| I wanted to share with you a list of tips for a | | | | your choices - accept them as such. Learn how to |
| successful job interview in English: | | | | explain your choices in a positive manner. |
| 1. Don't be afraid of the interviewer. It's important to | | | | 9. Avoid lying, especially about things that can be easily |
| remember that these people are also pressured by | | | | checked. Nonetheless, do realize that truth is |
| their company to recruit the right person. The wrong | | | | subjective, and doesn't always have to be expressed |
| person can cost a company a lot of money and | | | | or told if not asked. Remember, an interview is not like |
| wasted time in training, and since the recruiter's | | | | a meeting with a therapist, where you volunteer |
| performance is often based on the quality of their | | | | sensitive information in the hope of growing emotionally |
| recruits, it's very possible they are also afraid to hire | | | | and spirituality. An interview is more like a first date - |
| the wrong person or eliminate a good candidate. | | | | you're checking each other out, and you're not going to |
| 2. Use the 60-40 rule. Speak about 60% of the time, | | | | reveal everything yet. Put your best face on and |
| and try to make the interviewer talk 40% of the time. | | | | market yourself. |
| Most people enjoy talking about themselves - so let | | | | 10. Learn to turn the negative into positive. This is also |
| the recruiter speak also (a list of possible questions to | | | | a good tip for life in general. |
| ask during an interview in English appears below). | | | | Here are a few questions you can ask during an |
| 3. Research the company and possibly the interviewer | | | | interview in English. Some can be asked during your |
| (if you know who it is beforehand) before arriving to | | | | first interview, while others should be left for second or |
| the interview. Knowledge is power. | | | | third interviews: |
| 4. During the interview, try to find the delicate balance | | | | 1. Who will supervise me? What can you tell me about |
| between professionalism and friendliness. In other | | | | them? |
| words, during the conversation, look for a balance | | | | 2. Can you expand on my duties for this position? |
| between discussing your work, and your professional | | | | 3. Are there any opportunities for advancement in this |
| experience and expertise, and a friendly discussion | | | | company/role? (better left for later interviews) |
| about issues that are not directly related to the position. | | | | 4. What are the parking arrangements? (for later |
| It's important to convey the message that while you're | | | | interviews) |
| very professional and experienced, you're also friendly | | | | 5. What does the compensation package contain? (for |
| and easy to work with and it's possible to talk to you | | | | later interviews) |
| about non-work related issues. Try to "read" the | | | | 6. What are the working hours for this position? (for |
| interviewer and feel your way through that balance. | | | | later interviews) |
| 5. Always answer the recruiter's questions in a positive | | | | 7. What issues/areas will I have influence over in this |
| and optimistic manner. It doesn't mean that everything | | | | position? |
| was wonderful at your previous jobs and your | | | | 8. What are your expectations (or "my supervisor's |
| previous bosses were angels and everything was | | | | expectations") from this position? |
| lovey-dovey. It does mean that there are ways to | | | | 9. If I get the job, when am I expected to start? |
| convey dissatisfaction from previous jobs or bosses | | | | 10. What is the dress code for this position? (for later |
| without making them look awful. And even when you | | | | interviews) |
| do choose to criticize a place or boss, make sure to | | | | 11. What skills am I expected to already possess |
| end on a positive note-make an effort to find a | | | | before starting the job, and what skills am I expected |
| redeeming quality about the place or person. | | | | to acquire after I begin? |
| 6. Dress professionally. Shave, comb your hair, lightly | | | | 12. Until when do you need an answer? |
| apply perfume or aftershave, and dress appropriately. | | | | 13. What do you like / dislike about the company? |
| 7. Stay optimistic, positive, and confident. The | | | | 14. May I get your business card? |
| companies that do not appreciate such qualities in a | | | | I would love to hear about interesting or weird |
| candidate are rare. | | | | interviews you've had. |
| 8. Do not apologize for past mistakes. These were | | | | Good luck. |