If you’ve ever been to an interview, you probably found yourself feeling like you were stuck in the car with a drunk driver. I know I did. When I left the interview, I was angry and upset.
For a moment, I had to sit by myself. Why I am feeling like this, I wondered. Why am I feeling so bad? I didn’t ask. Why I am feeling like this, I wondered.
Then I started asking myself what I could do differently for my next interview. Now, it doesn’t happen as much, but I still find myself worrying about the question, “What is my weakness?” I use this interview technique to help me relax and forget about this subject.
My takeaway is this; the more you can eliminate or minimize your weaknesses, the more successful you are going to be.
Remember this quote by Oprah Winfrey; “If you can’t find something to be proud of in yourself, you must look elsewhere.” It is much easier to do something you enjoy doing than to do something you dread.
I have some great, easy, quick tips to help you overcome your weakness for the next interview.
This is my top eight list of interview tips. I have more advice, but this list will help you get off on the right foot.
Top 8 Interview Tips
Tip #1:
Don’t underestimate the power of preparation and documentation. Think of your questions as clues to your success.
If you don’t understand what you’re being asked, understand how the company or the role fits into the bigger picture.
If the opportunity seemed too good to pass up and you’ve done some research to back up your desire, make sure that effort is apparent on the job or the application.
Tip #2:
Do not let your interviewer take the opportunity to “sell” you. The end goal is to be hired and your interviewer is not your salesperson.
If your interviewer seems to be frustrated that you aren’t “grasping” the opportunity, it is because he or she wants you to succeed.
It’s okay to ask questions or address concerns, but you must address the information as it was presented to you.
Tip #3:
Do not get “caught up in the moment.” An interviewer’s time isn’t worth your time.
Your real interest is in how you can support the business’s efforts and position yourself to become a valuable employee.
Allow yourself to be motivated by business concepts, your long-term job and career goals, and the opportunities that exist to succeed.
An interviewer who has nothing to sell is a really good one to interview with.
Tip #4:
No matter how much you can prepare or the documentation you have, make sure that it’s relevant to your situation.
What is going on at your job or company can drastically change. Your written resume may not be the best tool to show your growth.
You may have specific training in a specific area or if you left your previous job early. Either way, make sure your information is relevant to what is going on today.
Tip #5:
Go for the deal. If you’re getting a job that is below your goals and responsibilities, either up the responsibilities or down the pay.
If you do not intend to get a job below your current salary, find one that is more in line with your long-term goals and expectations.
While I am often on the fence about jobs, sometimes you just have to go for it.
Tip #6:
Sometimes you’ll get the best job offer but the company is losing money. For this reason, consider turning down the offer until the situation improves.
If the money is OK and you don’t expect to get a job like that, there’s nothing wrong with accepting a job for more money and providing short-term financial support until you find the opportunity to become a top performer or provide positive financial feedback.
Tip #7:
Don’t answer too many questions. An interviewer doesn’t expect you to give your full opinion on an issue, make an accurate prediction, or recommend a course of action.
Your ability to read a situation is a valuable skill and it’s not the job interviewer’s job to measure your degree of success.
An interview is a brief time period to learn and grow. As soon as you understand something or can explain it to the interviewer, ask more questions or get feedback.
Tip #8:
Don’t give up. Interview more than one company. All the job interviews are not worth taking.
No matter how good you are, you will not be picked for any interview you apply for.
Feedback from unsuccessful interview attempts is crucial in order to boost your chances in later interviews.
The better prepared you are, the better chance you have of getting the job.
In today’s job market, companies look for graduates who are prepared and motivated. Not only can preparation help prepare you for your interview, but it can also save you time and help you land your dream job.
This is a highly competitive job market where there are many talented people vying for the same positions.
Always bear in mind that there is a career out there for you; what you need is persistence and foresight to find it.
You can also read:
- Top 10 common job interview questions and answers
- The best accounting job interview questions and answers
- Accounting career opportunities
