Job interviews are something I haven’t dabbled in for a few years now. I’m working on our family farm and am doing some part-time tutoring, and neither of these positions required an interview to secure, although I imagine being subjected to an interview by my dad to work for him would be rather entertaining.
While I may not have been interviewed for a job recently, I did endure my fair share of interviews when I graduated from university, and then college, when I was looking for work. I was also fortunate enough to take a course while in college which covered the basic fundamentals of resume writing, cover letter writing and job interviews, so I’d like to think I do possess some knowledge of the matter.
A couple of my tutoring clients have recently asked me to assist them with writing and improving their resumes, and further, preparing them for interviews. I thought I would share with you what I told them in hopes of benefitting anyone out there currently in the process of looking for a job.
- First and foremost, do yourself a favour and do a bit of research on the company you’re applying for a job with. There is a very strong chance an interviewer is going to ask you what you know about the organization you’re sitting in an interview for, and coming into an interview with zero knowledge about the company you’re hoping to work for or the position you’re hoping to claim is not going to leave a great impression. Try to discover when the organization was founded, what it aims to do, and what the company motto is
- Don’t be afraid to go into an interview with some notes. There is nothing wrong with having a cheat sheet to reference if you get anxious or nervous easily, and no, you do not have to memorize everything prior to going into an interview. Will it impress the interviewer if you do memorize everything? Probably. Is this a realistic approach to interviews if you’re applying for several different jobs and positions? Hell no
- Ask questions. Interviewers actually appreciate it when candidates ask questions, so try to ask one that will leave a lasting impression, for example, ‘why do you enjoy working here?’ or ‘can you offer me any advice for the position I am applying for?’
Check back tomorrow for more helpful interview tips.
ontheedgeofeverything 