How to successfully pass an interview. How to behave at an interview to get hired? Agree on feedback

Everyone has had the opportunity to participate in an interview at least once in their life. Some took part as a candidate for a vacancy, while others, on the contrary, acted as an assessing party, being a potential employer. Depending on the rules adopted in different companies and even industries, there are different practices for organizing this conversation between the two parties.

Why do you need an interview?

An interview is the process of communication between an employer and a candidate who is applying for an open position in a company. As a rule, the complete organization of the interview falls on the shoulders of the HR manager or HR manager. This person must first find a suitable candidate, get management approval of his resume, and then arrange a meeting with the candidate. Some companies do not have a dedicated specialist to work with personnel, so organizational issues can be resolved by other people, for example, secretaries or managers directly interested in the new employee. Some people prefer to outsource personnel search issues to an agency or work with a remote freelance recruiter. In this case, the first interview takes place on the territory of the recruiting company.

An interview is necessary for both parties to make an initial assessment of each other. The employer evaluates the candidate's professional skills and psychological qualities, and the candidate first examines the potential place of work, gets acquainted with the list of possible tasks and often with his immediate superior.

What types and methods of interviewing exist?

Depending on the level of the position for which the candidate will be interviewed, the conditions of the interview and its goals, recruiters can use different types and methods of interviews:

• structured interview;
• situational or case interview;
• projective interview;
• competency-based interview (behavioral);
• stress (shock) interview;
• brainteaser interview.

Some companies also deliberately practice the group interview format, which is not the most respected among applicants. Several applicants take part in it and are forced to compete with each other. The employer can choose the most interesting one from several candidates.

The personal practice of the author of this material shows that very often fragments of different types are collected in one interview. For example, a recruiter conducts a basic acquaintance with a candidate in the format of a structured interview, asking the expected questions about education and work experience. A potential manager participating in the first interview with a recruiter can ask several cases or arrange a short stressful interview.

Structured interview

The most common is a structured interview. This format is the most logical and simple from the point of view of organizing the event. The interview takes place in a one-on-one format. The employer's representative asks the applicant standard questions and receives direct answers about the candidate's education, qualifications, work experience, professional and life expectations. Such a conversation allows you to understand the level of compliance of the candidate with the formal requirements for the position, as well as how easily he will be able to fit into the work team.

Most often, the interview is conducted according to a given pattern.

Situational interview

A case interview implies that, in addition to standard questions, the candidate will be asked to solve several practical problems from the practice of a given company or industry as a whole. This way you can determine the candidate’s train of thought and predict how he will act in a work situation.

Projective interview

A projective interview involves a shift in emphasis from the candidate to an imaginary third party who solves some problems. The applicant’s task in this case is to comment as quickly as possible on the actions of the people participating in the situation given by the interviewer. This method is based on the principle that each of us has a tendency to analyze the actions of others from the perspective of our own experience. So, in order to identify the candidate’s life values, they ask a question about why an employee could be fired, in which case an employee might steal from the employer or lie to him. Asking why people are late for appointments will help reveal attitudes toward punctuality.

Behavioral interview

The longest interview is usually the competency assessment interview. Here, it is the candidate’s professional experience that is closely studied, and the results of his answers are carefully assessed according to various types of scales (competencies).

Shock interview

A stress interview is used to assess the level of conflict and stress resistance of a candidate. This method is non-standard and is most often practiced in relation to representatives of certain professions. In particular, the ability to remain calm in the face of looming conflict is very useful for top managers, sales specialists, and insurance agents. It is very easy to understand that you have become a participant in a stressful interview. The interviewer may deliberately provoke conflict, make inappropriate comments and ask inappropriate questions in order to unsettle the candidate.

Brainteaser interview

Brainteaser interviews are used to assess candidates' creativity. To successfully pass such an interview, the candidate must demonstrate a level of resourcefulness sufficient to solve non-standard logical problems and strong independent work skills.

A long wait before a meeting may not be the interlocutor’s forgetfulness, but a test of stress tolerance

Other types of interviews

When organizing interviews today, various special communication tools are widely used. In general, it should be noted that the interview format very much depends on the level of the position for which the candidate is applying, as well as on the industry itself within which the person wants to work. Thus, to select performers of creative professions (film actors, models, etc.), the interview is called casting or audition and takes place in a format that differs significantly from the introductory interview for office employees.

New forms of interviewing have also opened up thanks to the availability of modern technologies. Thus, video interviews are becoming increasingly widespread in some circles. Such interviews can be organized using various computer services, the most famous of which is Skype. The convenience of this format lies in the fact that both the applicant and the recruiter, as well as other interview participants, can be located in different parts of the world. The main condition for conducting an interview via Skype is a good Internet connection. Many IT companies conduct at least one of the first interviews with a candidate this way.

There are also special services that allow you to conduct video interviews using a different principle. Its essence is that first the recruiter records his questions to the candidate on video, then the candidate answers these questions in front of the video camera and sends his answer to the recruiter. He can view the candidate’s answer at any convenient time. This format helps the HR specialist to process a larger number of applications.

Video: types of job interviews

How is the interview going?

A common practice today is to conduct a whole chain of job interviews. A modern candidate will have to go through two to five interviews before receiving the coveted offer. There are no uniform requirements for the number of interview stages, and each company independently determines the procedure for communicating with candidates for each vacancy.

Communication most often begins through telephone conversations or email correspondence. If a recruitment agency is looking for candidates, the first contact can also be made by the manager of this agency.

The first interview at a company traditionally takes place with the HR manager. To save time, some employers prefer to conduct the first conversation over the phone or Skype. Adherents of more conservative methods immediately invite the candidate to the office. At this stage, the HR specialist assesses the overall adequacy of the candidate, as well as compliance with the formal criteria for the vacancy. Some positions require mandatory preliminary testing of the candidate. After the level of professional competencies is confirmed, line managers and, in some cases, top management of the employing company are involved in the interviews.

Of course, we are not always talking about such a long chain of interviews. In most cases, people try to save their time and make a job offer after two or three interviews.

The pattern of each interview in the chain is to some extent standard and determined by the receiving party. As a rule, the recruiter sets the pace and general mood of the conversation. The professionalism of this person also largely determines the results of the interview and the conclusions that each party will draw for itself. Most often, the conversation flow looks like this:

1. The recruiter offers the candidate the opportunity to tell about himself what the latter considers significant in the context of a specific vacancy.
2. Those present ask him various clarifying questions.
3. If a potential manager participates in the meeting, he may ask the applicant to solve or comment on any problem from the practice of the enterprise.
4. After the employer's participants have found out everything they are interested in about the candidate, it will be his turn to ask questions about the company.

What questions are often asked to candidates and how to answer them correctly

Candidates can be asked absolutely any question during an interview. Of course, most of the questions will be standard and aimed at finding out various formal details of the applicant’s biography. Answer questions about where you studied and worked calmly, confidently and truthfully. There are no special tricks here.

A well-prepared candidate should not be stumped by interview questions

Questions with a greater degree of abstraction will turn out to be much more interesting and complex - those for which there may not be a single correct and unambiguous answer. It is important to remember that when you are asked such a “strange” or “stupid” question, the recruiter will be interested not so much in the content of the answer as in your first reaction. The question may be aimed at something unpleasant for you, at a point in your biography or resume that may cause negative emotions.

During interviews, people are often asked to tell us about their biggest failure and greatest success. When answering, you must be honest, since everyone has ups and downs, and a person who has never experienced either victory or defeat makes a rather negative impression.

