Finding that perfect job can be quite difficult, especially in a competitive field such as engineering. Once you’ve crafted the perfect resume and cover letter, you’ll then need to ace the interview in order to nab that vacant position. How you act and behave in the interview plays a very big part in whether you’re accepted for the job or not. Showing off your skills and knowledge is just part of the equation though; filling in the rest by displaying your enthusiasm & corporate persona will also be required.
Presenting Yourself
While most people know to dress up for an interview, not too many people are aware that their behavior will also make or break a positive impression. On entering the room, give the interviewer a firm handshake as this shows confidence. Sit straight, use eye contact a lot and avoid nervous tics such as shifting in your seat or twirling your hair. How you’re perceived here will play a big part in whether your interviewer remembers and recommends you.
Practise the Routine
It’s also important to go over the different questions that you may be asked, and think about what you’re going to say. If you’re unsure about what is required of you, a great way to build up practice is to attend some interviews that you’re not actually interested in. In this way, you can test the water, trying out different behaviors and approaches before you get interviewed for a job you definitely want. This will also give you a good idea of how you cope under the pressure that these situations generally entail.
Offer to Work for Free
A great way to stand out from the crowd is to ask if you can conduct an initial job for free. Choose a small project that can adequately display your skills and you’ll also show off your enthusiasm as well. This tactic is especially useful for technical jobs. If you attempt this strategy during the interview, you and the company will gain the following important benefits:
· You can test the work environment
· The company gets a sample from you
· You may actually be accepted into the firm!
Just remember to always specify how much work you can do for the company for free. Otherwise you might end up in an unpaid internship accidentally.
Ask the Right Questions
Although an interview is mostly about you presenting yourself, it’s also a great opportunity to show your initiative and find out about the company itself. Here, you should ask some smart questions at the interview that make a positive impression. Although these depend on the position you’re applying for, some of the most common examples are listed for your info below:
· What happened to the last employee in this position?
· What do you (the interviewer) like about this company?
· What type of work environment does the firm have?
· What does it take to succeed while in this position?
· What happens next in the recruitment process?
All of these questions will show that you have the ingenuity to find out as much as you can about the vacancy and the company. They’ll also provide you with valuable information so you can later decide whether you want the position or not.
These four techniques should help you ace that interview and land whatever job you’re interested in. Whether you’re keen on an engineering position or something else, we wish you all the best and hope you pass the application process! With a little combination of smart presentation and savvy planning, you should have no troubles with any future job interviews.