There are different times that people require themselves to get a job. It is either because you just graduate from college, you need for your college internship program, financial issues and then because you just quit or got canned and you need a new job. There are tons more reason that lead people to job interviews and tests. Whatever the reason may be, here are a few things to remember when for a job interview but allow me to say first that I don’t tell that this is the most effective way but this is somehow a good set of essentials to start with.
1. Make a Comprehensive Resume. This is the most essential part of getting a job. They knew nothing about and this would somehow be your first impression on you so make it good. Unless your applying for a job at your relatives’ or friends’ company. But then if you do you wouldn’t be reading this. Here is a site that enumerates a few basics on how to make a comprehensive resume.
2. Make a portfolio. What is a portfolio? It is a set of outputs you made for the past years that is considered creative, unique or well-organized. Like if you apply to be an editor of a newspaper or magazine, it would be your past write-ups, for graphic designers, it would their creative outputs, for architects and engineers it would their past projects or personal outputs, for photographers, their album of shots. ALTHOUGH NOT ALL FIELDS REQUIRE A PORTFOLIO.
3. Search. If you don’t have a concrete idea of a company to apply to, look for one. We live in the 21st century, the epitome of internet and mass information. Anything you wanted to ask somebody in person, you find it on the internet. Sometimes, it even tells you more than what you could’ve asked. And the best part is it only takes little time to search for more than 20 companies that you wish to apply to. What exactly would search then, type in the keywords of the kind of industry you want to be in and which country. You may filter them according to your considerations like relevance to your course, location, company credentials and career opportunities.
4. Research. Have a clear idea of what field you choose and search for companies related to it. Do you want marketing, refresh your mind by researching. You don’t really need a refresher course to get it back to your system. Once you have chosen at least 5 companies that you want to apply for, make an extensive research for each of the company. Their history, their services, their works and of course, their contact details. Some company’s have a website of their own that would have all of the mentioned statement and some would also have a designated page for career opportunities. Make a Word Document for each company. Always bring them whenever you apply through walk-in in case the would conduct an on-the-spot interview. STUDY THEM according to the schedule of your interview so you won’t mix them up.
5. Call. It is very important to make sure that the contact details are up-to-date so you’d know how you would be contacted by them in case you get to apply. It is also a way of knowing if they are really corporate or with a little bit touch of casual. Like in my case if I may say, I am in Advertising. So we are somewhere along corporate and casual. Going back, it is also then that you can ask if they accept job applicants in case it’s not in their website and if they do, to ask if to what e-mail address you have to send your application in case you didn’t find it too.
6. Walk-in. Some company don’t allow walk-in probably to avoid to many people entering their private office but walking in would give you the idea of the location, how convenient it is to travel from your house to your office. While somebody doesn’t want walk ins, some prefers it because it gives them assurance that the applicant is willing and is aware of their location. You should review your company research according to the schedule you made for the walk-in.. A not so important point is that you would get the feel of the office if it is comfortable for you or is it too fancy or too down to earth. There might be on-the-spot interviews so be ready.
7. Be Ready for an Interview Now you made your first impression through your resume. Now did they take it good or bad? It would be up to you to prove them wrong or right.
- Be polite. Greet and don’t do things like sit or drink coffee unless told.
- Be humble but confident. Smile. Project. Don’t fake a smile. They’d know and it would make both of you uncomfortable. Just think of the situation as an intellectual and substantial conversation with a friend. Don’t slouch and fidget, they don’t want a sloppy loser for their company.
- Be smart. Don’t say too much. Just a few good words that would neither fall short than what you’re supposed to say nor go around the bush and miss your point.
- Don’t over-praise their company. They’d if your just kissing their arse. Don’t pretend to be their biggest fan. If you haven’t heard so much about their company, tell them what made you interested in them, like their vision and their works based on your research.
In case you are not good in impromptu speaking, make sure you review your research well and here is a list of possible interview question you may study:
- Why did you choose our company?
- What do you know about our company?
- What do you know about [the industry e.g. marketing, productions, engineering]?
- What position do you want to apply for? Why do you think you’re fitting for that position?
- What can you contribute to our company?
- What do you have that other applicants don’t have? Why should we accept you?
- Few questions on your family background and health issues.
