interview

Two Key to Win Every Interview

Article courtesy of InterviewConcepts.com

Interview Tip #1 - Make A Friend

Make a friend of the interviewer, not an enemy.

No matter how good you look on paper, no matter how well you present
yourself, no matter how well you answer their questions, you will not get the job
unless you make a personal connection with the interviewer. The manager
needs to know from the very start that you are someone he can trust to
represent him and his company.

How do you establish that trust? Simple. At the very beginning of the interview,
when the introductions are being made, concentrate on looking directly and
solidly into the interviewer's eyes, giving them your best endearing smile. The
bottom line is to make it a warm and friendly smile. Then think about the fact that
you are truly pleased to be there in the presence of this person. Establish that
personal connection both physically and mentally with the interviewer.

When is the connection made?

How do you know when the connection is made? When they return your smile in
a comfortable, relaxed manner, you are connected and ready to communicate on
a personal level. Remember that the manager will only hire people he is
comfortable with. If the connection is not made, you won't be hired. So take the
time to establish that personal connection.

Interview Tip #2 - Research The Career Field And The
Company

Why do research before your interview?

Skill fit

You're looking for a good fit between your skills, interests and values, on the one
hand, and the right job at the right organization, on the other. Remember, this job
and this organization may be the place where you devote your best hours over
the next few years.

Information for discussion

If you are not prepared to discuss the career field in which you are interviewing,
then you won't get the job. The manager will perceive you as lazy, if you have
not done your research before showing up for the interview.

No knowledge of the career field

If you haven't worked in this career field before, you must educate yourself:

How does this industry work - what do the organizations do, how do they make
their money (or, in the case of nonprofits, how and whom do they serve)?

What types of jobs do people in this industry do?

In particular, what will I be doing if I get this job?

What are the skills and personal qualities that successful professionals in this
industry share?

What are the significant trends in this industry?