Non-standard ones include, for example, the question of professional plans for the next five (ten, fifteen, and so on) years. Based on your answer, the recruiter will get an idea of ​​what direction you are interested in developing and whether you are even interested in what kind of career you are going to build. So, if you want to move to another country in a few years, you may not be hired to work for a government organization, but for an international corporation with offices in different countries, you will find yourself a very deeply motivated employee. The socially desirable response is to show that you are moderately ambitious and serious about your future. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that this answer will be followed by an insidious request to tell you what exactly you are already doing to achieve your goals. If you do not have a ready answer to this question, the previously announced plan will look like empty dreams and will not characterize you from the best side.

Often during interviews you can hear the question of how the candidate is engaged in his professional development. From your answer, the recruiter will understand whether you seriously identify with your chosen specialty, whether you are inclined to independently improve your qualifications, or whether you will only work from call to call. Be prepared for questions about the last professional book you read or training you completed. It is in the interests of a motivated applicant to be aware of the latest news in his industry, to be able to explain the contents of the top books in an understandable language, and to explain the methods used in the profession.

Don't try to make yourself look smarter than you really are. Using concepts and terms whose meaning you are not familiar with can backfire.

Video: common interview questions and answers to them

How to pass a job interview

You can easily find many articles on the Internet that tell you in detail what and how to do in order to pass an interview and receive a job offer. At the same time, if everything were so simple, the need for such articles would have disappeared long ago. It is important to understand that there is no magic pill, and not even the most detailed instructions can guarantee a positive outcome of the interview. Expert articles provide general recommendations, following which the candidate will feel more confident in the interview process and will be able to better understand the expectations of the opposing party.

How to prepare

First of all, you need to study all available information about a potential employer: website on the Internet, social networks, offline points of sale, publications in the media, blogs, and so on. You should not neglect this preliminary research, counting on the fact that you will be able to find your way around the place. It’s definitely worth checking the employer’s presence in various anti-ratings, looking for employee reviews, from which you can find out whether there are problems with paying wages, whether the management is adequate, and so on. Some candidates, having studied the employer in more detail, will prefer not to go for an interview at all, because they will come to the understanding that this company for some reason is not suitable for them. For those applicants who make it to the employer's office for a meeting on the appointed day and time, the results of these studies will also serve them well. It’s a rare interview candidate who manages to avoid being asked what he knows about the company he really wants to work for. Obviously, a person who has devoted at least some time to thematic Internet surfing will look much more advantageous against the background of citizens who did not want to pay attention to this issue.

Appearance during an interview is very important - the candidate’s clothing must match the general style of the company

For professionals applying for certain positions, for example, in the field of marketing, PR and public relations, preliminary research of the company in open sources is critical. When searching and analyzing information, they must not only form for themselves some kind of image of the company, but also note the strengths and weaknesses in promotion, and think through options for optimizing the strategy for working with the external environment. In 99 cases out of 100, the employer will ask the marketer to analyze the site as a test task, and the PR specialist will be asked how he will promote the company’s product or resolve conflicts on social networks.

When preparing for an interview, ask yourself why the employer needs a person for this vacancy, and what the company can expect from the candidate. Evaluate your resume through someone else's eyes and think about what slippery points there are in it, and how you will comment on them if asked. For example, breaks between jobs, frequent moves from place to place, short duration of work in specific companies.

Prepare questions that you will ask the recruiter about the company and the vacancy. In addition to the standard question about the content of the job, you have the right to inquire about the reason for the vacancy, in particular, whether it is a new position, which appeared, for example, due to the expansion of a department, the replacement of a departed employee, or the result of the owner dispersing the entire previous department in anger. An indirect sign by which a company can be assessed is the timing of publication of the recruitment announcement. That is, the length of time during which the employer cannot find a suitable candidate. Information about staff turnover can also say a lot about working conditions.

Video: preparing for an interview

How to behave correctly

If you arrive for an interview ahead of schedule and are asked to wait on a sofa in the lobby, try to make good use of that time as well. Instead of monitoring social media on your smartphone, look around you. You may be interested in the quality of the design of the premises, the convenience of the layout, and the appearance of the employees who catch your eye. Listen to how the receptionist answers incoming calls and how colleagues communicate with each other. If you smoke, go to your local smoking room before your interview. Sometimes you can learn all the ins and outs from conversations in an informal setting.

The author of this material has learned from his own experience that it is worth paying attention to such an ambiguous thing as toilets. Of course, the quality of the organization of the restroom cannot be the only argument in favor of accepting or refusing the offer, but an observant person will be able to draw the right conclusions for himself. The author once had the opportunity to attend an interview at a construction company focused on private suburban construction. In order to increase accessibility to potential clients, the company moved to an office near one of the central metro stations, but there was no increase in sales. The company's management saw the solution to the problem in strengthening the marketing department. The author was greatly embarrassed by a note taped to the toilet stall door, in which the unknown author appealed to his colleagues not to steal toilet paper and air freshener. This is unlikely to give potential clients a feeling of reliability and safety from interacting with the contractor. It is difficult to expect competent business decisions and at least some concern for staff from people for whom such inscriptions are not something out of the ordinary.

If you didn’t get a call back after the interview, be sure to try calling the recruiter to find out the real reason for the refusal. Try not to let the person try to get rid of you at any cost. Explain why you need truthful information. Do not try to challenge the results of the interview.

Typical mistakes during an interview

Every day, candidates make many mistakes in interviews. The most common is non-compliance with simple and well-known forms of ethics, politeness and business etiquette: arriving too early or late, dressing inappropriately, being the first to become familiar, or, conversely, being too stiff or formal when interviewers offer a soft and friendly manner of communication. Both lack of contact and excessive swagger will not work in your favor. It is necessary to be able to navigate the situation, feel the interlocutor and show flexibility, but be sure to maintain self-esteem in any atmosphere. So, it is useful to demonstrate interest in the job, but showing that you are ready to do anything to get this job is no longer correct. It is always recommended to maintain a balance, a golden mean.

Mistakes during an interview are largely due to the inability to leave a good impression.

You should not try to win over the interviewer or potential boss personally (making eyes, joking when inappropriate, being too verbose). You need to be able to hear what is being asked, clearly identify the main message of the question, answer concisely and specifically, and, if asked, expand the answer in more detail. Do not immediately answer in detail and start the conversation from afar.

An example of the correct answer.

Applicant: “6 people.”

An example of an incorrect answer.

Interviewer: “How many people were under your leadership in this project?”

Applicant: “People both in and out of state worked on this project, and several freelancers were also involved, who changed frequently...”

Often, candidates come to an interview without first studying the company and its position in the market. This is also a common mistake. Candidates who are unable to demonstrate even knowledge of the market and the industry as a whole display outright incompetence.

Overly frank candidates, as well as candidates who lie with inspiration, make a negative impression on the employer. The ideal tactic is to be honest, not to lie, but to hold back just a little on some details. For example, do not indicate the real reasons for leaving the company if the real reason was a serious personal conflict with management, regardless of whether you were right in this situation or not. Conflict is not the best characteristic of an employee. You shouldn’t lie in response to a direct question, but you also shouldn’t focus on the slippery aspects. During an interview, it is better not to lie at all. When you don't know something, you can say that you don't remember exactly, but you can guess and speculate a little on this topic if you are allowed. This behavior will give the impression of an honest person who does not give up and is ready to look for options.

Video: typical mistakes of job seekers

How to prepare for an interview in English or another language

Preparing for an interview in a foreign language essentially has few differences. Of course, a lot depends on how fluent you are in the language. Confidence in your language skills will make the interview process much easier for you. To refresh them, you can watch Youtube videos with typical questions and answers. There is no need to memorize ready-made answers. Recruiters are distrustful of candidates who answer very smoothly, in a well-trained voice and in an extremely logical and verified text. This answer contains all the indicators of memorization and over-preparedness for the interview. You must be confident and positive, but come across as natural. It is necessary to be natural, and not to pretend and seem.

