How To Do Well In A Job Interview
Doing well in a job interview is an important skill for those who want a good career. Success in an interview comes from knowing what the interviewer expects from you and wants to find out.
The First Interview
It is typical for a company to call in a prospective employee for a first interview, and then, if the company likes the employee, to bring him or her back for a second interview to confirm that both parties are interested in having the person enter into employment.
The purpose of the first interview is for the interviewer and the company to first determine whether you meet their basic requirements or not, and then to find out how many of their preferred requirements you have. It is also to get an idea of whether you seem like you would be good to work with or not, and to find out how you would respond to different challenges.
It is important to keep in mind that the first interview is more for the benefit of the company than for you, the prospective employee. With that in mind, don't go into your first interview asking for details about benefits, dress code, and things like that. You want to impress the interviewer, but if you ask questions like that, then the interviewer might think that you are overconfidently assuming that you will get the position.
Demonstrate that you meet their basic requirements
Before going into the interview, be sure to read over their job posting carefully to find out what their basic requirements are. Then, think of examples that you can tell the interviewer to illustrate that you meet, or better, exceed, those requirements. Think of as many examples as possible. It's best if your examples come from previous work experiences, because the interviewer wants to know that you are capable of using the required skills in a business setting.
If the interviewer asks you at the beginning of the interview if you have any questions, you can start out by asking the interviewer to describe the ideal candidate for the position. This way, you can mentally compare yourself to that ideal candidate, and can come up with some examples of how you are as good, or better, than that ideal. You can also think of ways to make up for your shortcomings in comparison with that ideal.
If you don't meet their basic requirements, sometimes you can still convince the interviewer to consider you, or you can convince the interviewer to consider you for a different position that they are hiring for. Just give an example of how you are willing to learn, and can learn quickly, and also give plenty of examples of how well you have performed at past jobs, and you might have a chance.
Demonstrate that you have some of the preferred skills
As before, read over the job posting for the preferred skills. These are not strictly required, but they do increase your chance of getting the job if you can give the interviewer some examples of your use of those skills.
Demonstrate that you have done your research
Interviewers are more impressed with candidates who have done research into what the company does and who have a basic understanding of what their daily tasks at the company might be like. Before going into the interview, find out as much as you can about the company, and the position you are applying for. When the interviewer asks why you're considering working for them, tell them what you found out in your research to demonstrate that you have an interest in the company's business.
The Second Interview
If the company calls you back for a second interview, this is a good sign. They have either decided to hire you, or they are seriously considering it but need to ask you some more questions to make sure that they're making the right decision. Answer whatever questions they have, to the best of your ability. If they seem unsure about something about you, be sure to address their concerns and reduce their worry as much as possible.
But if it seems very clear to you that they want to hire you (they might say something to this effect), this is when you can start asking about benefits, corporate culture, and other things like that, so that you can consider whether the job sounds like a good fit for you. They probably won't have you sign an employment contract right then and there, so there is still time to decide that you don't want to take them up on a job offer.