I Graduated, Yay! Now I have to convince the employer, that I worth a $100K job

I worth a lot more, but I will settle for a $100K for now

Well done. You have crossed the first line of victory towards a bright future. You have earned your Master of Science in Learning Technology. An outstanding academic accomplishment. Only 9.3% of the nation’s adults achieve this feat.  Let me congratulate you for the big success. You are ready now to prove your earned skills to the world. But there is another hurdle to get over with, and that is the job interview. Your discussions with your potential employer would determine if you’re a good fit for the role he is looking for.  At the same time, understand that interviewing is a two-way street. It is a mutually-beneficial conversation, for both the employer and you, not a race to get hired. For many job seekers, both those fresh out of school and more seasoned professionals, interviewing can be a highly confusing and anxiety-provoking process that leaves even the most experienced professionals flustered, insecure and unsure how they fared once the interview is over.

On the day of the interview, you may feel really nervous, but don't worry about being nervous or stressed. The key to a successful experience is to prepare for the interview, practice interviewing ahead of time, dress appropriately, and try to stay calm.

The do’s and don’ts of job interviewing have been the subject of thousands of articles and posts. Make sure that you know well about your targeted organization and the position you are applying for. Take a deeper understanding of the role you would be taking. Ask yourself; "Why am I the best person for this job?” and come out with really good answers regarding your skills, temperament, interests, and development goals. You are here to sell yourself and the market is saturated with candidates with better or at least with at the same credentials as you have. You have to outshine others, be prepared for a fierce competition.

Here are some of the Do’s and Don’ts of a job interview. Complying these is very likely land you the job unless you were recommended by the interviewer’s mother in law:

·         Never assume that you can “Nail it” and be impressive without trying, or without advanced preparation. Prepare well, rather very well.

·         On the day of the interview: Shake hands firmly, make eye contact, and smile when you are introduced to your interviewer/s. Avoid having a limp, sweaty, or clammy handshake!

·         Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting.

·         Keep s positive posture and body language. Sit upright with your shoulders back.

·         Exchange business cards with each person who interviews you.

·         Be confident in your skills and abilities when you are talking to the interviewer.

·         Be honest. If you lack any skill, simply admit it. Assure your employer that you are a quick learner and you could attain it very soon.

·         Make eye contact and avoid distractions while conversing to your interviewer.

·         Don’t show a lack of enthusiasm. Why would they hire you if you as a candidate not being excited about the company’s mission and vision?

·         Explain yourself whenever possible. Describe those things that showcase your relevant talents, skills, and determination. Give detailed examples of your accomplishments if possible.

·         Don’t talk too much. Remember that this is a professional encounter, not a casual chat session. Understand that the interviewer wants you to answer the question fully but be concise in your answers.  The longer you talk, the higher your chances of turning the interviewer off with your answer. Prepare well for the interview is the key.

·         Never ever trash a previous employer. The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things about your previous employer. No matter how reasonable your complaints, you will come out the loser.

·         Never bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems, unless asked to do so. Also, don’t ask your interviewer any personal questions.

·         Avoid using poor grammar, bad language, slang, and pause words such as “like,” “uh,” and “um”.

·         Don’t forget to ask questions. Asking intelligent questions about the job, the employer, and the company illustrates your enthusiasm and interest in the position and how much the company values you. Appropriate questions would also determine if the company will be a good place for you to work. Ask your questions throughout the interview, as appropriate, unless you are instructed to hold your questions until the end.

·         Do not act desperate, as though you would take any job with the employer.

·         Don’t talk too soon about money. It’s an immediate turn-off. The interviewer is definitely going to think, “Why should I talk about the offer before I know if I am going to make one?”.

·         Turn off your cell phone. Yes, turn it off. Being interrupted by a cell phone completely undermines your qualification. Getting hired would be a very difficult feat if you got a call during your interview.

·         Once the interview wraps up, close the interview by telling the interviewer/s that you’re very interested in the job. Ask if they have any concerns about your qualifications or fit for the job and the organization. Also inform the interviewers that if they think of additional questions at a later point, to reach out by phone or email.

·         Always follow up immediately with your thank you notes or emails to each interviewer.

Now you are prepared well for the interview. Go forward and rock it well. And when you land your dream job, put up your best and prove that you are worthy of your employer’s trust.

Reference:

Schwartzberg, J. (n.d.). These big blunders could be the reason you didn't get the job. In Things, you should never do on a job interview.