Employment

Nowadays, the competition in the job market is increasing. Employers are fighting to hire the best candidates. Usually, people look for their first jobs after their graduation from school, college or university, some for a better opportunity.

In this situation, what candidates can do to improve their chances in the competitive job market? There are some tools and techniques that teach how to think beyond the questions and answers in a job interview. The interview is not a test with right or wrong answers, but some answers are definitely stronger and some weaker than others. The candidate has to think about what the interviewer is looking for in his/her answers. For example, the interviewer can ask these questions: “Tell me about yourself?”, “Why do you want to work for the company?”, “Why should we hire you?”, “What are your goals?”, “Give me an example of how you deal with an angry client?”, “Tell me about your experience?”, etc. Before giving an answer, start thinking about what is really behind the question being asked. What does the interviewer really want to know?

The answer will determine if you are the type of person the interviewer is seeking. Depending on the job you have applied for, you have to demonstrate with your stories and examples of how you are a good fit for the position. It is very important to remember these events and comments that you can tell or write about.

The first question’’ Tell me about your experience’’ is the most challenging question in the interview to answer. Do not give a vague answer starting with personal information (I’m married, I’m from…) but focus on what you will bring to the job, for example, listening and communication skills, ability to solve problems, work in a team, ability to manage different tasks. To answer the question ‘’Why should we hire you?’’ the candidates should show that they can not only do the work but can deliver great results and fit in with the team and culture.

I would like to share my own experience with my first and second interviews. Concerning my first interview, that was very difficult because it was over the phone. I was not really prepared for that. I did not get enough practice with my speaking, listening and pronunciation. When the interviewer called me, she politely asked me if I was fine and told me the interview will take 15 minutes. She said she would like to know more about me. Before she started, I thanked her for giving me this interview opportunity that I was looking for.

First, she asked me to tell her about myself, my background, and experience that fit with the position. I remember that I was not able to give examples that describe the job. And concerning my background, I did not give enough details. Before the interview ended, she said that they would call me in a few days. But I felt very bad and was wondering why I didn’t sell myself. The interview wasn’t successful because I didn’t hear from them.

For my second interview, I was prepared because I did not want to make the same mistakes that I made before. This interview was in person in the office with the manager. For this interview, I expected that I needed to give more details with examples. Fortunately, that was very easy, like a conversation between the manager and me. I felt more confident and more extroverted. She asked me about my experience and how I can fit with the position. I remembered what I had to say. I explained everything including my background with detail and examples that described the position. In every interview, make sure to tell about your background even if you know the interviewers already have your resume. Sometimes, they do not read it and are waiting for you to tell them. It is always better to let them know.

Two weeks after the interview I realized that they never called me, so I decided to call them back. I wanted to ask them if I still had to wait. When I spoke to the manager, she let me know that there were still a few candidates that they had to finish with. Another two weeks passed and I was still waiting. I did not receive any calls from them and I decided to call again. I left a voice mail regarding a follow up for the position that I was still waiting for. To my great surprise, a few days later I received an email from the manager saying they wanted to extend the job opportunity if I was still interested. I was not expecting anything from them because I was thinking it was done for me. When I saw the email I immediately replied to them that I wanted to accept the position.

In my case, I would like to say that I got this job because I was prepared. But the most important thing was also that I never gave up and I was persistent. These are my suggestions for anyone who is attending a job interview.