Video: how to prepare for an interview in English if your English is not perfect

What methods of assessing candidates exist?

The candidate's assessment begins even before the interviewer's first call. This is a review of a resume and cover letter, which demonstrate skills in working with text, the ability to structure information and present it in writing, the level of Russian or foreign language, the adequacy of salary requests, and self-presentation skills. The next step is to evaluate the candidate over a telephone conversation. It is performed based on the tone and timbre of the applicant’s voice, as well as taking into account the content of the answers to the questions. Of course, the so-called human factor also plays a significant role here, so the first fleeting impression, even from a phone call, can ruin the situation for the candidate. That is why it makes sense to talk to a recruiter by phone only when you are really ready for it, that is, you are not busy with anything, you are not disturbed by extraneous sounds or involuntary witnesses, your voice is calm, and you can give thoughtful answers. If you do not feel mentally prepared for a telephone conversation, it is better to hang up the call or ask to call back at another time.

Objective assessment of a person is very difficult to perform, so there is no clearly recommended universal test or method for performing such an assessment. In fact, tests and methods are only a tool for collecting data about a person using a certain system. The main role in performing the analysis and conclusions belongs to the recruiter or other specialist.

To fairly evaluate an applicant, you must remember the following recommendations:

• It is worth assessing not so much the psychological and other qualities of a person, but his behavior and specific results of activity;
• not only the results must be taken into account, but also the conditions under which they were obtained;
• the results of formal tests can only be correctly assessed by an experienced recruiter who has rich professional and life experience and is a psychologically and socially mature person.

Methods used for assessment include:

• expert assessment method, when an industry expert, in the presence of an HR manager, communicates with a candidate in narrow professional or behavioral areas;
• professional testing to determine the candidate’s skill level or to identify, for example, creative abilities;
• solving cases and situational problems;
• filling out personal questionnaires;
• checking the recommendations submitted by the candidate.

In practice, recruiters most often use a combination of these methods, since each of them has both advantages and disadvantages. For example, a completed personality questionnaire may provide comprehensive information about a candidate, but the information may turn out to be implausible because a savvy applicant will figure out socially acceptable answers. Another option is that the personality questionnaire will show the candidate's sincere desire for a certain activity, but his professional experience and skills may not correspond to his desires at the moment.

The assessment of a potential employee can be carried out in different areas

There are also non-standard methods of assessing role models of behavior, for example, the film test. Its essence is that a person is asked about his favorite films or asked to evaluate situations from well-known films. Depending on what intentions and potential behavior a person will attribute to one or another character, an experienced researcher will draw conclusions about the person himself.

What is a Candidate Scorecard

Each position has a set of essential requirements for the candidate’s personal and professional skills. They are placed on a separate sheet, in which the assessing specialist assigns points or comments based on the applicant’s compliance with the required level. When each person present at the interview has such a sheet, all these questionnaires are taken into account in the final analysis. This approach allows you to evaluate the same quality from different angles.

Recommendation for applicants: under no circumstances try to look over the recruiter’s shoulder to find out what he writes on the evaluation sheet. Instead, make it a habit to take notes during the interview, too. This way you will make a positive impression on the employer, forming an image of a collected, rational and interested in analyzing the results of the meeting.

A case from the practice of an IT recruiter familiar to the author. During interviews, one of the technical candidates never hesitated to ask questions about unfamiliar terms or technologies that were new to him and made sure to write everything down in a notebook. In his free time, this person further studied information on the identified updates. This way he learned what was relevant in the market, what employers needed, and each subsequent interview, even if it did not end with a job offer, in any case made him more prepared. You can, of course, rely on your memory and not write anything down, but in this case, one of the employers really liked this person’s approach to self-education and his focus on self-development. The applicant’s life values ​​coincided with the corporate values ​​of a particular company, and our specialist received a working offer.

The evaluation sheet can also act as a mandatory reporting form when conducting an interview by a recruiting agency.

How to submit your interview results

The results of the interview are most often presented in the form of a score sheet. The more participants from the employer’s side take part in the meeting, the more voluminous the candidate’s “portrait” becomes. The most important are the assessments received from the applicant’s potential supervisor, as well as from a leading expert in this specialty.

Photo gallery: example of filling out an assessment sheet

First, basic information about the candidate is outlined. The candidate’s personal qualities can be assessed on various scales. The assessment of the candidate’s level of knowledge and skills will vary in different areas of activity. The assessment of the candidate’s experience is carried out depending on the specific requirements. The final entry in the evaluation sheet is recommendations for the candidate.

Job interview protocol

The interview protocol is a standard document and should include a brief summary of the candidate's assessment, conclusions about the strengths and risks that the interviewer discovered in him. Each company has the right to develop its own form of protocol.

Each company has the right to create its own standard protocol template

Of course, going through a work interview causes stress for the applicant. However, you can try to minimize emotional stress during the meeting by paying sufficient attention to the preparatory process. Inner peace and self-confidence will help the candidate maintain the right attitude during the interview and make a good impression on the potential employer.

So, you have been invited for an interview. Do you really want to work in this position and are very afraid of not passing the selection? Then you need to gather all your willpower and prepare for the conversation: think about your clothing style and rehearse your speech, taking into account likely questions.

11 basic interview questions and smart answers to them can be found here. How to answer complex and non-standard questions to please the employer? What questions the recruiter will ask depends on what position the employee is being hired for, however, as a rule, there is a standard set of questions that are asked to all applicants, which will be discussed below.

Before conducting an interview, the employer usually asks the applicant to fill out a special questionnaire, a sample of which can be viewed.

Lately, situational questions have been very popular, when the employer describes the situation and asks the applicant to choose the correct behavior in this situation.

11 main interview questions with answers

1. How to answer the question - Tell us about yourself at the interview.

When answering this question and other questions from the interviewer, remain calm and speak in a confident tone. Tell us what will be important for the employer to hear: place of study and specialty, work experience, knowledge and skills, interest in this particular work and personal qualities - resistance to stress, learning ability, hard work. This point is discussed in more detail in, where an approximate story of the applicant about himself is given, as well as recommendations on how best to answer.

2. What to answer at an interview to the question - Why did you quit?

When answering the question why you left your previous job, do not talk about conflicts at your previous job and do not speak badly about your boss or colleagues. You may be suspected of conflict and inability to work in a team. It is better to remember the positive moments from past experience, and name the reason for leaving as the desire to fully realize your abilities, the desire to improve your professional level and pay.

3. How to answer the question - Why do you want to work for us?

Start with the positive aspects of the company's work - stability and a professional, well-coordinated team, interest in the field of activity, and then add what attracts you to the position and work schedule, proximity to home, decent wages.

4. Why do you think you are suitable for this position?

How to answer the question - why should we hire you? Here you must prove very clearly and convincingly that you are the best specialist in this field. Tell us about the work of the company and the industry in which you are going to work, do not hesitate to praise yourself, tell us about your achievements.

5. How should you answer the question about shortcomings at an interview?

The question of shortcomings is quite a tricky one. It’s not worth posting your disadvantages as best you can. Name such “disadvantages” that look more like advantages. For example: I’m picky about my work, I don’t know how to distance myself from work. And it’s best to say neutrally: I, like everyone else, have shortcomings, but they do not in any way affect my professional qualities.

6 secrets for a successful interview

6. What strengths do you have?

• communication skills;
• learning ability;
• punctuality;
• diligence.

