The Job Interview – The Candidate Side

CONGRATULATIONS! You just received a call or a letter for a job interview. You were selected because you have got what the employer requires as competencies and experience, based on what you wrote in your resume. Well, guess what, now is the time to demonstrate in person what the employer saw in paper. In spite of the fact that as you escalate the job search stages it becomes harder and harder to obtain that job, it will be easier if you feel 100% confident in your skills and furthermore, in how effective and convincing you will be communicating them.
 
These are my 15 rules to follow to ace a job interview. 

1. Never ever be late.
2. While in the waiting before the interview, breathe and psyche yourself mentally thinking you are the best and most competent person in the world. This will boost your confidence.
3. Never underestimate the power of first impressions. If you are a woman, keep your jewelry, make up and manicure simple and please dress conservative and professional. If you are a man respect the opportunity that you were given and at least, show up with white shirt and tie, I prefer you wear a suit.
4. When you get to the interview site, be confident, polite, shake hands firmly and do not sit unless you are asked to, the employer is looking at everything that you will be doing for the time that you are there.
5. Prepare, practice, role play or even have a friend video tape you in a mock interview, so that you can see where your weaknesses are and correct them.
6. Be ready to provide examples of your skills and past achievements.
7. Google the employer and come prepare to discuss your findings at the interview.
8. Also Google some interview questions in the field that you are applying for.
9. Bring a writing pad and take notes if needed during the interview. Look at the employers eyes and ask questions if necessary.
10. Don’t forget to bring extra resumes.
11. Again, ask questions pertaining to the job description, the company and anything relevant to the position that you are being interviewed for.
12. At the end of the interview thank the interviewer for the opportunity that they gave you.
13. That they or the next day, send them a short thank you letter and mention some of your strengths that will make you an excellent team member in the agency.
14. Finally, don’t forget that like the resume, each interview is different and will require preparation accordingly.
15. If you prepare, look confident, professional and assertive, you will get that job.