Job interview essentials

Achieving success at an interview is essential in order to lock in a job offer. The first step to landing an interview is, of course, a well-written resume. Making your resume stand out is critical to grab a recruiter’s attention. Because of the overwhelming volume of resumes that HR personnel process on a daily basis, they will only glance over a resume for a few seconds before deciding whether or not to interview the applicant.

Did you know that it only takes an average of two seconds for recruiters to scan a resume and decide whether or not they are going to bring you in for an interview? That’s why it’s important to create a resume that is visually appealing. Easy-to-read fonts, lots of white space, enlarged and bolded contact information usually catch attention, while personal photos and over-the-top graphics may distract the reader from your accomplishments.

So, let’s say you followed all the important steps to creating an effective resume and you do get invited to an interview. Now what? Here is some advice to consider:

The telephone interview

This type of interview is uncommon and not a lot of people know how to handle a telephone call from an interviewer. Career management experts estimate that more than 80% of job interviews are won or lost during the first five minutes of conversation. This includes telephone screening.

There is nothing more frustrating to a recruiter than a potential candidate not knowing where they applied and what position they applied for when they are called for a phone interview. Keep a list of all the places you’ve applied for and the type of positions beside the phone. Answer the phone professionally, as your future employer may be on the other end. The purpose of the telephone interview is to screen out candidates who do not meet the level of qualifications needed for the position. This is your time to sell yourself and win a face-to-face interview.

Preparing for the face-to-face interview

Practice, practice, practice – the phrase we often hear from a hockey coach or from a music teacher, but it sure comes in handy for job seekers preparing for a face-to-face interview. Get a friend to practice interviewing with you. Sample questions are readily available on the Internet – just google it! This is a great opportunity to hear yourself respond out loud to the questions. Practicing in front of the mirror is also recommended to see how you’re answering the questions.

The most important part of the preparation is researching about the company you are applying for and finding out what they do and what their mission, vision or values are. Recruiters are always flattered when a candidate has taken the time to research the company. It shows that you really want to be a part of their team.

Arriving at the interview

Punctuality is key to making a lasting impression. Remember, you are the product and the company is the buyer, so don’t allow yourself to be late for an interview. Being on time is a reflection of yourself and shows that you are dependable. Be cordial to the receptionist when you arrive for your interview.

Meeting with the interviewer for the very first time can be nerve-racking, but having the right attitude will help you feel at ease. Be confident! Introduce yourself while giving a firm handshake and smile! This is the time when a recruiter will have their first impressions of you so make it the best possible.

During the interview

Don’t be in a rush to answer the questions. Think about what you’re going to say and how you are going to say it. If it is a question that you can’t answer, ask to come back to the question later in the interview.

Sell yourself. Have some depth to your answers and show how your contributions benefited your previous employers. You are trying to win this job so tell them about your accomplishments and market yourself as the best person for the job. Stay positive at all times and never badmouth any previous employers.

End of the interview

You will always be encouraged to ask questions at the end of the interview. Always have one or two questions ready to ask such as, why the position is available, if there are second interviews etc. Also ask when a decision will be made and a timeline of when to be notified of their decision. Asking questions shows that you are interested in the opportunity and that you know what you want. Always leave a lasting impression. Thank the interviewer for their time and give another firm handshake.

Nothing is as easy as it looks and everything takes longer than you expect. And, if anything can go wrong, it will at the worst possible moment. This is a fact of life. However, we have a choice and the more we persevere with our job search and prepare for interviews, the more chances of success we will have.

Source: It’s Your Move by Marge Watters

Michele Majul is an HR Professional with Canada Post Corporation in the Prairie Region. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Human Resource Management.

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