These are standard examples of advantages that are included in almost every application; they do not carry any special significance for the employer, and do not distinguish the applicant from others in any way.

It is better to talk at an interview about professional advantages that will be useful and interesting to the employer:

• I have experience in negotiations at various levels;
• easily conclude important agreements and contracts;
• I can organize my work day rationally, etc.

Such answers will attract attention and stand out among other answers.

7. What salary do you expect?

The services of a good specialist cannot be cheap. There is an option - name an amount higher than the average salary, or focus on the salary you received at your previous job and inflate it by 10 -15%. Stick to the golden mean, otherwise they may think that you are either a bad specialist or too ambitious.

8. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

Persistent and purposeful people set long-term goals for themselves and plan their personal and career growth. If you haven't thought about this question yet, do so before your interview. Focus on your desire to work in the same company, but during this time climb the career ladder.

Do not hide your previous place of work; be prepared to give the phone numbers of former colleagues and managers. If you hesitate or avoid answering this question altogether, the employer may assume that you want to avoid negative feedback.

10. Are you ready for professional workload?

The employer can hint at overtime in this way. In this case, ask how often they are possible: how many times a month or for how many hours. If you are ready for such conditions, then confirm your readiness for stress.

11. Do you have any additional questions?

It's time to find out the details of your future work: starting from the schedule and social networks. package, to the requirements for company employees. A person who does not ask questions after an interview shows disinterest. So there must be questions, and it is best to think through them in advance.

Examples of excellent, good and bad answers to interview questions:

Video - awkward interview questions

A worthy conclusion to the first stage of a long and difficult job search process will be an invitation to an interview.

How to pass an interview? How to behave? What to say at an interview? All these questions are of great concern to job applicants, and knowing the answers to them is one of the conditions for your employment. Before answering these questions, let’s first consider what an interview with an employer is.

A job interview is about finding out the applicant's experience., as well as his personal qualities, i.e. getting to know him.

An interview is a conversation between equal people, each of whom has his own position that has the right to exist, and a certain range of interests that can become common.

Even if you already have extensive job search experience, remember that It is necessary to prepare in advance for each new job interview.

As a rule, the most qualified specialists, who quite reasonably claim to have the best job, take a more responsible approach to interviews. Often, on the other hand, the lower the specialist’s bar, the less prepared he is for the interview. Therefore, whenever you receive an invitation for an interview, use the tips below:

A job interview should be viewed as a negotiation about a potential collaboration.

When building a partnership with a manager during an interview, it is important to:

• firstly, present yourself as a mature and formed personality, aware of your value and individuality (which increases your chances of success),
• secondly, it’s easier to accept a refusal, because in this case it will be the result of a difference of views, which cannot in any way diminish your dignity.

It will be easier for you to succeed in an interview if you:

• persistent
• stress-resistant
• friendly
• charming
• neat
• punctual
• responsible
• flexible (able to quickly adapt to the situation)
• are proactive

Behavior at an interview

• When you come to the office, try to be polite and patient with everyone.
• Conscientiously fill out all questionnaires and forms that are offered to you.
• Introduce yourself at the beginning of the interview. Ask what the name of the interlocutor is.
• Keep eye contact.
• Listen carefully to questions without interrupting the other person.
• If you are not sure that you understood the question well, do not hesitate to clarify ("Did I understand correctly that...").
• Avoid verbosity, answer to the point.
• Be objective and truthful, but don't be too revealing.
• When faced with the need to give negative information about yourself, do not deny facts that are true, but be sure to try to balance them with positive information about yourself.
• Conduct yourself with dignity, try not to give the impression of a loser or a distressed person; however, refrain from being provocative.
• If you are offered the opportunity to ask questions, be sure to ask, but don’t get carried away (2-3 questions).
• When asking questions, first of all be interested in the content of the work and the conditions for its successful completion.
• Avoid asking questions about pay at the first stage of the interview.
• Be sure to clarify how you will find out about the result of the interview, try to negotiate the right to call yourself.
• When concluding your interview, remember the usual rules of politeness.
• For many questions, you won’t have to prepare for an interview all over again each time. But on some points, each new employer needs to be approached taking into account its specifics; in order not to miss these features, time and effort are needed to prepare for the interview. However, remember that, first of all, the employer is interested in qualified specialists and professionals. Try to demonstrate your relevant qualities during the conversation.

And some more tips on how to pass a job interview:

• Before the interview, think about how you will dress. Appearance and demeanor are very important and practically determine the first impression.

  If you are going for an interview at a financial institution, choose a conservative business attire.

  If you are going to an interview with a construction organization or design firm, you can afford to dress in a more relaxed style.

  You can try to find out in advance whether the company has a business style or a more casual style of clothing, but in any case, it is better to dress more formally for the interview.

  If showing up to work in jeans is considered normal at this company, you can afford it when you start working, but you shouldn’t show up to an interview in a sweater and jeans.

  In any case, you should look neat and tidy.

  It is best for a woman to wear a formal suit or a fairly conservative dress for an interview, without going to extremes when choosing skirt length, colors and jewelry. Avoid wearing harsh perfume or cologne.

• Make sure in advance that you know how to get to the company building and where to leave the car. Leave the house early.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This will show that you respect the interviewer and value his time. If you are still late, try to call back and warn about the delay.
• Remember that when choosing from several equally qualified candidates, your ability to make a favorable impression during the interview will play a decisive role.
• Get a good night's sleep before going to the interview. Sleep-deprived people never make a good impression. Try to go to bed at your usual time, no earlier or later.
• Don't drink a lot of fluids. You may not be able to find a toilet in an unfamiliar organization and will feel bad during the interview.
• If you are introduced to someone, make every effort to correctly hear and remember that person's name. If you can immediately address your interlocutor by name, it will make a favorable impression. Asking again will reveal excessive nervousness.
• It is important to find out the duration of the interview and stick to the agreed time. This will help to correctly distribute the time between answers and questions, and determine the degree of detail of the answers.
• Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet in the office. Don't forget to smile when entering the interviewer's office.
• Don't forget how important body language is. Your handshake is no less important: your hand should be dry and warm; The handshake should be firm, but not too strong. Watch your posture, try to look into the eyes. However, do not take anything to extremes.
• Be sure to bring with you to the interview as many documents as possible confirming your qualifications, education and additional knowledge.
• If you are asked to fill out any forms, it is best to take them with you and return them as soon as possible. When working with them at home, practice on a rough draft. Remember that everything matters: literacy, blots, handwriting, and clarity of wording.
• Don't forget, when ending the conversation, agree on when and how you will learn about the results, and thank the interviewer.

When the interview is completed:

• You were asked to wait for an answer, promising to call. If the wait, in your opinion, is too long, do not hesitate to contact the company yourself. It's possible you'll get rejected (once you know this, you'll be able to focus your search efforts elsewhere). Or perhaps your call will allow the head of the company to solve the problem of choosing from many candidates in your favor.
• If you are still rejected, do not despair, because:
  • employers are people too and, like all normal people, they can make mistakes;
  • an interview, even if unsuccessful, is a coin in the treasury of your experience;
  • Well, who told you that this missed chance was your only one?

Appearance

You are going to your first meeting with an employer. According to the job description, everything suits you. Therefore, you prepare for the interview especially carefully: you make amendments to your resume, mentally think through answers to possible, including tricky, questions, and study the Russian-English phrasebook at night. Finally, you need to think about your appearance so that the employer has a favorable first impression of you.

Personal and corporate style

The style of clothing largely depends on the position and institution in which you are going to work.

