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Date: 2015-10-07; view: 490.

A job interview is your opportunity to present your talents to a prospective employer. During the interview, an employer judges your qualifications, appearance, and general fitness for the job opening. It is your opportunity to convince the employer that you can make a real contribution. Equally important, the interview gives you a chance to evaluate the job, the employer, and the company. The interview helps you decide if the job meets your career needs and interests and whether the employer is the kind you want to work for. Before each interview, though, you should act as if the job you are applying for is the one you want – because it may be. To present your qualifications most advantageously, you have to prepare. You should have the needed papers ready and the necessary information about yourself memorized. And you should know how to act at the interview to make it an opportunity to “sell” your skills. Following are specific suggestions to help you prepare for a successful employment interview. You should be able to follow these suggestions particularly well because of the discussions you had during the “thinking and talking” part of your job search.

- Learn all you can about the company where you are going for an interview – its product or service, standing in the industry, number and kinds of jobs available, and hiring policies and practices.

- Practice answering questions the interviewer may ask you with an English-speaking friend.

- Know (memorize) what you can contribute to the employer: your education and training, your work experience, and what you know how to do. Write down the questions you want to ask during the interview.

- Practice your part in an employment interview with someone who can give you advice on your performance.

- Practice talking about yourself, your background, why you want the job, and what you have to offer. Do this alone a few times. Then practice with the English-speaking friend who can help you with your grammar and pronunciation, as well as content.

- Learn the normal salary scale for the kind of job you are seeking.

- Don't bring anyone with you to the interview.

- Allow as much uninterrupted time for the interview as necessary. (For example, don't park your car in a limited time space.)

- Dress correctly for the interview. Women should not wear bright, tight or revealing (sexy) clothing. Women should also not wear too much jewelry, perfume, or makeup. Men should also avoid bright or tight clothing; too much jewelry or cologne; T-shirts, blue jeans, or tennis shoes. Colors and designs should be conservative and coordinated. Women should wear skirts or skirt suits (without slits). It is better for women not to wear pants. For both women and men, shirts should not be unbuttoned more than one button. Clothes should be clean, ironed, well fitting, and comfortable. Do not be too informal, but do not be too formal, too. Dress a little better than you would for the job. Try not to dress better than the employer.

- Reassure yourself that the employer wants to hire someone who will benefit the company. Being well prepared and organized for the interview will help you convey the message that you are that person.