Helpful Training to Strengthen Your Next Interview

By Esperanza Poquiz

Some of us find interviews a little nerve-racking while others may be cool, calm and collected. Preparing for the interview process can ease stress. Whether you are a pro or amateur, keep these tips in the forefront of your mind when going to your next interview.

First Impressions

We’ve all heard that making a great first impression is important. A survey showed that 66 out of 2,000 hiring managers knew in 90 seconds if they would hire the job candidate. Ensure that your appearance gives the hiring manager a great first impression by:

• Smiling
• Having a firm handshake and great posture
• Wearing more neutral colors like: black, gray, navy blue and white
• Communicating with proper vocabulary and grammar

Confidence

Having confidence in yourself definitely shows in an interview. Emitting confidence lets the hiring manager see that you know what you want and you take initiative. Radiate confidence through:

• Voice projection; don’t mumble
• Eye contact
• Body language: don’t fidget, play with your hair, touch your face or cross your hands over your chest
• Hand gestures, but keep them to a minimum
• Enthusiasm; Let your personality shine and show warmth

Know Who You Applied For

Before going in your interview be sure to do the following:

• Research the company and get general information
• Have a specific position in mind and learn the requirements of the position you seek
• Come prepared with questions based on the company
• Know the company’s mission statement and what is important to them

Final Suggestions

• Have a generic answer about why you lost or left your last job
• Don’t put down previous positions, employers or peers
• Don’t focus on pay, schedule or benefits in the initial interview
• Ask relevant questions

Be sure to keep these suggestions in mind for you next interview. You can also ask family and friends for help through mock interviews. Good luck!