Job Skills Workshop: Interview Skills

Summary

This video provides essential tips for acing job interviews in a digital age. It covers everything from appropriate attire and body language to the importance of consistency and honesty in responses. The video offers guidance on how to leave a lasting impression by asking insightful questions about the company culture and growth, and how to follow up with a personalized thank-you note. With advice on handling tough interview questions and reflecting on your performance, it equips job seekers with the tools needed for success in interviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dress professionally for your interview, ideally in business casual attire with solid, neutral colors.
• 😀 Be mindful of your appearance, ensuring your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and without damage.
• 😀 Avoid excessive jewelry, accessories, or strong scents to maintain a professional image during in-person interviews.
• 😀 Listen carefully to interview questions, and avoid interrupting. Take your time to provide thoughtful and consistent answers.
• 😀 Focus on your commitment to the profession and your confidence in succeeding in the role.
• 😀 Ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the company’s culture, growth, and future direction.
• 😀 At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time and ask about the next steps in the hiring process.
• 😀 Follow up with a personalized thank-you note, highlighting your strengths and addressing any questions you couldn’t fully answer.
• 😀 Be cautious with follow-ups; send your thank-you note within a day and wait one week to follow up if no response is given.
• 😀 When explaining a gap in employment, highlight transferable skills or positive experiences gained during the gap.
• 😀 Always frame answers to negative questions (like why you left your last job) in a positive light, avoiding any criticism of previous employers.

Q & A

What should you wear to an interview?

You should dress appropriately for the industry you're interviewing for, typically business casual. Choose solid colors and neutral tones, avoiding flashy accessories and heavy jewelry. The focus should be on you, not your outfit.

How important is your appearance during an interview?

Your appearance is important because it gives the interviewer an impression of your professionalism. Ensure your clothes are clean, free of stains, wrinkles, and any damage. You should also avoid overpowering scents or too many accessories.

What should you avoid talking about during an interview?

Avoid speaking negatively about previous employers. Even if your past job had issues, focus on the positive aspects and how the experience helped you grow. Negative comments may raise concerns that you could speak similarly about the current employer.

How should you handle tough interview questions, like why you are leaving your current role?

Always focus on the positive when explaining why you are leaving your current job. Emphasize your desire for new challenges or opportunities for growth, rather than criticizing your previous role or employer.

Why is it important to ask questions at the end of an interview?

Asking thoughtful questions shows you're genuinely interested in the company and the role. It also helps you assess whether the company culture and the role are a good fit for you. Questions about the company's future, culture, and next steps in the process are particularly valuable.

What is a good question to ask about the company's culture?

You can ask, 'What do you love most about working for this company?' This question provides insights into the company's culture and the interviewer's personal experiences, helping you understand whether you'd be a good fit.

How can you follow up after an interview?

Send a thank-you note to each person you interviewed with. Make sure the note is personalized and addresses the specific details discussed during the interview. Follow up after a week if no timeline was given, or every two weeks if the hiring manager gave a specific timeframe.

What should you include in a thank-you note?

In your thank-you note, recap your strengths related to the role and express your excitement about the opportunity. Be sure to mention your interest in moving forward and offer to provide any additional information if necessary.

How should you handle an employment gap during an interview?

If you have a gap in your employment history, focus on any skills or experiences you gained during the gap. Emphasize how those skills are transferable and could benefit the role you're applying for.

What should you do if you feel an interview didn’t go well?

If the interview didn’t go as planned, reflect on what went wrong and identify areas for improvement. Consider sending a follow-up thank-you note, addressing any questions you didn’t answer well and reaffirming your interest in the position.