How to present yourself in the first interview. How to behave in a job interview

    • Type #1. multistage
    • Type #2. Monostage
    • 1st stage. Talking on the phone
    • 2nd stage. Preparing for the meeting
    • 3rd stage. Interview
    • 4th stage. Results
    • Council number 1. Don't be late
    • Council number 2. Keeping the look
    • Council number 3. Respect for the employer
    • Council number 4. We act confident
    • Council number 5. Telling about ourselves
    • Council number 6. We behave naturally
  • 5. Selling a pen at an interview - 7 recommendations + an example
  • 8. Conclusion

A new job is an important chance in the life of every person. it is essentially an opportunity to change your current state of affairs. For some, it is important to increase the level of wages, someone strives for self-development and improvement, while others need a comfortable atmosphere in the team and normal working conditions. In any case, we are always looking for such prospects when changing places of our work. And, in order to get the coveted position, you need to properly set yourself up and conduct the very first interview with the manager, to behave with dignity and confidence. How to do it, etc. read on.

The procedure itself does not seem complicated, it is important here to gain a level of trust and convey your abilities as a specialist in the field you are applying for. But, in fact, there are even some parameters that allow, even at the first meeting, to assess not only your personal qualities, but also professional ones. How to successfully pass an interview will be discussed later in our article.

From the article you will learn:

  • How to pass a job interview?
  • How to behave in an interview?
  • Popular job interview questions and answers
  • What rules should be followed?
  • How to lead and what to say to your potential leader?
  • Let's analyze a popular case - "How to sell a pen at an interview"

So, let's try to figure everything out in order.

Before you have an interview, you need to competently compose your resume and send it to the employer, so we recommend that you read our article: "", where you can download ready-made resume samples and templates, recommendations and errors for compiling, etc. are considered.

1. What is a job interview?

In fact, an interview is a certain process that involves the acquaintance of the employer and the applicant. During the conversation, each of the two parties draws conclusions for themselves and makes a decision. On the part of the manager offering you a position, your characteristics, business qualities and the level of your compliance with the standards adopted in the company are considered.

And, on the part of the applicant, by and large, the ratio of the level of remuneration to its conditions, the prospects for personal growth and even the schedule of their own workload are determined.

Currently, recruitment systems, that is, the very first interview, can be of several types:

  • Individual . This is a method in which only the leader and the applicant participate in the meeting. -For the most part, you are offered to fill out a questionnaire and, based on the specified data, the conversation itself is built.
  • group. This is a form in which several applicants gather in a spacious room at once, and a specialist designed to purposefully engage in the selection of personnel works with the whole audience. This method is most common when hiring specialists for the position of "sales manager" or "sales representative".

According to the level of its complexity and the stages of passing the procedure itself, 2 main types can be distinguished:

Type #1. multistage

Such a system is used in large organizations, where any of the vacancies is the main one and special requirements are imposed on the candidate applying for it. Moreover, you need to go through several stages in order to get a positive decision.

  • Phone conversation. To begin with, you will be asked to answer a few basic questions over the phone. This allows you to identify your overall level of compliance and schedule a meeting time and date.
  • Interview at the preliminary stage. When you come to the meeting, most likely, you will be sent directly to the personnel department, where you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and submit it for consideration. It will need to indicate information relating to personal data, describe educational institutions that have been graduated and places of previous work. You may have to list the set of qualities that you possess and explain why you are applying for this particular position.
  • Testing. At this stage, most likely, there will be a need to complete several tasks or answer specially designed questions to the human resources manager. For example, they can give a trial text that will need to be translated if the vacancy involves the use of a foreign language, or demonstrate literacy in a computer program if such skills are basic in the position.
  • Main interview. It is carried out immediately and immediately. A specialist can find out from you why the dismissal from your last job took place, whether the schedules offered for this position are comfortable for you, whether it is possible to go on business trips, especially if they are long. The HR manager may ask a number of questions related directly to the work technology itself and its specification.
  • Meeting with the immediate supervisor. It is assigned according to the results of the passed stages. At the same time, a line-level specialist evaluates the applicant using his own methods, close to his department directly, and makes the final decision.
  • Interview with senior management. This is the final stage, which is necessary mainly for acquaintance and judgment about your candidacy will take place on the basis of the data presented at the previous stage by the head of the linear level.

