The interview formally started
The interview formally started
Part 4
By Sami Bsoul
Attitude is everything; skills come in second place. What good is it if you're the best candidate but have a bad attitude? On the one hand, you don't want to leave any conversation unanswered. After all, it's all about interaction and communication. On the other hand, you don't want to be annoying. So, let your conversation flow naturally, and don't be too quiet.
Before we begin with the questions and answers, please don't do what many books or blogs advise you to do, which is; to
thank your interviewers for each question they ask you. Imagine how it would look if you thanked your interviewer for every question they asked? It would not look natural at all. Simply put, don't do it. It's their job to ask questions, and it's your duty to answer them. Again, you don't need to thank them for each question; it will look weird and show that you're not genuine.
For example, after all the greetings are done and the interviewer says, "Let's start," your reaction should be, and it is enough; if you keep a smile on your face. You don't need to react to that any further.
When the interviewer says, "Thank you for coming," your response can be, "Thank you for inviting me." When the interviewer says, "We're glad you made it," your response can be, "I'm glad I'm here today."
I would suggest that you keep the "thank you" response for one question only. Which question? That's up to your judgment and common sense. But let me give you a hint: if necessary, use "thank you" for the last uncomfortable question that comes up. An uncomfortable question is usually one that you're not able to answer clearly or fully. Therefore, you may use it once when you're asked the question you're most uncomfortable with. Why? Simply because you're using "thank you" to divert the interviewer's attention from the fact that you're uncomfortable with the question.
Note 1: Recruitment agencies are primarily focused on headhunting and increasing their revenue by finding the right people for their clients. They are not here to solve the unemployment problem in a country or to solve your personal problems. However, they can still provide valuable conversations during the recruitment process. Agency specialists will want to assess whether you are a good fit for the organization in terms of your mindset, work speed, and general vitality. They also need to ensure that you meet the fundamental prerequisites for the position so they can recommend you further to their client. Therefore, you should be mindful of not being too detailed when speaking with agency recruiters, as it is not necessary to have a deep-dive conversation. Also, do not anticipate overly detailed answers to your questions. If it doesn't work out for a specific position, the agency specialists may still recommend you to another colleague who is searching for candidates for a different client or position. Therefore, it's important to keep in good touch with them.
Win it Like a Boss
It's better to be well-prepared for an interview than to be out of pocket. I have selected the questions that you are likely to face in every interview, and provided answers that should be considered relevant. Instead of simply telling you what is good and what is bad, the provided answers are original and should be adjusted to fit the specific job you are applying for.
For instance, a bus driver applying for a driver position would not answer the same way as someone applying for a cashier role. All answers should be positive and reflect what you have learned from past experiences. If something did not go well, try to include the advantages or good things you gained from it. The purpose of providing various suggestions is to help you better understand what your interviewer is looking for, rather than providing you with a single template to follow. Therefore, you should learn the answers by heart and use them as a guide to tailor your responses to each specific job interview.
During the job interview, if you encounter a situation or occasion at your previous job that was unsuitable or improper, give an example of what you learned from that experience. If you had difficulty understanding or accomplishing something and made a mistake, admit it and explain what benefits you derived from the experience. When discussing your job results, whether positive or negative, always highlight something positive that you gained from the experience. By doing so, you can achieve two things: first, your interviewer will appreciate your honesty, and second, you will likely not be asked further questions about where you failed or made a mistake on the job because you have already covered it.
Note 2: HR specialists have a deeper understanding of the company, including a better understanding of the data, the skills and experience required for the position, and what future employers are looking for. As a result, they will ask more in-depth questions to determine whether you are a good fit for the job. HR specialists have information that you do not, such as how many candidates have applied for the position, how many have passed the first round, and how many have failed. Therefore, it is not only your CV that stands between you and getting the job, but also your performance relative to other candidates. These specialists are experienced and can spot things in your CV that you may not have noticed, such as missing details or incorrect data. They will also examine your motivation and reasons for applying to the position. Therefore, be prepared to answer simple but critical questions such as "Why did you apply for this position?" and "What interests you about this position?" Be honest in your responses.
It is crucial to understand that job interviews are not just about answering questions, but also about asking the right questions. By asking insightful and relevant questions, you can demonstrate your interest in the company and the position, and gain a better understanding of the company's culture, expectations, and goals. However, it is essential to avoid asking questions that could be easily answered by conducting basic research about the company. Instead, try to ask questions that show you have a deeper interest and understanding of the company.
Remember that the interview process is not just about you, but also about the employer. Therefore, it is essential to tailor your answers to show how you can add value to the company, rather than just focusing on your own goals and ambitions. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job and how you can bring your unique skills and experiences to the table. This will help the interviewer see you as a strong candidate and someone who can help the company achieve its goals.
Finally, it is essential to remember that the interview is not just about showcasing your skills and experiences, but also about building a relationship with the interviewer. Try to be authentic and personable in your responses, and use your body language and tone of voice to convey your enthusiasm and interest in the job. Remember to thank the interviewer for their time and follow up with a brief email or message, thanking them once again for the opportunity to interview and expressing your continued interest in the job. This can help to leave a positive impression and improve your chances of being selected for the position.
It is important for candidates to have a willingness to learn and grow in any position they take on. While having intelligence and expertise in a certain area can be valuable, it is not enough on its own. Companies want employees who are adaptable and open to learning new skills and knowledge to keep up with industry changes and advancements. Even the most experienced professionals have room for growth and development. By embracing the opportunity to learn, individuals can expand their abilities and become more valuable assets to their employers.
One more time- Body Language during Job Interview
Body language is an essential aspect that is often overlooked by job applicants during an interview. Research has shown that body language can significantly influence how others perceive us. When it comes to a job interview, body language can make or break an applicant's chances of getting hired. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to non-verbal communication. For instance, maintaining eye contact, sitting up straight, and avoiding fidgeting can all convey confidence and professionalism. Likewise, a firm handshake and a friendly smile can leave a positive first impression.
Continue reading here, The question; Tell Me About Yourself
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Sami Bsoul
About the author
Sami Bsoul, Master of Science, the aspiring author of the books LiberateMe , Scorpio_The Deepwater, The Elevator_Your way to inner happiness, Shrewd enough, Aries for Life_The Volcano, was born in the town of Nazareth located in Israel. In his youthful days, he took education quite seriously and that was seen in his attitude towards learning in general and psychology studies in particular.
Although he graduated in 1996 adding to his arsenal five active languages in between Hebrew, Arabic, English, Czech and Slovak, his endless passion to psychology, astrology, other cultures and mentalities, besides his exposure to foreign languages, encouraged him to continue the search after the life meaning and seeking replies for all unanswered questions about our mysterious world. By the age of 29, he found some of those answers and others took him to various places around the world including the UK, Czech Republic, Austria, Ukraine and Slovakia where he wrote his first novel LiberateMe.
With degree Master Of Science, he remained diligent in his psychology studies, astrology studies and Coaching plus being Hebrew Lecturer for more than nine years. He expanded his studies in particular into the fields of Psychology and Coaching. During this time, he gained a world of experience, learned the languages of the locals and acquired some useful life tips and developed enormous passion and knowledge in Astrology, which he shares with the rest of the world through his writing and the new book Scorpio- The Deepwater and others.