If you’re job searching, it’s easy to get discouraged. Today’s job seekers are facing increased competition. You may find yourself wondering how to get a job.
How to prepare for a job interview
Whether your interview is virtual on the phone, or in person, it is your first opportunity to make a good first impression. According to the Society of Human Resources Management, the average cost-per-hire is well over $4,000. That’s why it’s in a company’s best interest that the person they hire is a capable, permanent, and reliable addition to their team, and can easily integrates into the company y’s culture (commonly referred to as “finding a good fit”).
The person interviewing you is asking themselves several questions, including:
Are You a Good Fit?
Workplaces aren’t looking to fill positions with just any warm body; candidates need to be able to embody the company’s core values. If, for example, honesty is a core value, the HM will ask you a question about showing truthfulness, integrity or accountability. If, in your response, your behaviors aren’t in alignment with their values, you might not be considered a “good fit.”
Will You Represent Our Brand Well?
We no longer live in a 9-5 world; even when you’re off the clock, you still represent your employer. Social media can bring the worst out in people. This may lead to behaviors or activities that can inadvertently cause damage to the image of the company. The interviewer needs to know your values are aligned with the values of the company – even after hours.
Why are you leaving your current job?
In an employer’s market, “needing a job” is not a good enough reason to hire a particular candidate. Hiring managers are looking for longevity and competency in addition to availability. Therefore, it is important that you prepare for your job interview, both physically and mentally. Think about what you will wear to your job interview, and how you will answer difficult questions such as, “What are your weaknesses?”
Why are you the best person for the job?
Your interview might include questions about why you want to work for their company. Is it because you love the brand? Have you been a customer of this company in the past? Are you seeking only these kinds of positions? It is important to prepare an answer to explain why you are the best person for the job because it is a common interview question. When you prepare for your job interview, develop a list of questions to ask. This will show that you’re passionate about the role you’ll be filling.
Another way interviewers might determine if you are the best person for the job is by asking behavioral interview questions. These types of interview questions help employers get a feel for your thought processes, problem-solving skills and general fit within their organization.
Other Common Questions an interviewer will be thinking about during your job interview:
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Can I manage this person; will they take instruction, be aggressive, or try to take over?
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Do they really understand the role and will the challenges overwhelm them?
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Can they get along with the team or will they cause a disruption?
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Are they reliable in attendance and ability to perform job duties?
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Did they prepare questions to ask during the interview?
Avoid common interview mistakes to prepare for a successful job interview
While some reasons – like personal biases, incompetent interviewers, and deciding to hire from within the organization – may prevent you from being extended an offer, it’s not completely out of your control. According to a Career Builder survey, there are some common blunders that prevent a candidate from being hired, which can easily be avoided.
Top interview mistakes candidates make:
Appearing disinterested Are you engaging in the conversation, not making eye contact, distracted?
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Dressing inappropriately: First impressions are so important. Remember basic blacks, beige, blues. If you are not sure how to dress for a job interview, ask.
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Talking negatively about your current or previous employer: If you are asked why are you leaving your current job and you have had a bad experience, consider if you had any part in what happened. What could you have done differently? Change your behaviors because you will bring the same experience to the next position.
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Providing too much personal information: Don’t talk about health issues or why you can’t do something. If the job descriptions state you must be able to lift a certain weight, make sure you can do this task.
When in Doubt, Reach Out to the Experts:
If it feels like your job search is going nowhere, don’t be afraid to reach out to expert resources like the Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers. We’re happy to help you navigate the nuances of modern hiring practices, including resume writing and interview coaching
