As I am coming to the end of my degree, it has left me thinking a lot about getting a job and how to make employees see me as an asset to their team. I’m not going to beat about the bush, I am feeling slightly anxious about the whole thing and how I will get along with nerves, and interviews, and selling myself as a prospective candidate. I’m hoping that everyone else is feeling like this too?
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| Don't be an interview Dummy |
In light of this I decided to create a list of attributes that will help people who are also soon to be facing the world of work by preparing them for interviews. I have put together my five top skills that I think will help increase your chances in an interview:
1. Preparation. McRae believes the key to success in the workplace is preparation [1998:41]. In an interview it is important to find out about the background of the company, this makes it seem as though you are interested in what they do. Also prepare using your CV, revise the areas they are likely to ask you about and think about what you want them to know about you.
2. Assertiveness. Being assertive makes you appear confident and expressive. However, be mindful that you are not being aggressive [Back, K et al. 2005].
3. Nonverbal. Employees are essentially judging you on everything, so your nonverbal language is equally as important as verbal. Open gestures make you seem friendly, whilst body language such as good posture and positioning yourself toward to interviewer make you seem more involved, and therefore employable.
4. Enthusiasm. By appearing enthusiastic you make yourself appear more interested, and also interesting. You will also come across more friendly and approachable.
5. Negotiate. Negotiations is an important element when looking for a job as you need to be able to come to an agreement on what they are willing to offer and what you are willing to accept, this is in relation to salary, perks, and also negotiating why you are the best candidate for the job. However, be mindful that you have rationale for any negotiations you are willing to make [Thompson. 2005]
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| "You're hired!" |
So, have these helped? Are you feeling more positive about interviews? Or what alternative skills do you think are important?
