THE BILINGUAL JOB FAIR BLOG

Interview Tips: Suggestions for a Successful Job Interview

October 22, 2009

Now that we’ve discussed the soul searching, the mental preparation for the interview and the appropriate attire; let’s talk next about the interview itself.

First of all, be punctual. Get there a few minutes before your interview.  Don’t be in a rush or get there late.  Again, you’re making your first impression with everything you do.  If you get there a few minutes earlier than your appointment time, talk to the receptionist and feel confident about what you’re getting ready to do.  Be aware that the receptionist might take notes about how friendly you were, and may report your initial personality traits and personal manners to the interviewing manager.

When you meet the interviewer, shake his or her hand firmly, and when you say ‘it’s nice to meet you’, really mean it. Be happy that you’re there because your life might improve because of it.

Don’t be the one who breaks the silence…unless you have something really smart to say. In other words, avoid saying something simply for the sake of making conversation, or breaking the ice.  Let the interviewer lead you to the interview location.  Allow the interviewer to be the leader of the meeting.  He or she will start asking questions next.

Answer all of the interview questions honestly, and to the best of your ability. Live in the moment.  Be yourself.  If the employer thinks you will be good a good addition for their team and will be an integral part of the company, they will hire you.  If you did your best with the preparations and with the interview, and they didn’t consider you a match, that means that the particular company wasn’t the one for you.  Don’t give up because you were not a match to that particular company.  Continue with your job search and keep striving for what’s right for you.

After each interview, make certain that you follow up with the prospective employer, by sending them a thank you card, a letter, or an e-mail. Keep in mind that you are making the last impression of your first impression with the thank you card, e-mail or letter.  Too many applicants skip this part of the interview process, and you don’t want to be part of that group, because you want to show gratitude for the opportunity.  Also, it’s polite and it’s part of doing your best.

If your interview is successful and you get the job, celebrate, because you made it happen.  If you don’t get the job, keep searching for the right company for you – one where you can grow and flourish.  Don’t rest until that happens, and don’t settle for anything less than what you really want.

You can start browsing bilingual jobs at www.bilingualjobfair.com right now — a great opportunity might be waiting!

Filed under: Interviewing

Tags: interview questions, Interviewing