Job Fairs and Interviews : TIPS FOR SUCCESS
While Attending Interview
Before you go through an actual interview, you should first go through a mock interview. Nearly every college campus offers access to a career counselor who can take you through a mock interview (also known as "interview coaching"). The mock interview is more than just a chance to work out your interview jitters. It is an opportunity to practice your interviewing technique and answers live. It is also a chance to hear constructive feedback from someone who can guide you toward improving your interviewing style and presentation.During the interview keep in mind nonverbal communication, often it is the nonverbal communication that we are least aware of, yet speaks the loudest. The following are the most important nonverbal ranked in order of importance:
1. Eye contact- Unequaled in importance! If you look away while listening, it shows lack of interest and a short attention span. If you fail to maintain eye contact while speaking, at a minimum it shows lack of confidence in what you are saying and at worst may send the subtle message that you are lying.
2. Facial expression- Eliminate any negative overall characteristics that might exist, then add a simple feature that nearly every interviewee forgets to include--a smile! A true and genuine smile that tells the interviewer that you are a happy person and delighted to be interviewing with the organization. You do not need to keep the smile plastered on for the full interview, but remember to keep coming back to it.
3. Posture- Posture sends out a signal of your confidence and power potential. Stand tall, walk tall, and most of all, sit tall
4. Gesture- Contrary to popular belief, gestures should be very limited during the interview. When you do use gestures, make sure they are natural and meaningful.
5. Space- Recognize the boundaries of your personal space and that of others.
The most important aspect of interviewing is your attitude. If you want to rise above others with better experience, better grades, or better anything, you will need to work on developing a highly positive work attitude. The way most employers differentiate at the entry level is by candidates' attitudes toward the job. Also differentiate yourself by showing your “competitive advantage”, by telling the interviewer what uncommon strengths you have and what makes you unique.
To close the interview let the interviewer know you are interested in the position by saying something like: "I'm very impressed with what I've seen here today; your organization and the people I've met. I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position you've described to me." The interviewer will be impressed with your enthusiasm.
After the interview, call the interviewer to thank them for their time, and then immediately write the interviewer a short note, thanking them for their time and reemphasizing your interest in the position. If you want to make a lasting impression on a potential employer, ask the individuals who supplied you with letters of recommendation to either call or write to the employer, giving an additional recommendation. This technique will instill confidence in the employer that they are making a wise decision in hiring you. Once the thank you letter has been sent, your role in the job search is to work toward an offer. By staying in close contact (at least once a week) with your primary company contact, you will be continually aware of the process, and the contact will be continually aware of your interest.
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