• The closer your profession is to creativity, the fewer rules there are. A creative person needs to emphasize his individuality and, probably, it would not be very correct to give him advice - his creativity should prompt him.
• For representatives of conservative professions, the best option is fashionable classics. This means looking fashionable, but not provocative.

Accordingly, if you are going to work in a bank, you do not need to have a nose ring. And you don’t come to work at a nightclub buttoned up in a strict classic suit.

There is one win-win option. If you have not been to this institution before and are not familiar with its procedures, before deciding what to wear, take a walk in front of your future place of work and observe what people wear there. Try to wear the same style during the interview.

Hairstyle

The quality of a haircut is immediately visible, especially on short hair, so before getting a job you should go to a salon where the haircut is not the cheapest.

• A business woman can stop at a haircut, because the longer the hair, the more time and money it takes to care for it. Ungroomed long hair is the worst thing you can imagine.
• Today it is fashionable to dye your hair in several colors. Let these be non-contrasting colors that smoothly flow into one another and create the feeling of one, but very beautiful and deep color. The haircut should look almost unstyled.
• Longer hair is in fashion for men compared to last season.

Costume

• Opt for the clothes in which you feel organic. This will give you confidence when talking to an employer, and you can fully focus on your business skills.
• The length of the skirt is a matter of figure and preference, however, when going to a serious organization, it is better to prefer the classic version of the skirt length for a business suit - to the middle of the knee.
• Pants should be rather wide.
• Jewelry and gold are acceptable, so you can safely complement your outfit with a large bracelet, ring and earrings. However, it is worth balancing your appearance and the amount of jewelry with the salary for which you are applying.
• Even in hot weather, ladies should abandon their neckline and cover their shoulders.
• A business suit implies closed shoes, that is, shoes, not sandals. It is unlikely that you will suffer from the heat, since decent places have air conditioning everywhere. Shoes, unlike a suit, can be of a bolder and more fashionable design, not necessarily classic.
• When going for an interview, it is better to avoid certain colors in clothing. Red can make your interlocutor feel aggressive, while brown can make you feel unsure of yourself.
• The color of clothing should be selected depending on the color of the hair and eyes, as well as the season. In summer, light colors: cream, light green, blue, beige. In winter, you can stay in beige or change into a darker suit. The combination of black and white is in fashion.
• You shouldn't dress too colorfully - you risk appearing frivolous.

Some advice for men:

• Avoid provocative tie colors. This detail in a business suit should be in the same tone as boots and socks.
• Black shoes are not worn with light-colored trousers, and vice versa.
• Many men do not attach importance to manicure, and in vain. If during a conversation you decide to smoke a cigarette, then your unkempt hands will immediately catch the eye of your interlocutor. By the way, when you first meet an employer, do not advertise your bad habit. Firstly, many organizations do not smoke, and secondly, a healthy lifestyle is in fashion.

Makeup and perfume

• Cosmetics should be in natural tones. And here it is appropriate to recall a principle that has long been abandoned, but is applicable when applying for a job: color matching of nail polish and lipstick.
• The perfume should be quite discreet; you should not use evening scents.

And finally, the most important thing during the interview- your self-confidence. You consider yourself a professional who deserves this place, right? So let it be read on your face, and success will not be long in coming.

Interview questions, which answers are better?

Interview questions: what's behind them?

Prepare carefully for an interview with an employer. Sometimes it resembles preparation for secret work. The job search is almost complete, and all that remains is to make the final push towards the desired goal. Before a meeting with an employer, manuals are studied, speculative dialogues are built, and answers to not yet asked questions are rehearsed.

An interview in its genre is least reminiscent of an exam, where for each question there is a single correct answer that the examiner knows for sure. An interview is a conversation between equal people, each of whom has his own position that has the right to exist, and a certain range of interests that can become common. And success at an interview does not depend on the ability to calculate the correct answers, but on the ability to be an interesting interlocutor.

Therefore, when asked how to answer questions at an interview, you can briefly answer - honestly. Often people are interested not only in what you say, but also in how you say it. Behind every question there is more than just a desire to find out something about you, but also your ability to conduct a dialogue, to be open to your interlocutor.

What is behind the employer's questions?

So, let's look at some frequently asked interview questions.

Tell us about your failures

Some people fall into a slight stupor after such a proposal. Some try to convince their interlocutor that his whole life is pure luck, others try to laugh it off by remembering his last marriage or the country in which he was destined to be born. But for the employer, rather, it is important not just to list the situations in which you failed, but to understand what you evaluate as a failure, whether you are able to talk about it, and how you overcome difficulties. None of us is immune from failures; everyone, including the person sitting opposite you, has had their ups and downs. And the value of life experience lies not in the number of years you have worked in a position, but in life experience, the ability to “get up” after failures, move forward after mistakes made, the reasonableness of decisions made and the ability not to step on the same rake. Only a person who is able to admit and draw conclusions from his mistakes knows how to move forward.

List your strengths and weaknesses

Another question that becomes a stumbling block for many. Guides for those looking for a job suggest presenting your weaknesses as a continuation of your strengths, for example, it is suggested that you tell the employer how you cannot quit what you have started, and leaving work on time is simply beyond your strength.

If you answer this question as written, you certainly demonstrate a good knowledge of the literature on this issue, a good memory and, at the same time, absolute inflexibility, the inability to “creatively” process the material you read. Don’t forget that HR managers also read books, and if they seem to you like narrow-minded people who can “swallow” any information, you are mistaken. Behind this question lies not so much the desire to really learn about your positive and negative qualities, but rather the ability to be open, the ability to answer uncomfortable questions, and self-confidence. Don’t give away cliches, each of us has quite a lot of shortcomings that “have the right to life” - some lose their ability to work under the gaze of ill-wishers, some cannot stand routine work, and most of us have difficulty getting up in the morning to get to work on time. Think about what is truly unique to you and don’t be afraid to be frank. After all, only a self-confident person can talk about his shortcomings without fear for his reputation.

How do you see yourself in 5 years?

The question, rather, is not about career achievements, but about the ability to see prospects, understand how you can move towards your intended goal, internal motives, the ability to plan your own life and see intermediate results. Depending on what you say, it is not difficult to understand how objectively you view yourself as a professional, whether you are interested in the profession itself or are you more interested in career growth, how accurately you relate your own development and advancement.

Personal life

For some reason, all questions affecting this area also cause great confusion. What is better - to be married or not, to be with children or childless, what family status has advantages? You can discuss this as long as you like, but you have the family status that you have, and you are unlikely to change it depending on the wishes of the employer. In most cases, these questions are not intended to penetrate the secrets of your personal life, but rather to understand the limit to which you are able to talk about yourself with a stranger. How open you are and how you maintain the boundaries of your “I”, are you sufficiently independent and self-sufficient, do you talk about what worries you, or try to avoid discussing personal topics. And if you prefer not to talk about your private life, how delicately can you do this.

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Possible questions

The most common questions you should prepare to answer.

Obviously, no one can predict in advance all the questions that might be asked in an interview. The theoretical exception is structured interviews, where all candidates are asked the same pre-prepared list of questions. But this type of interview is rarely used. However, in practice, you can make a list of 15-20 questions, many of which, in one form or another, are asked at almost every interview. Let's consider a number of such questions.

Tell us a little about yourself

This is a great chance to present yourself in the best light, especially if you have prepared in advance. Knowingly or unknowingly, the employer is looking for a worker who CAN do the job, i.e. has the appropriate qualifications, experience, etc., and WANTS to do it.

• The employer must see an interested employee and understand what explains this interest.
• The employer is looking for someone who is manageable, i.e. feels his responsibility, demonstrates submission to discipline, receptivity to criticism, knows how to listen and understand what he is told.

