Job Interview Advice

For most of us, looking for a job is no fun. Whether planned or unplanned, the job search is typically rife with stress, hoping you'll find a job that both provides a satisfactory income and is personally fulfilling. One of the most intimidating aspects of a job search is the interview. Each job interview offers new and unexpected questions. Before you line up an interview, it's always best to plan and anticipate questions, as well as developing your interview “attitude”, to make your presentation of you and your skills the best possible. What you need is some solid job interview advice, to make your case and land the job.

One little known aspect of the job interview process is that the prospective employer may be as fearful as you are! The employer doesn't want to make a poor decision which will reflect badly on them in the future. In a typical job interview, the prospective employer will naturally grill you mercilessly, to be sure you are a good match for their requirements. If you understand this in advance, you can use this knowledge to your advantage. Use this job interview advice and make yourself a success story.

Topping the list of job interview advice is to make your initial contact count. You must gain the employer's attention with a good cover letter and resume, selling you and your skills. Individualize your cover letter to the specific company for which you hope to work. Do some research on the company to see how you might fit in to their environment. For example, if you're applying for a job as a mechanic with a dealer and you have extensive experience in their make of car, include this in your cover letter.

Employers are looking for people who are hard working, responsible and honest. So if you're wanting to get job interview advice in a nutshell, promote these characteristics. If you have a reputation for reliability, initiative and responsibility, blow your horn. Employers worry about absenteeism and slackers. A new hire could cost them their jobs if they don't detect these traits in the interviewee.

Also high on the list of job interview advice is your appearance. You want to make a good impression, the first time you meet with the prospective employer. Whatever your prospect, make your appearance count. Dress appropriately. If you're going for a marketing job, you'll want to come to your interview dressed to the nines. Are you looking for a job as a waitress? Dress yourself up as attractively as possible, showing a pleasing appearance. Most importantly, convey a feeling of “can do”. In the forum of job interview advice, the constant byword is to sell your skills and personality.

Be prepared for the inevitable question, “What's your greatest weakness?” Turn this to your advantage. “I'm sometimes teased as a 'workaholic' because I like to finish my work and sometimes stay late to do so.”

Two words can summarize the best job interview advice: be prepared!