Quick! Any tips on how to have a great interview?

Question

Hi! I have an interview tomorrow and I need all the tips I can get.

I'm a temp here and I've been working this assignment for almost a year and a half.
The company's gone through an acquisition and during that period there was a freeze on new hires. Now that the freeze is off, the company posted my job publicly. (I assume there are fair-hiring laws that required them to do this!)
Long story short, I have to interview tomorrow for my own job!
As expected, I'm a little nervous about having an interview...

Please let me know a little about the best interview(s) you've had, why it was so great, and any advice you may have.
I just need a little boost from my fellow Yahoo-ers! Thanks!

Answer 1

Just so you know, most companies do this because they want to make sure they have the right person for the job.

I want you to think in terms of what you have accomplished in this job. Make a list of your accomplishments and how you have helped this company.

Stay focused and positive.

I also want to tell you a little secret. I worked as a temp for almost a year and then my job got bumped into by an employee whose position was eliminated. I made sure I left on very good terms with the employer and on a positive note. And you know what happened? Another department in the same company remembered me and a year later a job opened in the company and when I walked into that interview, they said to me that the job was mine if I wanted it. Because the supervisor already knew my work ethic and knew I would be a good fit.

So, even if the job gets offered to another person, it's not the end of the world. Ask them for a letter of recommendation if they don't offer you the job and leave smiling and thanking them for the time. Because you never know what the future might offer.

But back to the interview. Stay focused and when they ask you questions, explain to them how you can do the job and why. This is your time to shine with them and politely remind them of what you can do for them.

I'll be rooting for you!!

Answer 2

I am a senior level executive with the government and I do A LOT of hiring. Here's some quick tips for what I look for in an interviewee.

1) Dressed appropriately. It's a job interview. You need to look nice, but not TOO nice. Professional attire is appropriate, not what you'd wear to a club or a wedding. This tells the interviewer that you have some manners and know how to be appropriate in social circumstances.

2) Confidence. Interviewees should shake hands, sit in the chair comfortably (not like you're waiting on the principal), look the interviewer in the eye, and answer questions with confidence. Try not to look down at your hands or the ground and don't fidget. These are all "tells" that says "I don't know what I'm doing."

3) Be friendly. When hired you're going to have to work with this person, so make an effort to smile and be cordial. Chat a little. A good interviwer wants to hear some small talk to learn about what you're really like. Turn the tables on your interviewer - quickly look around their office and get an idea of what THEY'RE like. Look at family pictures, trophies, diplomas, sports memorabilia, etc and sculpt your small talk to fit the person's interst.

4) Do not be late. Period. If you come early, don't come TOO early, no more that fifteen minutes. But do not be late. That is the kiss of death. I wouldn't hire a person late to an interview for any reason.

5) Be calm. Don't act frazzled or over sped up. Don't drink a lot of coffee or tea beforehand.

I assume you already know your stuff or your wouldn't be applying for the job. The key to a good interview is appearence. You can make a good impression by being confident and relaxed - like you do this thing everyday. That's what a good boss is really looking for.

Answer 3

Don't be nervous. I know it's tricky but I've interviewed people who were probably perfect for the job but came in too nervous and made a complete hash of impressing me.

Talk about the job you've been doing, have some idea on where you like it to go forwards looking. Enthuse about the chance to be a full time employee rather than a temp - be a proper part of the team and all that crud.

And yeah, there are laws about having to advertise each job as it comes up.

Answer 4

always have your resume with you (even if they have a copy) keep it in a neat folder of some sort..makes it look more professional. Have clean, non chipped nails ;) obviously you know to wear something professional. Always make eye contact and make sure you always highlight your greatest attributes. When they ask "what are your downfalls" say things like : "well, I am extremely organized, sometimes TOO much that it makes me almost crazy" or something like that...make your weakness seem like it's also a strong point. Like, " I ALWAYS have to be on time no matter what I do..that if im not I get hard on myself..". That is a strong point because you are ON TIME..but a weak point because you should not get down on yourself if you are late once in a while. Im sure you'll get back your job. (I just had to re interview for a temp position too. I got the job!) goodluck :)

Answer 5

Be relaxed and confident, but not arrogant. You are an obvious choice for this position because you have so much experience doing it, but don't let that lure you into taking the interview for granted. There will be competition it sounds like, so you should take it seriously without letting it get you flustered.

Dress one step up from your typical work-wear so you look "nice" because it shows that you take the interview seriously.

Answer the questions you are asked completely but concisely. Don't ramble but be complete.
Keep everything you say positive. Every workplace has problems, but business is about seeing problems as opportunities to improve and get better.

Answer 6

Dress well in a neutral colored suit or jacket pant combo.
Don't wear too much perfume, smile and be your natural self.obviously the previous owners have valued the job you have done for them or you wouldn't have been there for a year.Take your resume with you and relax- you'll do fine.

Answer 7

Be honest, but always promote your qualities that make you right for the job. You know the job and the duties it requires, so relax and don't get flustered.

Answer 8

Be enthusiastic. Interviewers LOVE enthusiasm. Don't worry about being nervous because they understand how you feel.