You should prepare and practice a story about yourself that will show that you have the listed required qualities, which are especially important from the point of view of employers. If you are applying for a specific position or job that you know, your story should be structured with this in mind. When talking about yourself, reduce formal biographical information and do not get carried away with details. The most important thing is to mention your practical experience, your knowledge and skills that can be useful to the employer, as well as your attitude and interest in work.

• I take responsibility for the assigned work, I am easy to learn, and I am disciplined.
• I can and want to do this work because it interests me.

What questions do you have?

This question can be asked right at the beginning of the conversation, and only preliminary preparation will help you navigate correctly. It is advisable to prepare a list of questions in advance so that during the interview, taking into account the context of the conversation, you can offer them to the employer.

You should not ask more than three differently directed questions, unless the current situation forces you to do so.

Why did you choose this job (organization)?

Give serious reasons: the desire to apply your qualifications and work experience where they can give the greatest return, opportunities for growth, the attractiveness of working in a strong team, etc.

The following answers to the question are possible:

• I see prospects for my development in your company.
• I want my knowledge to be applied, and I want to gain the experience of a professional.
• I want to do interesting things in your team.

Have you received other job offers?

If you have received it, then say so directly. Knowing that someone else is willing to hire you will only improve your chances. Of course, it should be added that this work interests you more.

Have you been interviewed elsewhere?

As a rule, you can honestly say yes, but take your time to say where exactly.

Will your personal life interfere with this job, which involves traveling and long working hours?

This question is asked more often to women. To such an attempt to circumvent the law, answer firmly: “No, it won’t hurt.”

What are your strengths?

Emphasize first of all those qualities that are useful for this job.

What are your weaknesses?

Under no circumstances should you answer this question directly and honestly. It should be turned so as to shift the emphasis, mentioning the shortcomings, talk about the advantages that overcompensate for them.

Why do you want this job? Why should we hire you?

This is the best question to "sell" yourself. But you should carefully prepare for it in advance.

Why did you leave your previous job?

You shouldn't talk about conflicts, even if they existed. Never criticize your former boss or employer. If the interviewer knows that you had a conflict, do not go into detail, explain that it was a unique case associated with special circumstances and highlight the positive things that were in your previous job: experience, skills, professional connections, etc. .

Why did you decide to change jobs?

This question is often asked to those who are working at the time of the interview. It is difficult to answer this question well. We can say that the organization has exhausted the real opportunities for your professional and job growth, and you would not want to stop there.

How do you imagine your position in three (five) years?

It’s better to answer in a more streamlined way: I would like to work in the same organization, but in a more responsible job.

What is your work experience?

The following answers to the question are possible:

• My first work experience was gained in a school brigade.
• In practice (list where and in what capacity you completed it).

What salary are you expecting?

At the beginning of the conversation, it is better to try to evade the answer by saying that you do not consider it necessary to discuss salary in the first place. If the interviewer insists, then name an amount that is attractive to you and meets the expectations, capabilities and standards of the organization. If you do not have such information, then do not underestimate the amount you quote, but indicate your readiness to discuss this issue separately after familiarizing yourself in detail with the content and conditions of the work.

The following answers to the question are possible:

• I believe that the payment will not be below the average at your enterprise.
• The salary according to the staffing schedule at your company will suit me.
• I hope for a reasonable salary level commensurate with the amount of work.

What else would you like to know?

Never say you don't have questions. Try to ask a question that would speak in favor of your hiring. For example, ask to clarify something important for work that was not sufficiently covered in the previous conversation. Think about such questions in advance. But don’t try to ask all these questions during an interview if you are not asked to do so. Don't forget to thank the employer for the information provided.

What changes would you make if you took this job?

The question is often asked to applicants for managerial and administrative positions. You should show your familiarity with similar situations and the ability to take initiative, but do not overdo it, showing a willingness to leave no stone unturned. Also beware of suggesting changes if you have not had the opportunity to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the state of affairs.

These are the most typical interview questions asked of candidates. Sometimes, you may encounter unexpected and seemingly harmless questions. For example: “What did you do today?” Think about how you can benefit from answering this question. However, the problem is also how you actually spend your time and what lifestyle will increase your chances of getting a job.

Who does the employer need?

If you are applying for a position on the hierarchical ladder, then be prepared for what will be required of you:

• knowledge, experience, skills;
• education (preferably specialized);
• work experience (preferably in your specialty or related fields);
• versatility (for example, a financial director with knowledge of accounting);
• specific cases that improved the condition;
• computer literacy;
• ability to learn quickly;
• communication skills;
• initiative;
• systematic;
• ability to predict and analyze;
• discipline
• decency;
• self-control;
• persistence in problem solving;
• desire for professional growth.

• charm, pleasantness in communication;
• ability to work in a team;
• fast adaptation;
• enthusiasm;
• endurance in extreme situations;
• stress resistance;
• reliability.

• willingness to help;
• friendliness;
• caring;
• tact;
• sense of humor.

Key interview points to consider in advance

A person is still greeted by his clothes, so appearance plays an important role. No one will demand that you wear Armani suits, but you should look neat and businesslike. This does not mean at all that you should change your style - first of all, you should feel comfortable, but try to choose clothes that best suit the occasion. Hair and hands should have a well-groomed appearance; makeup is very important for ladies. The property of the human psyche is such that the first impression has a decisive influence on subsequent attitudes.

You must arrive at the meeting exactly at the appointed time. Lateness is unacceptable. If you are delayed for objective reasons, call and try to reschedule the appointment. If circumstances are such that you can arrive earlier than the appointed time, call again and find out if the employer can accommodate you.

During the interview process, the employer sets the direction of the conversation, so give clear answers to the questions posed. Stingy “yes”, “no”, “didn’t have”, “wasn’t a member” are unlikely to serve you well, but you shouldn’t go into lengthy explanations either. Your comments should be brief but meaningful.

Resist the temptation to exaggerate your merits or exaggerate your professional experience. Provide only information that is factual. Otherwise, you can only harm yourself. Firstly, the veracity of your answers can be easily verified during the interview, not to mention the fact that the employer can directly contact your previous management; secondly, they may take your word for it, but give you a small practical test.

Give a constructive analysis of your previous activities. Don't be afraid to talk about your weaknesses. Naturally, you shouldn’t focus on them, but you shouldn’t avoid this topic either. By admitting and analyzing your mistakes, you only earn yourself extra points - only those who do nothing do not make mistakes.

Any employer tries to find out the reasons for leaving previous jobs. It's safer to tell the truth again. Refrain from reproaches against the former leadership - the bosses have their own solidarity. If you were completely sick of your previous job, and you want to curse this whole sharashka office unbearably, resort to the same constructive criticism. So, at least, you will declare yourself as a thinking and analyzing person.

When the employer has received all the information he is interested in about you, it is your turn to ask questions. In almost all Western recommendations on job search technology, you will find advice to obtain as much information as possible about the company before the interview. In our country, unfortunately, this is not always possible, but the Internet makes the task much easier - the number of corporate websites is growing by leaps and bounds. However, at the interview there is no shame, but it is simply necessary to ask to talk about the organization in which you may have to work, about the place that you can occupy in it, and the prospects for your professional growth. It is quite correct to be interested in your level of income, without, however, bringing this topic to the fore.

At the end of the interview, the Employer will most likely inform you that they will consider your candidacy and will contact you. In the West, where the culture of relations in the labor market has long been formed, the candidate is notified of the decision made, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. In our still largely uncivilized country, you are unlikely to be disturbed if your candidacy turns out to be unsuitable, so ask the employer to clarify whether he will contact you in any case, or only in case of a positive decision. Agree on how long you can expect a response, ask if you can call yourself and find out the result.

