to keep you on your toes while you prepare. The better prepared you are, the more poised and confident you’ll come across during the actual interview.
The “wow factor” matters a lot in the interview process. Your killer skills combined with your willingness to go that extra mile are sure to help you land the job you’re looking for.
