I have made the decision to put out some feelers for a new job. I am nervous, though, b/c I haven't been on an interview in almost 5 years!
What are some things I can do to prepare? Does anyone know any good mock-interview questions I can go over?
I've always been pretty good in interviews. I have been offered (but not accepted) every job I have interviewed for. But I don't want to just depend on "instinct". I feel the need to prepare myself. Can you help me?
I would go to B and N and buy a book. I always like to review interview books before I go on an interview.. They really help refresh your vocabulary and will help you with some key words that you want to say about yourself.
I interview people quite frequently, and my advice is:
A. Make good eye contact. Often when you are nervous it is hard to make eye contact, but you need to do this. I HATE interviewing someone and they look away.
B. Answer the question they ask. It is a definite plus to keep the conversation rolling and offer more information, but it is terrible when the interview candidate completely forgets to answer the question.
C. Talk a lot. I don't usually come with a list of prepared questions, so it is very helpful if the interview candidate is more open and talkative that way I can find questions. Plus it helps the interviewer get to know you and your personality and if you will fit in.
D. Always answer the question. Take a few seconds if you don't know the answer (in a technical interview or something like that) and think through your response. If you don't know the answer say "I don't know, but I think it might be...". This is for technical interviews. For standard personality interviews- ALWAYS answer the question. If you don't have a good one make up something (make it believable, don't say something that doesn't fit with your personality or what your resume states).
If you have any specific questions let me know. Don't worry you will do fine!!
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"Despite all your best intentions, sometimes, fate wins anyway."
If the place you are applying to has a website or something, research it so you can make references to thier company and what they do there and how you would fit in.
Almost every job I've interviewed for, the interviewer has asked "Why do you want this job?," so be prepared for a really good answer to that question... something that shows you are knowledgeable about what the job entails and that you're excited by it.
I also agree with JoceyBaby23's suggestion about buying a book, just as a refresher... check out reviews first on amazon.com.