Time to think belongs not only to the employer, but also to you. You also make your choice. Among other things, it is useful to decide for yourself what this company will be for you in the light of your future career - a career ladder, or just a step in it, i.e. Are you going to develop and grow professionally within the organization or are you considering it simply as an opportunity to reach a higher professional level. How you will build relationships with the new management and team largely depends on the decision you make.

How to increase self-confidence, develop and develop self-esteem

All of us know that a person who exudes confidence in himself and his actions easily makes contacts, more often solves his problems positively, moves up the career ladder faster, realizes himself more fully and, as a result, is happier. Therefore, it is necessary and very important to develop self-confidence. In order to gain confidence, we offer 12 steps that will help you change your self-esteem and teach you to be confident in various life situations.

Step 1. Decide what is valuable to you, what you believe in, what you would like to see your life like. Analyze your plans and evaluate them from the point of view of today, so that you can take advantage of this when you notice certain shifts.

Step 2. Forgive yourself for past mistakes. Try to analyze your past from time to time, but don't let it take over you. Make room for small but pleasant memories. The bad past will live in your memory until you eradicate it yourself.

Step 3. Feelings of guilt and shame will not help you achieve success. Don't let them take over you.

Step 4. Look within yourself for the reasons for your failures. When you blame the state, circumstances, other people for your troubles and misfortunes, you refuse the role of master of your own life. A successful person takes an active life position and changes himself. And in any case, he will find an opportunity to stay firmly on his feet under the blow of certain circumstances.

Step 5. Don't forget that each event can be assessed differently. Thanks to this way of looking at things, you will be patient with people and calmly respond to attitudes that previously seemed biased to you.

Step 6. Never talk bad about yourself. And especially avoid attributing negative traits to yourself: “stupid”, “incapable”, “unhappy”. This can develop an unwanted stable stereotype in the subconscious.

Step 7 Your actions can be assessed in different ways. If someone constructively criticizes your actions, use it to your advantage, but don't allow others to criticize you as an individual.

Step 8 Remember that sometimes failure is success. Thanks to defeat, you can conclude that, firstly, you set yourself erroneous goals that were not worth the effort, and secondly, you managed to avoid further, possibly even greater troubles.

Step 9 Your positive attitude towards life is the key to good health and inner balance, high spiritual health. How you see this world depends only on you. Life is too short to waste it on depression.

Step 10 Give yourself the opportunity to relax from time to time, listen to your thoughts, do what you like, sometimes be alone with yourself. This way you can understand yourself better. These moments provide an opportunity to accumulate energy in order to take a decisive or significant step forward.

Step 11 Choose several serious goals for yourself, on the way to which you need to achieve smaller, intermediate ones. Consider carefully what means you will need to achieve these intermediate goals. Don’t ignore any of your successful steps and don’t forget to encourage and praise yourself.

Step 12 Be confident. And remember these words: You are not a passive object on which troubles fall, not a blade of grass that tremblingly waits to be stepped on. You are the top of the evolutionary pyramid, a unique personality, an active creator of your life, you lead events! You are the arbiter of your own destiny!

Reasons why they don't get a job

• pathetic appearance;
• know-it-all mannerisms;
• lack of a career plan and clear goals;
• lack of sincerity and balance;
• lack of interest and enthusiasm;
• lack of tact;
• lack of politeness;
• indecision;
• little knowledge in the specialty;
• lack of determination;
• inability to express oneself: weak voice, poor diction;
• reluctance to start from the bottom: expecting too much too quickly;
• unkind reviews about previous employers;
• desire for self-justification, evasiveness, reference to unfavorable factors;
• intolerance with highly developed prejudices;
• narrowness of interests;
• inability to value time;
• poor management of one's own affairs;
• lack of interest in social life;
• lack of understanding of the value of experience;
• inability to take criticism;
• obsession with money;
• expressed reluctance to learn;
• the desire to simply settle in;
• unsuccessful family life;
• poor relationship with parents;
• reluctance to look your interlocutor in the eyes;
• sloppiness;
• cynicism;
• being late for an interview without good reason;
• no questions about work to a potential employer;
• uncertainty of answers to questions;
• low moral level.

Rules of conduct during an interview

• When greeting a company representative, do not shake hands first.
• Do not sit down until you are asked to do so.
• Listen carefully. Follow the direction of the conversation that the interviewer sets.
• Before answering a question, try to understand why it was asked, how to highlight your strengths in your answer, and what not to talk about.
• When discussing previous jobs, do not criticize your former boss or colleagues.
• Do not start discussing your personal or financial problems unless you are specifically asked about it.
• You can name a salary that will satisfy you, but not before you are asked about it.
• When ending the interview, thank the interviewee for their attention.

Preparing for an interview

• Try to provide yourself with information about the organization you want to work for.
• Carry with you copies of all necessary documents, a professional resume, copies of educational certificates.
• Be prepared to give the names and phone numbers of people recommending you, having previously agreed with them.
• Find out exactly the location of the organization and the route so as not to be late.
• Make sure you have enough time and don't get stressed if the interview goes on for a long time.
• Stick to business casual attire.
• Make a list of expected questions and prepare possible answers.
• Prepare specifically to discuss the issue of wages.
• Practice your answers to the most likely questions well, doing this in the form of a game interview rehearsal.
• Be sure to prepare the questions you will ask if you are offered this opportunity.

When preparing for an interview, it is very important to do some background research. It is necessary to collect as much information as possible about the company where you are going for an interview and about the people you will meet.

Useful information can be obtained in many ways. If we are talking about a large enterprise, get to know its products or services. Many organizations distribute their brochures and brochures. Try to find articles in newspapers or magazines about this organization.

You can talk to a person who works or has worked in this organization. You can learn a lot of useful things from him, but you should take into account the subjective nature of such stories. Perhaps a consultant from the agency you contacted can answer some of your questions.

What you need to know about the organization you are going to for an interview:

• What products or services does the organization offer?
• Where and to whom are products and services sold?
• How many years has the organization been in existence?
• How have the organization's mission changed since its inception?
• Is the leadership team stable or does it change frequently?
• What is the legal status of the organization?
• Have there been attempts to take over the organization by other companies?
• Did the organization make a profit last year? Over the past three years?
• Have there been any staff reductions in the last three years? Why?
• Is the organization part of any larger association?
• Does the press pay much attention to organization? Why?
• What is the press response about the organization?
• What is the attitude towards employees in this organization?
• What new projects are being developed in the organization?
• Is the organization based domestically or has partners or branches abroad?
• What are the prospects for the industry to which the organization belongs?

Self-presentation

You and the employer: 10 rules for success

Rule 1. Collect all the documents you may need in advance. Record with written recommendations, telephone numbers. Don’t forget also your diploma, certificate of completion of courses (if you have one), passport, work book and resume, preferably in two copies. Carefully sort all the papers into files, this will be eloquent evidence of your diligence and thrift.

Rule 2. Write your presentation speech on a piece of paper and rehearse it in front of the mirror. Think in advance about what and how you will say.

Rule 3. Don't try to make a good impression with just your appearance. Be natural, a strict business look is most acceptable. Remember, first impressions are very important.

Rule 4. Relax. Nervousness is immediately noticeable, but moreover, it inspires the employer with an unpleasant thought: “Why is this person so worried? Does he want to hide something? Or is he not confident in his abilities? " It’s good to get a good night’s sleep and set yourself up for success. It is better not to take any medications if you do not want to look sleepy and lethargic.

