Ready to impress in your upcoming job interview? You want to represent your very best self without sounding arrogant or desperate. The key is to be confident and outgoing, and build a rapport with your interviewer. If you’re feeling nervous—don’t worry. It’s extremely common. But with practice and by following these five tips from a leading source of jobs in Decatur, GA, you can calm your nerves and get ready to dazzle your potential employer.
Five ways to impress your interviewer
You need to be a little like a salesperson, and the product you’re selling is you! With the right self-promotion techniques, you’ll be well on your way to your next job. Just try the following:
- Look sharp! You’d be surprised how much of an impression is formed within the first few minutes of meeting someone. Choose your interview outfit ahead of time and be sure it’s clean and pressed. Your shoes should be clean and in good shape. If you’re not sure what to wear, a seasonally appropriate suit works in most cases. You can also go with dress pants and a dress shirt for men, or a dress shirt and dress pants or skirt for women.
- Know how to answer this question: “So, tell me about yourself?” You will almost definitely get asked this, as it helps to break the ice. The interviewer isn’t asking for your life story—instead, be prepared to explain what you’ve been up to in your career and even what led you to choose it in the first place.
- Prepare short stories. Sounds weird? It isn’t! Stories help to illustrate points and stick in people’s minds. You’ll be asked questions such as “Describe a time when you faced a challenge at work?” and “How do you deal with difficult coworkers?” Think about short stories related to your work experience that you can tell to answer the question. Remember always to keep stories positive, ending with what you learned and how you grew as a result of the experience.
- Share numbers when you can. This helps add value to your accomplishments. You’ll need to talk about what you’ve achieved in your career, and when you can quantify with numbers, you’ll have greater impact.
- Ask questions. Always be prepared to ask questions at the end of the interview. Remember, it’s just as much about making sure the job is right for you as it is making sure you’re right for the job. Good questions to ask are:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- How many other people are in the running for this job?
- How do you feel I compare to the other candidates who have interviewed?
- What skills do I need to excel at this job?
- What else can I answer that will help you make your decision?
Always practice!
Preparation before your interview is the key to success come the big day. And if you need further assistance finding a new job, it always helps to work with a recruiter. For jobs in Decatur, GA and the Atlanta area, contact Snelling Georgia Group. We’ll work with you to understand your career goals and find a job you love!
