Job Interviews: How to “ace” the test!

Job interviews. Love them or hate them. I actually don’t “hate” doing job interviews. Job interviews to me are like going through a screening process with a possible employer before actually getting hired for the desired position you applied for. I have had many, numerous job interviews in the past. There were some employers that “hired” me on the spot after the initial interview and would tell me that I am the perfect candidate for their position along with asking me if I was interested in the position as well. Sometimes for me, being asked on the spot about getting hired for the position can put a lot of pressure or heat on my shoulders. I am the kind of person where I would actually think through a few times if the position I had been interviewed for actually has some relatively good job skills or set hours, schedule, and other important things before saying “yes” to the employer.

Did you ever felt like you were ever in that position before? If so, how did that make you feel?

The reason why I am writing about job interviews is because I just had a very good job interview today just this early afternoon which went….very well actually. I know for some people…being interviewed for a possible job position can put A LOT of pressure on their shoulders along with knowing the “right” types of words to say during the whole screening process. It can be “nerve-wracking.” I know how it feels…I’ve been there, done that….MANY TIMES.

I was actually called for an interview the day before. It was actually very nice to get a phone call from one of the job postings I had replied to several days ago. With the job market being very bleak right now, jobs are very HARD to find at this time of the economic “slow-down.” I know so many people who are going to school and at the same time trying to make a living and making ends meet by having a job or two to help keep them afloat on their feet. It’s understandable and makes sense. I’ve done it before in the past during my first year of college and I will tell you this…you need to learn how to manage your time wisely and schedule very well. It is a busy life for you if you juggling between school and a job. Trust me.

My interview went very well and I believed I “aced” the test. The hiring manager was very impressed with my resume and got to know me a little bit better by asking me questions and letting me know what her current position’s requirements were too. At the end of the interview, the hiring manager asked me for my schedule and that she was going to get in touch with my references. Score! I think I passed “1^st base.”

If you want to score or “land” a very good interview…here are some key points to remember:

• Good Posture.

• Show some confidence.

• Dress very nicely, but not too overdone.

• Communicate well.

• Eye contact.

• Briefly discuss about yourself. (A short bio and why you’re the best candidate for the position).

• Ask questions to the hiring manager about the position.

• Be engaging.

• Show interest in the position you’re applying for.

• Smile!

• Avoid long pauses and silences.

• Don’t fidget or feel nervous.

• Be on your best behavior.

• Most importantly….act professional!