Rule 5. Don't be afraid of rejection. Prepare mentally for any outcome of the interview.

Rule 6. Behave naturally and kindly, don’t be tight. You should not wear a mask that you invented for this occasion. The most important thing is constant politeness. Try to listen more than you tell, excessive talkativeness will only do harm.

Rule 7. Don't try to show your superiority. Of course, you need to demonstrate your competence, but nothing more.

Rule 8. Avoid ingratiation and flattery - this immediately becomes noticeable and few people like it. Be moderately free and independent (but don’t overdo it!), don’t fuss or be timid. Then the employer will treat you with the same respect as you treat yourself.

Rule 9. Do not speak badly about anyone and do not try to denigrate former management, work colleagues, or competitors. It won't make you shine. Even your weaknesses can be used for good (For example: slowness allows you not to miss details and do the work carefully).

Rule 10. Do not agree to the proposed terms right away. It’s better to say: “I’ll think about it.” A stranger who is ready for anything looks more like a dropout or an adventurer.

Hello! In this article we will tell you how to pass an interview.

Today you will learn:

1. How to behave during an interview;
2. What are the stages of the interview?
3. What mistakes do job candidates most often make?

Few . We all understand that the ability to get a job in the desired company depends on how well the interview is completed. Therefore, the most correct decision is to prepare for its passage. Let’s talk today about how to do it right so as not to miss out on your dream job.

Interview: the essence of the concept

Interview refers to a personal meeting between an applicant and a potential employer or employer’s representative when applying for a job.

The purpose of the interview is to clarify the capabilities and skills of the applicant, as well as discuss possible cooperation.

What is an interview like?

The interview is divided into several types. We will talk about each of them in detail below.

• Biographical – is an analogue of a questionnaire, discussing the applicant’s professional experience, his education, what he plans to do in the future;
• Free – represents communication in the style of the applicant’s story about himself: by and large, this is self-presentation;
• Situational – The interviewer formulates a situation for the applicant. And the one who is being interviewed must explain how he will behave in it. Situations may be different: to test skills, to identify the level of resistance to stress, to test the motivation and values ​​of the applicant;
• Stressful – this type of interview is different from others in many ways. Its essence is that the applicant is deliberately provoked into conflict in order to find out how he will behave. This is very effective if stress resistance is important for your future job. During the interview, the applicant is asked provocative questions and is also asked to answer them quickly, almost without thinking;
• Based on the study of the applicant’s abilities - The professionalism and personal qualities of the interviewee are assessed. Not only the results that a person has achieved are considered, but also how he achieved this. Leadership qualities, communication skills, result orientation, etc. are also assessed. Typically, an interview of this type is conducted by a group of 3 interviewers, and a decision on the applicant is made immediately after the conversation.

Sometimes an interview can seem quite intimidating, but the people you talk to are quite ordinary. This means that they are influenced by the same psychological principles as everyone else. Simple tips will help you improve your behavior and make a more positive impression. If you really need a job but don't know how to get one, these tips will help you figure out how to connect with other people and increase your chances of getting a position.

Schedule an interview for Tuesday morning

According to research, the perfect moment is the one that suits the interviewer, not you. So if you can choose your own time, suggest meeting at ten thirty on Tuesday. This will be a relatively relaxed moment for your interlocutor. Earlier meetings are inconvenient because the interviewer has just arrived at work and needs to sort out the business ahead for that day. In the evening, the moment is also unfortunate, because the person will think more not about you, but about what he will do after work.

Don't show up for interviews right after strong candidates.

Research shows that recruiters form their opinion of any individual candidate based on who else was interviewed on the same day. According to some reports, people who were interviewed after several strong candidates were rated lower than expected, and conversely, those who were interviewed after weak candidates were rated higher. It is unclear whether this is a subconscious phenomenon or whether people do it consciously, however, if you are aware of the qualifications of other candidates and have a choice, try to come after the less qualified ones.

Choose the right outfit color

Different colors give different impressions. Twenty-three percent of personnel officers recommend blue, fifteen - black. A quarter of respondents admit that the worst color is orange; it demonstrates unprofessionalism. Good shades in addition to black and blue are gray and white.

Match your answers to the age of the interviewer

You can tell a lot about the interviewer and what he wants to hear from you based on his age. Your behavior should be determined by the type of person interviewing you. If this is a young person, show your portfolio and demonstrate your ability to multi-task. If this is a person between thirty and fifty, demonstrate creativity and the ability to balance work and life. If this is an older person, show hard work and respect for achievements. People of deep retirement age should show loyalty and dedication to work.

Keep your palms open

The movements of your hands affect the impression you make. Showing your palms shows sincerity, while putting your fingertips together shows confidence. Don't fold your arms or tap your fingers on the table.

Find something in common with the interviewer

If you know what the person interviewing you is most interested in, try starting a conversation around that topic. There is a hypothesis according to which similarity of interests causes sympathy in people.

Repeat the personnel officer's gestures

There is a psychological phenomenon that demonstrates that people like each other more if they repeat each other's gestures. This should happen harmoniously and unobtrusively. If you don't show interest in his body language, you're showing that you're not a team player. If you repeat gestures after your interlocutor, he will not notice it, but will feel sympathy for you.

Praise the company without regard to yourself

People who like the company without trying to promote themselves are more likely to get hired. Such employees seem more suitable. This is how you show your enthusiasm.

Show confidence and restraint at the same time

To be successful in business, you need to be able to both compete and collaborate. If you show a willingness to give in, but are also confident, you make the most positive impression.

Be open about your weaknesses

The first instinct when asked about weaknesses is to talk about something that can be perceived as a strength, for example, to report a tendency towards perfectionism. However, recent studies have shown that it turns people off. Better be honest. For example, admit that you can't always organize everything perfectly. This will sound honest and will arouse sympathy from the HR manager.

Prepare to feel more confident

To feel more powerful, try to think back to a time when you were in charge. This story will make a great impression.

Be expressive

If you want to appear smart, don't speak too monotonously. If a person speaks quickly and clearly, with an expressive intonation, he seems more energetic and intelligent.

Don't be too shy, look your interlocutor in the eyes. People who are open and make eye contact are perceived as smarter than those who look away. Try to remember this during the interview.

Be friendly but direct

If you are nervous, you act less openly and directly, and speak more slowly. Try to be friendly, be confident, and answer questions directly.

Showcase your potential

You might want to tell your partner about all your past accomplishments, but it's better to focus on what you can achieve in the future. People pay more attention to inaccurate information because they want to understand it. Therefore, talking about the future is more successful than talking about the past.

Prepare for tough questions

Be sure to prepare yourself for questions that you don't really want to answer. For example, consider how you would respond if asked about your reaction to being fired. The answer should be calm and positive.

Don't smile too much

You don't have to frown all the time, but having a big grin on your face won't do you any good either. Research suggests that smiling too much is not the key to success. This is especially true for serious positions where management skills are required from you. A smile is considered positive during an interview only for sales or consultant positions.

Show enthusiasm

Research has shown that people who demonstrate energy and interest are more likely to get hired. If you show your enthusiasm, you increase the chance of being invited to a second interview.

Don't forget to have a small talk before the interview

If you can have a casual chat with someone before they start asking you serious questions, you make a great impression. People with this skill get hired most often.

Don't repeat memorized phrases

Many people repeat traditional language during interviews, focusing on the resume. In fact, it is best to pause after a question and answer sincerely, rather than answering immediately with memorized phrases.

Ask why you were invited for an interview

This may seem like a strange question, but this tactic works. It grabs the interviewer's attention and gives you useful information about what the employer liked about you.