Be the Best You Can Be

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It’s the responsibility of every person to ensure that they are prepared before they attend an interview. Many people sell themselves short without understanding what it takes to move get the job they want. It is possible to get any job you want, but you need to be prepared. The five points below will give you a view of what is required to get that job.

Tip 1: Show a positive side to your character and be friendly when you attend your interview. Remember that first impressions are very important. Employers are keen to have friendly staff on board and this is a key quality that you need to work on in your initial approach in an interview, and in your initial approach.

Tactic 2: Be amiable. Laugh at the interviewer’s jokes. You might even crack one or two of your own. Be sure that the timing is right and that they are in good taste-nothing politically incorrect. You can usually feel out what kind of personality you are dealing with pretty quickly. Don’t be too funny, or you run the risk of looking like you don’t take the position seriously. Be friendly and good natured without acting silly.

Tactic 3: If the interviewer is intimidating you with talk of salary or number of hours per week of work, just roll with it. Don’t say anything definite like, “90 hours a week is ok with me.” Keep your responses vague and don’t sound like you’re on board with slave labor, or that you would definitely not do it either. In these situations you might make a humorous comment such as, “As long as I get a lunch break.” This lets the interviewer know that you are not slamming the door, but neither are you offering to be walked upon.

Tactic 4: In the course of the interview, answer the questions briefly and accurately. The key is to be honest. Make sure that as a prospective employee, you impart to your future employer what you really are and what you can do for the company, not the other way around. Stay positive and do not give a bad impression about your previous employer. If you are applying for your first job, do not let your lack of experience hinder you from gaining the advantage against more experienced applicants. What you lack in experience, make up for in confidence and eagerness to learn. You may also put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Ask yourself, if I were on the other side of this desk, what qualities should I look for in a potential employee? Would I profit if he works for me and can he contribute to the development of the company? Do not be afraid to sell yourself but do not be overconfident. Just project an air that you are sure of yourself and your capabilities.

Tactic 5: Should you encounter a difficult interviewer, do not be intimidated. One who does not let you put in a word edgewise should be lightly reminded that you should do most of the talking since he is the one who needs to learn more about you.