(ARTICLE) HOW TO SECURE THE BAG: Smashing A Job interview: Get Hired On The Spot + More
Added 2021-05-07 18:30:59 +0000 UTCSo let’s get right into it.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know and be aware of When it comes to securing
- job interviews
- Life opportunities
I’m not here to waste any more of your time.
So let’s get right into it.
Firstly,
You need to KNOW what you’re applying / going for.
Because there’s a 100% guarantee that they will ask you the most common question in a job interview.....
“What do you know about this company”
And if you can’t even answer that....
then how do you expect them to have any interest in hiring you - if you couldn’t even take the time to do a bit research about the company.
Of course, you don’t need to know EVERY single detail about the company
They don’t expect you to.
So as soon as you find out you have an interview, start doing your research about the company.
You can find out about the company and going to their website.
Every company will have an “about us” section
And there is where you’ll be able to find out information about the company.
The more you know about them....the better
This same rule applies for knowing the specific job position you’re applying for.
Make sure you give the job description a good read
And all these things I’m stating may sound a bit extra.
When it comes to these kind of things, going the extra mile, plays in your favour
Because it then makes the decision of picking you over everyone else ....much easier
And you want to be able to stand out because it will most likely not be just you going for that interview or that opportunity
First Impressions Are Everything.
Your appearance and your punctuality is very important when you’re trying to land a job or secure a new opportunity.
YES, PEOPLE DO JUDGE YOU BASED OFF OF YOUR APPEARANCE
FUCK THAT “DONT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER” BULLSHIT
Take care of your appearance
make sure you’re in the correct dress code for the interview.
If you’re unsure of what the dress code is then just call or send an email to the person who booked your interview and ask them politely for the dress code.
Make sure:
- Your clothes and shoes are clean
- You smell good
You don’t wana wear an over powering fragrance either because you don’t know if the people interviewing you will be a fan of a specific scent.
Make sure your hair is tidy and if you’re a man with facial hair - Make sure you’re well groomed.
You don’t wana be turning up looking like you’re a damn grizzly bear.
Keep you hair presentable
your nails too.
Ladies,
you see those 15 inch nails some of you guys be wearing.....
Yeah, don’t wear that to a job interview. Keep your nails clean and presentable.
For men aswell
No long and dirty nails...
Trim your nails.....Because they will see that stuff
Especially if the person interviewing you is a woman
And we all know how women always pay close attention to the finer details.
Another thing...
Make sure your breath is on point.
So on your way to the interview.
Have some chewing gum or put a mint in your mouth to keep your breath fresh
You don’t wana be there with your breath kicking.
If you’re having a chewing gum, don’t forget to spit it out before the interview because it looks rude if they’re talking to you whilst you’re chewing gum.
First impressions are everything
When you look good - You feel good
When you feel good - you play good
And not just with job interviews
Make sure you always look good, no matter where you go.
Your image is very important.
Next
LOGISTICS AND PUNCTUALITY
You need to know how to get there on time
So BEFORE the interview date, plan your journey ahead of time
The worst thing that can happen is you wait until last minute or the morning before and then you’re there scrambling around trying to find your way to the location.
So plan your journey ahead of time
Because being late can prevent you from getting the job.
And you want to arrive 35 minutes before the interview time aswell
When they say the interview/ meeting is 12:00pm
It doesn’t mean to arrive there by 12:00pm
It means that’s the time the interview is supposed to START by
So a way for you to stand out would be arrive 35 mins earlier because most people would be strolling by the event scheduled start time.
Remember, going the extra mile sets you apart from the rest and makes it easier to higher you.
NEXT,
When you arrive, go to the front desk and tell them who you are there to see
One thing I WANA MAKE CLEAR
Whenever you go for ANY new opportunity in life
BE POLITE TO EVERYONE
because you NEVER know who you’re speaking to.
Be polite to the security guards, the cleaners, the receptionist etc...
You never know who knows who or whose watching you.
Now I’m not saying you have to be an ass kisser
Hell no
Just be polite.
THE INTERVIEW / MEETING
when you enter the interview room, don’t just go and sit down.
Go into the room, then wait until they offer you a seat THEN sit down
Most people will just go into the interviewing room and sit down.
this shows a lack of manners and a lack of respect
Imagine if YOU was the interviewer and a candidate just came into your office and sat down
You’d find that a little disrespectful as well
So if it’s a 1 to 1 interview,
Just wait until they offer you a seat. Then sit down
NEXT
Now they’re gonna start asking you questions
And you don’t have to know ALL the answers,
But you should Definitely know the important ones
So now I’m gonna go through a few common questions you may receive on a job interview.
I’m gonna give a brief overview on how to answer and structure your answers.
the first question you may get asked in a job interview is
“Tell me about yourself”
This interview question is designed to ‘warm you up’.
So the way you answer this is by explaining and making sure
That your answer is aligned with the job description and advertisement, to demonstrate how you can add value to the company and role at hand.
Also mention traits and qualities about yourself which are in favour for the position you’re applying for
Then finish your answer speaking about your hobbies and interests that you do outside of work.
