Sunday, August 16, 2015

How to interview for a job and GET the job!

Hey Everyone

I wanted to share these tips on how to go on a job interview but how to land the job. Now these tips will help you interview better and increase your chances of getting the job. And if you don't get the job it is possible the company likes you, however, they went with someone more experience.

A little background of myself I have had about 21 jobs since I was 15. That seems like a lot but I was young and moved around; but I also was always looking for a better opportunity, and I also worked 3 jobs at once before. I have been on 23 interviews and landed 21 of those jobs… How? From 15-25 I am going to share my tips. 

lets get started.

For the experienced workers and non experienced workers always research the position and pay attention to the requirements of the job. A lot of companies tell you what they are expecting from their employer. Whether it is computer skills or being able to lift 20 pounds. Make sure you know. Try to apply for something you know you can do 100% or something you know you can learn. 

If you are inexperienced CONFIDENCE IS KEY! When I haven't worked in a particular job before the number one thing I say in an interview or cover letter is "I AM A QUICK LEARNER" thats all they need to know. And I always have reasons and experiences to back up that statement. For example, when I was a server I had never really been a real waitress before and its hard to get a waitress position without having the experience. I let my soon to be boss at the time know that I am a very quick learner and work well in fast pace environments; because when I worked at chuck E cheese I had to host several birthday parties a day and managed several at a time and thats how I learned the basics of serving and multi tasking. 

So that is TIP NUMBER ONE: Know the requirements and know that you are able to meet those requirements. (side note: if a job post says a requirment is to be bi lingual and you aren't do not go for that job) 

BE 20 MINUTES EARLY to your interview. 
Just in case there is traffic or you need to find a parking spot that gives you 10 minutes for that. and I always walk in 10 minutes early. 

How to dress: 
People have different opinions on this but what has worked for me is dressing for the job I'm applying for. No you can never go wrong with being overdressed with slacks, nice blouse, and blazer with flats or heels. But I have learned being overly dressed for a retail interview for a clothing store is unnecessary. They want to see your personality and that you will be able to meet and keep up with the stores trends. Be clean, neat and more on the professional side but show your style a little. If you are applying for a server position depending on the type of restaurant will determine your attire.. high end steak house I would wear the slacks and the blazer for a bar I would wear some nice dark jeans, heels and a cute blouse. Legal, medical offices is never okay to wear jeans always go for a long skirt, blouse, blazer or slacks with a mid heel or flats.  I hope you get the point on this. 

TIP TWO: Dress to impress for what fits the position Just keep it professional. 

Body language is EVERYTHING!!!
People can tell when you are bullshitting them. Lets be real. Your posture and body language will tell them everything they need to know before you even open your mouth. Remember they are viewing you as someone who is representing them and their company. Open body language and being welcoming will make them comfortable sitting with you and getting an idea on how you will be as their employee. So smile, sit up straight with confidence, and make eye contact. I talk with my hands and that is just my personality but I feel that makes me more animated and for some reason I think that works for me. If you are in a group interview pay attention to everyone speaking and keep your body language at all times. 

TIP THREE: Make sure you have an open body language and show you are confident that you can fulfill their needs. 

Be who you are don't put up a front.

We go to interviews to show the best version of ourselves not to pretend we are this perfect person. We have flaws they know that. Do not make yourself sound like something you are not and/or something you know you won't be. Because I've known of people who have either been fired days after being hired and/or quit because they lied about what they can do and couldn't uphold who they said they are. 
A lot of the time employers will ask what is your weakness.. think of one thing you have a hard time with that you can turn into a positive. Example, "Sometimes I am a bit of a perfectionist and I like things to be done perfectly, I am working on making sure I do things efficiently but that I am not too hard on myself at the same time. Do not say you have a problem with procrastinating and are learning to be on time. That won't end well. At the end of the day they want to see your personality shine and how you will work well with others or in some cases by yourself. BE EXCITED about what you know you can do, what you have achieved with a  previous postion and make them see that. Also, if they ask you why you are leaving your current employment if you are currently employed and its because you just hate your job DO NOT BAD MOUTH ANOTHER COMPANY! Just say you are looking for an opportunity where you can grow and learn more. Simple and also makes you look good. 

TIP FOUR: BE WHO YOU ARE! 

Always have your resume on hand. 
I have forgotten a few times and luckily it still worked out in my favor. Its a good thing to have on hand to refer to with the company if needed. 

THINK BEFORE YOU ANSWER QUESTIONS.
don't just blurt out what you think they want to hear. have a calm voice.

Ask questions
What would the hours be? How many hours are they looking to give to someone? anything you think is important to know. I personally do not like to ask "when will i hear from you?" or "what is the salary?" I wait until I'm hired. 

Send a follow up later after your interview
Thanking the person for meeting with you. 

Then you wait.
You pat yourself on the back, grab a starbucks and go on with your day and wait for a call.


If you don't get the job it simply wasn't meant to be. 

hope this helps you go getters out there who struggle with interviews.

xo-
Vanessa 


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