7.20.2014

Interview Prep

Getting extended an interview can be nerve racking, especially if it is a job opportunity that you have been waiting for. We all don't like to have to do multiple interviews to get a job, and the more we need to go through the more frustrating it can be. Ultimately we want to win them over the first time so if there is a second one involved we can know we have a chance to have a positive impact on the decision of getting extended the job offer. Interviews can be that once in a lifetime opportunity to get your foot in the door of a company that you only dream to be working for. Being in the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh, there are many fortune 500 companies that offer good benefits for their employees and it would ultimately be a blessing to have the chance to win them over. It is nice to be able to work for a company or small business that takes their employees seriously and treat them the top of the line and not just another number. Employees don't just help keep the business running but in all aspects they are responsible for most work of fixing errors found, whether it be making it right through customer service or in a back office.

Lets talk about what gets us ready for an interview. You do not necessarily need a degree to get your foot in the door of the desired company, especially if your working towards one or you have certificates that they highly recommend. It is all in winning over the interviewer and building rapport with them. If you are attending college you might want to check what they have to offer through their career and employment resources. In addition, there may even be a class requirement or open lecture which prepares you through projects on interviews, developing your resume or both. Preparation and confidence is key to winning over the interviewer. We need to remember that those who interview are not typically trained in interviews but they do work for the company and more then likely they have a leadership role for the department you are going for.

For the class I had to take as a requirement for graduation helped me immensely in finding my values and skills. We used the "Big Interview" in one of the many projects that were required to complete for preparation and professional transition. (This is the path through Wake Tech Community College) you can also see the main website for free trial at Big Interview, if you are not attending classes at a college or university. Check your school, if you are attending, to see what mock interview options they have available to you. Otherwise you can find local resume help through the local libraries or employment centers provided by the state and federal government.

There are also free resources all over the web in your job search and preparation. If you are not familiar how to search then the best way to do so is to use key words like job prep, resume prep, etc...For an example when seeking for this post I found a free resource Best-Job Interview (Guiding you to success)

The biggest thing is to focus on your strengths and weaknesses. By knowing both we are able to know what we need to place more focus on. Through the knowing of our weaknesses we are able reflect on how we can focus energy to grow to mold them out of the weak pool of skills. Interviewers are going to want to know what your weaknesses are and they are going to be curious how they will effect your job, so it is a good idea to know how to answer a question as to how you are going to keep your weaknesses from getting in the way of job tasks.

As always I am wishing you great success in seeking tools, preparing, and winning the employment opportunity you have been waiting for. If you have any questions or need guidance as to where to look further please leave comment. 

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