Interview Preparation and Best Practices Video Lecture | Interviewing Skills: The Ultimate Guide - Career Development

[Title: Best Practices/Interview Prep]
[ON-SCREEN: Simple layout-Character]
>> Narrator: Your interview is the first impression
you are giving your potential employer and
that impression starts the moment you walk
through the door.
[ON-SCREEN: "Dress appropriately" appears
on board]
>> Narrator: Dress Appropriately
First and foremost, dress appropriately.
Your employer doesn't need to know that you
are on the cutting edge of fashion.
You want to show the employer that you know
what a professional looks like and that you
are one.
[ON-SCREEN: Well-dressed male characters appears
in background]
>> Narrator: Guys,
Wear a suit, or at least a shirt and tie.
Keep it conservative, no loud colors.
Make sure it is clean and ironed; you don't
want to give a bad first impression.
[ON-SCREEN: Well-dressed female character
appears in background]
>> Narrator: Ladies,
Wear a pants suit or skirt suit.
Keep it simple; nothing bright, short, or
sheer.
Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed and
pressed.
Keep your hair simple and neat.
A simple low ponytail pulled tight, for example,
is perfect.
>> Narrator: Even if you know the company
has a "relaxed" dress code, the employer still
wants to see that you are aware of what a
professional looks like and that you are capable
of dressing like one, if necessary.
You can never be too overdressed to your first
interview!
[ON-SCREEN: Scene: At the office-At desk]
>> Narrator: Clean up your on-line presence.
You would be surprised at how many employers
now look at your online profiles when making
their consideration.
This includes your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn,
Instagram and any other social media profiles
you might have.
Make sure that you do not have any compromising,
embarrassing, inappropriate or unprofessional
pictures, videos or posts visible.
[ON-SCREEN: New scene - Back Home-City]
>> Narrator: Time your trip.
Do not be late to your interview, do not even
be exactly on time.
Aim to arrive at least 10, but no more than
15 minutes early.
So make sure you map out your route beforehand
and factor in anything that might happen.
If your interview is at 9am, consider the
fact there will be traffic.
If you're taking public transportation, factor
in the possibility of a late train or bus.
[ON-SCREEN: Scene: At the Office-Reception,
Narrator in foreground]
>> Narrator: First Impressions
Your first impression begins the moment you
arrive.
It is said that most hiring managers form
an opinion within the first 10 minutes of
meeting you, so make a good impression.
Treat EVERYONE with respect.
Just because they are not the hiring manager
does not mean that they do not have any influence
in you getting hired.
Greet everyone you meet with a smile, the
hiring manager might ask the receptionist
about your demeanor, if they find out that
you were unfriendly with everyone else, but
were friendly with them, you will look insincere.
Greet everyone with a firm handshake and a
smile.
Sit patiently if you have to wait, and use
positive body language.
Sit squarely and confidently in your chair,
do not slouch or look too comfortable and
stay off of your mobile phone.
[ON-SCREEN: Scene: Back Home-Home Office]
>> Narrator: Practice and Prepare
Make sure you practice your answers for the
questions that you have prepared for.
You do not want to come off as though you
are reciting a speech, practice until your
answers start to feel and flow naturally.
Know the job description.
Most people take this one for granted, it
is very important you are aware of every responsibility
and qualification of the job.
If any of them come up, you do not want to
be caught off guard.
Research the company.
Knowing about the company, their values, history,
services and outreach is to your advantage.
Being able to incorporate this information
into your answers, or using any of the information
when asking questions will give a very positive,
engaged and sincere impression.
You want to give the appearance that you don't
just want a job; you want a career with their
company.