If you have a job interview coming up, then congratulations are in order! This is a big step in landing a job. An interview means that your skills align with the job description, and the company wants to learn more about you. Heading to a job interview for a job you really want can be nerve-wracking, but there are some things you can do to prepare and make you feel less anxious. The first step is knowing how to answer those difficult interview questions. The following guiding principles are designed to help you prepare for your interview, and are just a snapshot of what you can expect from our no-cost career center.
Be honest.
It’s important to showcase your skills, but don’t ever fudge or fake something just to get the job.
Don’t use filler words.
Silence can feel awkward, especially in an interview, but it’s better than saying, “um” or “hmm” in an interview. Silence might also provoke the interviewer to start talking again, giving you more time to think about your answer.
Speak loudly.
Take your normal voice and add a couple of octaves. It might sound weird to you, but it’s better than the interviewer asking you to repeat yourself.
Know yourself.
Sometimes the hardest question to ask is, “Tell me about yourself.” Make sure you know the skills and personality traits that you want to mention ahead of time.
Get personal.
If you resort to humor in uncomfortable situations, use it! Let your personality shine and be open about your personal life when appropriate.
Ask clarifying questions.
If you’re unsure about a question, you can follow up with another question. You’ll likely get more information, and the interviewer might even provide a few examples.
At Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, we’re devoted to helping the community by fighting unemployment through our no-cost career center and online career resources. Whether you need help developing your resume, defining your skill set and applying for jobs, or simply want to brush up on your interviewing skills, our career centers can help! If you’re currently applying for jobs and looking for more resources, sign up for our online career services tips or find a career center near you.
