What's the best way to ace an interview when you don't have recent experience?

Question

I've been searching for work since last May, had around a hundred interviews, several possible job connections, only to have them fall through. I need something quickly and in the Vancouver area... anyone have any ideas?

Answer 1

Research the job that you are applying for, research the company and what they are looking for..then come in the interview with the confidence that you will be a good contribution to their firm. With the information you acquire based on your research, highlight the important job skills that they are looking for, and make that as the highlight of your interview- meaning highlight your strengths based on what they are seeking in the candidate and what the job entails. Remember that the fact that they invited you into the interview is an indication that they already see you as a "possible" candidate for a job offer- meaning, they see that you have potential to join their firm. The interview process is a way to confirm whether you will fit into their organization and whether you will be able to contribute and be an asset to them based on your skills and qualifications. Since you do not have much experience, you need to sell yourself- your skills and your willingness to work hard and learn. Always come in there with confidence. Remember that you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. You wouldn't want to work for a company you don't feel comfortable working for, would you?

Best of luck and never lose faith! Always believe in what you have to offer and be positive...that's the first step!

Answer 2

Charity,

The very fact that you have interviewed several times points out that perhaps the issue is not with your resume and your qualifications are defnitely allowing you to get your foot in the door. Your lack of experience doesn't seem to be turning away employers as they are calling you for interviews. So lets look at the other aspect of your search - Your Interview.

In all probability, its in the interview that you are not allowing your full potential to be recognized by the employer. There are several ways in which we can send the wrong signals. Please avoid the common pitfalls.

- Be on time
- Dress formally and appropriately
- Research the company before going in for an interview
- Research the department if you can ( Yahoo Answers helps.! You just need to ask the question )

Once we have the basics straight, we need to tackle the interview itself. Always have a smile on your face when answering questions, ask for clarifications if the question is not clear, wait a few seconds before you answer questions ( Its OK to take some time to put your thoughts together ). Do take notes while giving an interview. An interview should be a conversation in which as you reveal your potential and qualities, you also learn about the company and more specifically about the department and people you are going to be potentially working with. This is a golden opportunity to jot down some hot points which you can later reiterate as to what you can do to help improve the situation / project etc.

It will also help to go to your local library and get a book on behavioral interviews. More and more employers are relying on asking open end questions like, "Tell me about a time when you failed to achieve the desired results?" or like "Tell me about a time something went wrong and what was your reaction to it". Sit with a friend/relative and answer these questions with them. ( Try a book called KNOCK EM DEAD) Identify situations where some of these behavirial questions fit in and practise them. It is important to clear and candid while answering questions and a little bit of prep time can get you a long way towards getting your dream job.

Lastly, be flexible with the employer. Make sure you tell the employer that you are willing to work hard and compensate for your lack of experience by your hard work and dedication. A good personality and attitude combined with acumen and willingness to learn is what most employers want in their new hires. Experience though helpful is not the sole criteria for hiring new hires for entry level positions ( which is what I assume you are applying for ).

Wish you the very best of luck.

Regards
Amit

Answer 3

Best thing to do is keep your hopes alive, and keep trying.

But, you also need to try and convert some of your life skills, and some skills you have had in the past into transferrable skills. Without knowing the kind of job you're looking for, it's difficult to tell you what to say, but let's assume you're going for some managerial level position - you might be a parent, so you can say that you have negotiation skills, time management skills, things like that - the more information, in terms of "database searched" skills might get your resume pulled by a recruiter to ask you to come in for a job interview. The interview then is up to you to shine, but that's a way to at least get a foot in the door.

Good luck with your hunt.
JG

Answer 4

First of all, you need a good answer about this gap in your work history. Employers will want to know this. You can always say you were self-employed or focusing on personal issues. Think about how you're answering their other questions, too. When they ask about your weakness, can you find a way to turn it into a strength? If your answers make you sound like you have had interpersonal issues in the past, they will NOT want to hire you. If you need something quickly, try a temp agency. If you need some more experience, volunteer. This will add to your resume and give you some transferable skills to take to your next job. Good luck!

Answer 5

My best advice would to speak about your dedication and goals. How you would make the difference if you were given the opportunity. I was in management . One thing I know for sure we as managers are looking for people to train rather who know what they are doing. Most of the time too much experience can be a down fall. Most people who are well experienced do things their way, then the way the company wants you do to it. So turn the table around with questions for the interviewer to answer. Show your charachter as well as your dedication

Answer 6

There's a great article on acing interviews at the site link below. Check it out and see what you think.