- Don’t ramble on too long.
- Avoid waffling.
THE NEXT QUESTION THEYLL ASK:
After, they’ll most likely ask you,
“Why do you want to work for this company”
A way to respond to this
would be to explain how you like the companies aims and values and it’s a place you would enjoy contributing towards.
So the next question they’ll ask is....
“What do you know about this company?”
This is where you speak about and also reference the information you’ve found From the research you’ve done about the company.
You don’t have to know every single small detail about the company
So knowing when the company started
Knowing what the companies aims are
Knowing the companies achievements
Just things like that.
This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you’ve done your research.
Identify what stands out about the company’s mission and values and how that resonates with your own desired career path and personal values.
Try to practice and rehearse your answer for this one.
Because it WILL be asked
Practice doesn’t always lead to perfection
but it’ll definitely make you much more confident than if you didn’t
Being prepared will lead you to being self assured
And that level of confidence will be important to a new employer.
The next question you might get asked is
“Tell me about your strengths.
“What are your weaknesses”
when it comes to your strengths:
Pick two or three of your best attributes
and give examples of how those strengths lead you success you achieving a certain outcome.
Make sure to also explain how those strengths are relevant to the job you’re interviewing for.
when it comes to your answering
“what are your weakness”
This is your opportunity to demonstrate your own self-awareness and desire for self improvement
identify something that isn’t critical to the role, and frame your answer in a positive way
The best approach to this question is to talk about a weakness you’ve transformed into a strength
Because it gives you an opportunity to show the hiring manager that you can not only recognise the areas where you need to improve but you’re also willing take active steps to solve those weaknesses
And you’re probably wondering why this question is even asked
This question is asked because It’s an opportunity to show the hiring manager that you can learn from constructive criticism
It shows that you’re willing to make changes when you face challenges,
and that you can pick yourself up and dust yourself off when you fail.
And any employer would count those things as strengths.
Another question you may get asked is
“Tell me about a time you’ve faced a challenge and how did you overcome this”
This question is asked to get a judgement on your character and behaviour In certain kinds of situations.
So what you want to do is:
1. Choose an example that demonstrates where you have solved a challenge using a skill that the employer is looking for.
2. Provide the background, describe what action or actionS you took and the results that were achieved.
Again,
Be sure to keep those answers relevant to the job you’re interviewing for.
Next,
You wanna have your own questions lined up
Because nearly all interviewers will ask you if you have any questions for them at the end.
It’s important to come with a list of pre-prepared interview questions .
Some of these might already be answered during the course of the interview,
so check these off as you go, to avoid asking the same question twice.
Another tip aswell
You wana make sure you have a note pad with a black Ink pen with you aswell
So you can write things down if you need to.
SALARY TALKS
If you’re happy with what they’re offering then no need to worry
But if you do get asked about your salary expectation and you’re new to this career field of work
then obviously you don’t want to be there making crazy demands
You can just say that the salary is fine but you’re mainly there to learn and gain experience....
the more experienced you gain, the higher you can earn. IN ANY FIELD OF WORK OR PROFESSION
However
if it’s a career field you have some experience in
Then go back to my article that I wrote on EXACTLY HOW to negotiate a higher salary
Another tip
When you’re at the interview always bring all of documents with you
That includes all of ID documents and your CV or résumé
Also
At the end of the interview,
Thank them for giving you an opportunity for the interview
Then when you get home, send another thank you email to the person or people who interviewed you.
All these actions will make you an unforgettable candidate
And when you’re an unforgettable candidate
It makes hiring or doing business with you
A LOT easier.
If it goes a week and you don’t hear anything,
send a follow up email
UNLESS they specifically said not to send follow up emails.
The next tip I’d like to address is To
Expect the unexpected
Nowadays the interview can be done through zoom calls
So make sure you still prepare and present yourself the same way if it’s an online zoom or Skype call interview
Make sure your wifi is on point and you’re in a quiet room without any background noise
Keep a notepad and a pen ready just in case
FINALLY
Take it easy
If you go for an interview and you don’t get it
It’s not the end of the world.... I promise you
Watch the video I made on
How to handle rejections
I mentioned that sometimes there’s certain things
which are not within your control is to why you didn’t get a certain outcome
So if you go to an interview and you don’t get it, don’t let that bring you down and make you feel shit about yourself
See what lessons you can take from it to make you better for next time.
If anything you’ll most likely end up finding somewhere better.
However if you do get offered the job or the opportunity
Then congratu - fucking - lations
Interview Do’s and Don’ts
- remember to BE on time
- Remover to BE presentable
- BE polite to everyone in the building
- BE a good listener when they’re speaking
- Don’t sit until you’re offered a seat
- SIT up straight
- Answer the questions in reference to the job
- Don’t insult past employers
if you’re offered a job on the spot and you feel a bit pressured
Don’t feel pressured into accepting it straight away
Ask them for some time to accept the offer
But don’t have them waiting too long. Lay out a clear time frame you will respond by.
Generally not exceeding 48 hours
And last but not least
Thank them for giving you the opportunity to be interviewed and for their time.
Till next time.