from http://msn.careerbuilder.com/ (
8 September 2004 )
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By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com
Does
the thought of going on a job interview cause your palms to sweat and your body
to break out in hives? Stop itching; you're not alone. The vast majority of job
seekers admit to emotions ranging from mild uneasiness to downright panic
leading up to their interviews. The good news is there have been no reported
cases of job seekers who died of nervousness during a job interview. So relax
and follow these simple tips for keeping your anxiety at bay before and during
your interview.
First, take the proper amount of time to prepare for your
interview. Being well-prepared will boost your confidence and lower your
anxiety. Experts recommend that you spend at least three hours preparing for
each interview. You should draft answers to the most common interview questions
and practice speaking them out loud. You also should read up on the company with
which you will be interviewing and prepare some questions of your own. This lets
the interviewer know that you are truly interested in the company and the
position. As a final step in your preparation, make sure you have good
directions to the interview site. Some job seekers make a dry run to the
interview site to ensure the directions are correct and to estimate the amount
of time they will need to get to the interview on time.
Going into a job
interview is often like entering the great unknown. Although every interviewer
is different and questions vary from industry to industry, there are some
questions that are common across the board. Reading through the following
questions and developing your own answers is a good place to start in your
preparation. Once you have done that, remember practice makes perfect! Nothing
impresses a potential employer like being ready for whatever is thrown your way.
Why should we hire you?
Here's the chance to really sell
yourself. You need to briefly and succinctly lay out your strengths,
qualifications and what you can bring to the table. Be careful not to answer
this question too generically, however. Nearly everyone says they are
hardworking and motivated. Set yourself apart by telling the interviewer about
qualities that are unique to you.
Why do you want to work
here?
This is one tool interviewers use to see if you have done your
homework. You should never attend an interview unless you know about the
company, its direction and the industry in which it plays. If you have done your
research, this question gives you an opportunity to show initiative and
demonstrate how your experience and qualifications match the company's needs.
What are your greatest weaknesses?
The secret to answering
this question is being honest about a weakness, but demonstrating how you have
turned it into a strength. For example, if you had a problem with organization
in the past, demonstrate the steps you took to more effectively keep yourself on
track. This will show that you have the ability to recognize aspects of yourself
that need improvement, and the initiative to make yourself better.
Why did you leave your last job?
Even if your last job ended
badly, be careful about being negative in answering this question. Be as
diplomatic as possible. If you do point out negative aspects of your last job,
find some positives to mention as well. Complaining endlessly about your last
company will not say much for your attitude.
Describe a problem
situation and how you solved it.
Sometimes it is hard to come up with a
response to this request, particularly if you are coming straight from college
and do not have professional experience. Interviewers want to see that you can
think critically and develop solutions, regardless of what kind of issue you
faced. Even if your problem was not having enough time to study, describe the
steps you took to prioritize your schedule. This will demonstrate that you are
responsible and can think through situations on your own.