How to Succeed at Interviews

rover2000

Can anybody give me advice about how to succeed at interviews and actually get offered a job?
What sort of stuff impresses employers? Should I send an email thanking them for the interview? I usually do, but this never used to be the case.
I have an interview lined up next week for a job I really really want. I know I can do it but I need something to give me the edge over the other candidates.

Are there any employers out there who can give me some hints?
I take notes with me and try to prepare for questions they ask and have some of my own.

Thanks.

cherryblossomzel

I always send an email thanking them for their time and telling them that I think I would be a great fit and that I want the job. Apparently most people don't do this and they never actually say "Please give me this job", so I think it makes you stand out a bit.

I think the imortant thing is to prove how you can be an asset to them. I anticipate potential questions and prepare answers, with real examples of when I did something/displayed a skill they want etc., not just vague "Yes, I'm good at time management"-type statements. You have to be able to prove it.

Know the company, do your research. And be sure to ask them questions too, it creates a bad impression if you don't.

Firetastic

I usually have three questions that I ask.

Jordo

Top 5 tips:
1. Do your research
Fail to plan, and you plan to fail. You are certain to be asked specific questions about the company, so make sure you've done your homework on things like their last year's profits and latest product launches. Also take a look at the latest developments in the industry so you can converse with confidence.
2. Practice your answers
Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. You should prepare answers to questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job
3. Look the part
Appearances shouldn't matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you've even uttered a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle. Dressing one level above the job you're applying for shows a desire to succeed.
4. Stay calm
Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for any unexpected delays, and get everything you need to take with you ready the night before. Remember to speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and they may be nervous too!
5. Ask questions
You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions, some which will give you more information about the job, and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company. Avoid questions that may seem selfish – money, holidays, parking, time-off etc.

Valuable Lessons
Lesson learned: The time to collect your thoughts is prior to an interview, not on your way to one. If you arrive to an interview bewildered, the client will take notice and you run a high risk that you will be not get the offer.
Lesson learned: Everything you say and do during an interview is scrutinized; from the instant you walk in, to the moment you walk out. An innocent question doesn’t exist during an interview and a careless misstep is seldom forgotten. Choose your responses carefully. Even if they open with ‘Did you find us OK?’, never admit that you struggled to find the building and walked past the door three times!
Lesson learned: Interviews are unpredictable. One never knows the broad range of topics that will be covered and the type of formats that may be presented. Familiarize yourself with all interview settings.
Lesson learned: Most interviewers expect candidates to be nervous during an interview, and they rarely will forgive you if you fail to demonstrate a sincere interest in working for them. Most hiring decisions are based on whether the interviewer feels a connection to you. People buy people: the failure to establish a bond immediately is usually beyond repair.
Lesson learned: Even if you have the “right stuff,” nothing is guaranteed. Don’t get caught off guard; prepare for interviews; do your homework. No-one is ever a shoo-in.
Lesson learned: Remember the 90:90 rule – managers make up 90% of their mind within the first 90 seconds of meeting you – think of your body language, firm handshake, smile, eye contact, politeness, small-talk etc. If offered a drink, accept, it makes you seem relaxed and convivial, and taking a sip while you gather your thoughts after a question is a great way to buy time. But always ask for water, coffee can be a burden to make and quickly gets cold.
Lesson learned: Finish well – a strong finish can repair a shaky middle. Ask good questions, again be polite, thank them for their time etc. Don’t be afraid to tell the interviewers why you want to work for them – whether it was after researching the company or something else, it will mean a strong exit for you.
Lesson learned: Never underestimate the receptionist – they are the first and last person you see, so make sure you make it count as their opinion of you can and will be asked for.

10 top mistakes people make in job interviews

10. Over-explaining why you lost your last job
9. Conveying that you're not over having lost your last job
8. Lacking humor, warmth or personality
7. Not showing enthusiasm or interest in the job
6. Inadequate research about the position or company
5. Concentrating on what you want rather than what the company needs
4. Trying to be all things to everyone
3. Winging the interview
2. Failing to set yourself apart from other candidates
1. Not asking for the job

DKLS

When you shake hands rub your thumb gently on the top of their hand, that will do the trick.

lauralouise90

Take examples of your work or depending on the industry you could prepare how you would work with one of their clients/products etc.

Company knowledge helps too - any takeovers? Number of stores? Year formed etc?

Don't just ask about salary - ask about progression, opportunities for staff, company ethos etc

Good luck!

cherryblossomzel

DKLS wrote: »

When you shake hands rub your thumb gently on the top of their hand, that will do the trick.

I hope you're joking. People have done that to me and I find it incredibly creepy.

DKLS

cherryblossomzel wrote: »

I hope you're joking. People have done that to me and I find it incredibly creepy.

I was joking and it is creepy but done in certain circles if you know what i mean