So your well-polished resume has gotten you to the next stage of the interview. Congratulations! This means that your potential employer already sees something in you and it is entirely up to you to win them over. You need to stand out and set yourself entirely a part from everyone else. At this point it is not a question of if you have the skills needed for the job since your resume/CV already answered that. Your employer is trying to find out if you're the right fit for their company and how you can add value to what their company stands for.
People Buy People
Yes, your personality matters. Do you come off as being easy to work with and helpful? Are you resilient and able to put in extra work when it is required? Be passionate about the role that you are applying for. My professor once told me that "your attitude determines your aptitude" which means how you behave directly affects your chances of getting and keeping a job. Do not use slangs when speaking, dress professionally and act in the highest of professional standards. Where did you leave your manners? Likeability is very important. Be kind in your gestures and what you say. My mother always told me that "good manners" can take you anywhere in the world. Saying things like "good morning, thank you, would you like me to get this for you?" goes a long way.
Be confident. Understand the company culture and learn how to fit in. Build rapport and show enthusiasm. Be prepared to answer questions that have nothing to do with the interview itself and if you are unsure of what to say, simply say "I will have to think about that and get back to you." It definitely beats saying something illogical. It also shows that you are thoughtful but be sure to provide an answer before the interview ends.
Interview questions they ask
So why do you want to work for our company?
Draw on the results that the company has produced and say how you can further contribute to that growth and development. Tie the company values and objectives to your own passion for the company. State that these are the things that you embody and believe in and you want to help them to take it to the next level. Does the company promote diversity or is ethical in their daily operations? Is the CEO a member of X organization that you are affiliated with? Think about these things when answering that question.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Of course you see yourself working at that company but a higher level or leading one of their international teams, even if you have no definite plans of doing so. Stating this helps them to see that you're committed to the company and its long-term goals. You can also make mention of any investment you might have that somehow ties you to that location. This tells them that you're stable and in it for the long haul.
Tell me about yourself.
Ensure that you know all the details of your CV. Do not over embellish but be genuine in your answers. Be sure to include how well the company goals align with your work objectives. State that you can ameliorate the company. Set yourself a part from your competition as much as possible. Many people attend interviews because they just want a job, let your future employer know that this is the job that you want. Always attach whatever you are about to say back to the company mission, achievements or development. No one wants to hear you go on about yourself on-ending.
Interview questions you should ask
Always ask questions! It shows that you are interested in the company and what it does. Do your research and find out a little about the history of the company and its values. Ask logical and appropriate questions, not just whatever is at the top of your head. Do not show up knowing nothing about the company.
Why are you currently hiring for this specific role, is it due to expansion?
If it is a multinational company, ask how they deal with diversity in the workplace?
Ask about areas of new product development or line expansion and why it is being done. Is it a marketing strategy to remove competitors or to reach a new consumers?
What other areas are you currently hiring for?
Review salary information on websites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn and see what others are saying. If you want to know and it is not explicitly stated then consider asking and perhaps negotiating your salary. This can
Learn How to Spin Things
Use every gap or area of concern on your resume/CV to your advantage. So you were unemployed for a few months or years? Let your employer know you spent the time developing your linguistic skills or you were traveling and by extension learning how to thrive in multi-cultural environments. Inform them of the blog you started while studying for your degree and how many people it has helped. These shows initiative. If you volunteered, this is something that you need to make mention of especially if the company takes its corporate and social responsibility duties seriously.
Other Interview Tips
Be prompt. Arrive at least 30 minutes early
Be polite to other interviewees and staff members
Always have a pen and paper at hand to take any notes during the interview
Make eye contact
Smile
Congratulations! You just landed yourself the job.
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