Today is the day of the big interview.  Are you feeling confident, or are you going in with your fingers crossed hoping for a bit of luck?  In today’s competitive job market, your best option is to make your own luck and walk in feeling confident and fully prepared. By going into the interview with some of these helpful strategies and incites you can set yourself up for a successful interview!

What Not to Do or Say in the Interview

According to professional placement services, there are four common mistakes made in interviews.  Avoid these common faux pas and make a good impression.

• You fail to mention what you can do for the company.  When the interviewer asks why you are interested in the position, talk about how you can bring your unique skills to that particular company.  They don’t need to know what you expect to gain from the job.
• Don’t rant about why you want to leave your current position. Of course, if the interviewer wants to know why you’re changing jobs, answer the question without going into extreme detail.
• You ask the wrong questions. Do precursory research about the company and the position for which you are interviewing. Having knowledge about the job will allow you to ask informed and specific questions. Never ask the interviewer –  “What does this company do?”
• You give the wrong answers. If you are asked why you want to work for the company, expound upon why you are excited about the position and the work itself.  Talk about what you’d like to accomplish for the company.

The important thing to remember is that they want to hire someone who is looking for more than just the paycheck.  If you present yourself as someone who understands the company and its goals, you’re off to a good start. So, look beyond the job description and numbers and get a feel for the bigger picture.

What do Hiring Managers Want in a Job Candidate?

Interviews can be nerve-racking, and hiring managers can be mysterious and cold. However, by approaching the interview with clear strategies in mind you can avoid the torment of nerves. Here are some things a hiring manager might look for in a potential employee:

• Arrives at the interview early and well-prepared
• Ask insightful questions about the position
• Has plans for how to approach the position
• Has an interest in the employer’s needs
• Knows where he/she has been and has an eye on where he/she is going
• Shows genuine interest in the business world

Of course, each company has guidelines that are pertinent to their business.  Even if you are utilizing a professional job placement service, the recruiter will know what their client needs and will follow those guidelines.

Learn More About Job Placement Services

If you are an employer or a job seeker, allow us to take the stress and guesswork out of your job search.  At Certified Source, our team is dedicated to providing excellence in recruiting and placement services.  We invite you to visit our website at www.certifiedsource.com to learn more or call your local office to speak with a staffing professional.