Some people may have very impressive resumes for the job in which they are applying, but if they can't communicate their skills or make a good first impression in a job interview, they often won't get the job. Job interviews can be intimidating for many people. However, if you prepare yourself for some of the potential questions and are confident in what to say in order to make a good impression, you will stand a better chance of getting the job.
Talk
Anxiety will often get in the way of your being relaxed. On the way to the interview, do some deep-breathing relaxation techniques. Inhale deeply through your nose and slowly exhale. Do this 10 times. It should relax you.
Find out the name of your interviewer before you meet him, and learn say his name properly. Interviews often start out with small talk. Be prepared to answer some general question such as how was the trip over there. Don't make your answers too long, and don't get into a negative story.
Try to match your tone to the interviewer's tone. If the interviewer is formal and businesslike, then you should be too. If the interviewer is more relaxed and wants to engage in conversation, be open to do that. Do not get too informal, tell jokes or talk too much. Listen to the questions, and get to the point quickly.
It is important to answer the question asked. If you don't understand the question, ask the interviewer for an explanation. Do not ramble on, hoping you are answering the right question. It is better to get clarification. Once you answer the question, stop talking. If there is a silence, it's not your job to fill it. Wait for the interviewer to say or ask you something. Never interrupt the interviewer. Wait until he finished talking, think about your answer and then proceed.
What to Say
A common question an interviewer will ask is to tell something about yourself. The best way to answer this will require you to do some background research on the company and the job first, because in order to answer this question in the best way, you will tell how you will fit in with the company. You will tell the interviewer about the skills or experience you have that qualifies you for the job or what motivates you. When the interviewer asks you about yourself, she is not interested in learning how many children or pets you have.
If the interview asks what your strengths and weaknesses are, give specific examples. For example, if you are applying for a sales job and you worked in sales before, tell about a specific success you had. Pick life skills that you use and translate them into how those skills will help with your job. For example, if you have been a stay-at-home mom, tell how organized you were with all the children's activities. Do answer the part about the weaknesses, too. This shows you are self-aware. Bring up the weakness, like how you become impatient when someone doesn't get right back to you, but then tell how you now wait 24 hours before you act on it, for example.
When the interviewer asks why you left your current job, do not talk about any negative reasons. Instead, say you are looking for more responsibility, maybe, or use what you know about the company you are applying to and how this new company is a better fit for you.
Tags: will tell, about yourself, answer question, answer this, interviewer asks