Getting the Job

Wednesday, 19 January 2011 12:56

You’ve graduated. You need a job. What’s standing in your way? The interviewer, sitting at a desk, twirling a pen like a warden jingles keys, can unlock the door to your future—if you can convince them you deserve it.

By Stephanie Granada

Job interviews intimidate, confuse and stupefy the best of us.

We talked to Beth Hanneman, assistant director for employer relations at the University of Florida Career Resource Center, for strategies to help you stay in the running.

"You don't want to be a knock-out factor," she says. "You need to make the employer remember you and want you back."

Help Wanted: Preparation

- Do your homework. This is the No. 1 way applicants mess up. Research the company beyond their website. You’ll have a better idea of what questions you should be prepared to answer.

- Plan ahead. Plan your route so you’ll have plenty of time to get there. Set aside everything you need to avoid last-minute surprises.

- Practice. Sit in front of a mirror and record yourself speaking to get comfortable with your voice and presence. Enlist a friend to get a second opinion.

Looks Easy: First Impressions

- Your interview starts as soon as you walk in the door. Be kind and professional with everyone. You never know who has a say in hiring.

- Display enthusiasm and energy. Have a strong, confident handshake and good eye contact. Be comfortable with warm-up conversation, but don't get too personal.

- Dress professionally—no matter what the industry. If your grandmother wouldn’t approve of your outfit, don't wear it.

Body of Work: Body Language

- Look professional and interested. Don’t sit too far forward and don’t slouch. Sit as you would when you are engaged in a normal conversation or an interesting class.

- Find a home base for your hands. They shouldn’t be in your pockets, tucked under your legs or fidgeting. Use them to emphasize your points, but don't wave them wildly.

- Nothing should be done too much or too little (nodding, eye contact, hand animation). Use body language to show interest but not like you would in a conversation with friends.

Say It Right: What to Say

- Emphasize skills that are related to the industry and consider why the employer is asking the question. They don't want to know about your cat or fourth-grade spelling bee championship.

- Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method when answering behavior questions (i.e., “Tell me a time when you acted as a leader.”).

- When asked general questions, tell a story like you were taught in first grade, with a beginning, middle and end.

- Employers are looking to see that you fit what is on your resume and are able to handle the company's work environment. No matter what curveball questions are thrown your way, remain calm, assess why the employer is asking the question and demonstrate logic and creativity in answering.

Think Thanks: Following Up

- State if you are still interested in the position. The interview is a way for you to gauge whether the company is a good fit for you.

- Follow up with a thank-you note. If the employer is making decisions within a couple days, send an e-mail. If you have more time, send a hand-written note. Thank-you notes show initiative and resourcefulness.

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