Job interviews can be both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. What are you doing to give you the best possible chance for success each time you enter an interview?
For some people, they can adjust at a moment’s notice. This means nailing their interviews with little or no preparations. Meantime, others need prep time to learn more about the brand they are interviewing with. They also need time to rehearse how they will speak and act in front of an interviewer.
It is important that you have as much confidence as possible in any interview that comes your way.
So, what is your confidence level heading into your next sit-down or phone interview?
Is Your Background Going to Come up?
In most cases, your background to one degree or another will come up during your next interview.
This means you could have to discuss your past or present job history to some length. While personal questions not in most cases a part of an interview, don’t discount them altogether. You might be asked about where you see yourself living down the road etc.
With a background check, don’t think companies in today’s digital age are not investigating. This is why you need to have an answer to the question of what will a background check show?
Among some of the items that could show up in a background check on you:
- Any issues you may have had with a former employer
- Any DUIs or other driving related problems
- Any run-ins with the law outside of driving i.e. domestic violence etc.
- Any financial problems such as filing for bankruptcy
Some employers may do a license plate search to indicate any past driving issues. Once again, always be ready to address any potential hot topics about your background.
By being ready to answer about any past or current issues in your life, you will come across as better prepared. If you seem unprepared, it could prove to be your downfall.
Do Your Own Research
As companies will research you, it behooves you to do the same with them. Nothing is worse than an interview where one has no knowledge about the company they could work for.
By doing a little research before your interview, you should be able to answer the following:
- What does the company do?
- Approximately how many people work there?
- How long has the company been in business?
- What specific skills are they looking for in the position you are interviewing for?
Exude Confidence Each Time Out
Though many people are nervous before and at a job interview, exuding confidence is key.
Do your best to show the interviewer you are confident in your abilities to do the job if you get the position.
Given costs to rehire for positions, show a potential employer they’d make a great choice in hiring you.
About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.