Type #2. Monostage

This interview option is used in an organization that has a small staff and limited capacity. For example, an enterprise employing 20-30 people requires an accountant or secretary. The vacancy is open and you are assigned a meeting time, which, most likely, will be held in a dialogue mode and a decision will already be formed based on its results.

Recently, these two types of interviews have also been called single-level and multi-level.


2. How to pass a job interview - 4 main steps

For example, on special sites on the Internet or when processing information in newspapers, we managed to find several ads that have information that suits your requirements.

1st stage. Talking on the phone

When dialing the specified number, you need to understand that such a conversation will be the very first idea about you and how it develops depends on the further opportunity to successfully pass the interview.

Even if, in a small organization, such a conversation will be conducted by the secretary, then on your part, the conversation should be correct, friendly and positive. After all, in any case, when arranging a meeting with you, he will definitely pass on information about what the first conversation was to the manager.

In order for a telephone conversation to be effective, and first of all for you, you need to do the following:

  • Firstly, it is very important to clarify which of the vacancies you are invited to, discuss its parameters and general requirements. If during the conversation it has already become clear that for some reason this vacancy is not suitable for you or you, you should politely refuse the appointed time and try to correctly explain the reason for your refusal. By and large, the time wasted will be a huge disadvantage for you and the entire search process.
  • Secondly, in your own notebook you need to write down the contact details of the organization, the time and date of the proposed meeting, the name of the company, the vacancy that you talked about and the name of the person with whom the conversation took place. Subsequently, this information will be very significant. For example, unforeseen circumstances may arise or it will be difficult to find the location of the enterprise.
  • Third, if there is such an opportunity, you need to find out the name and patronymic of the person to whom you are sent for an interview. This will have an effect when, at the time of the first meeting, it will be possible to address a person not just as “YOU”, but with respect, applying the information received.

Correctly specify the information about the address of the organization and when discussing the time, decide in advance if there are any other circumstances that could prevent this. Moreover, if it so happened that there were several more meetings for that day, the difference between them must be made in 2-3 hours. This will help to be punctual and solve a number of issues. You need to understand that interviews are different, and any of them can be significantly delayed, which will disrupt your plans.

It is worthwhile to carefully study the information in advance on how to behave correctly in an interview, what to talk about and how to make a good impression. We will consider these issues in more detail below.

2nd stage. Preparing for the meeting

At this stage, you need to correctly carry out a series of actions that allow you to properly assemble yourself and set yourself up for the upcoming interview.

  1. "Documentation". First you need to take care of all the documents that may come in handy. You can create a resume and print it in 2 copies, put a passport, diplomas of completed education, possible certificates confirming the levels and degrees of courses that you managed to complete at one time.
  2. "Potential Employer". For the purpose of your own self-development, you should try to find information about the organization you are going to. This can be done online. At least superficially studying the goals and directions of activity, products to be sold, years of foundation, development parameters, stages of its formation, you will be able to convincingly explain all your intentions and their seriousness in a conversation with the manager.
  3. "Route". You need to think over your route, with possible stops, transfers and search for the location of the building.
  4. "Questions and answers". Try to think of possible questions that may be asked and rough answers that will be convincing and as honest as possible. Set yourself up for possible tests and special assignments. It would be nice to make up a number of your own questions that may be relevant in the conversation and in the future will help you draw your own conclusions about the vacancy and the job in general.
  5. "Dress code". When all the preliminary stages are completed, it remains only to decide in what clothes to go to the meeting and how to make the most favorable impression on the leader. Let it be a very strict business suit, well-groomed nails, hair, neat shoes, and this will give the effect of a good attitude towards your candidacy.

3rd stage. Interview

This is exactly what you were trying to do. You should try to come within minutes. 10 before the appointed time, calm down and catch your breath. First, you should inform the secretary that you have arrived, and then, upon invitation, enter the office.

Passing to the chair indicated to you, you need to say hello, smile a little, and, addressing by name and patronymic, thank you for the invitation to an interview in this particular organization. The mobile phone must be either turned off or put on silent mode.

4th stage. Results

Based on the results of the conversation, you will either be asked to wait outside the door, or they will announce the time frame in which the decision will be made. But, it may also happen that, already ending the conversation, the manager will set the date for your internship.

3. How to behave in an interview - 6 practical tips

There are several main nuances and points that you should pay attention to in order for the meeting to be successful, and the impression of you remains only positive. It's not hard to follow them.

As mentioned earlier, you need to come to the meeting at least for 10 minutes early. Of course, you are not familiar with the place, but you definitely need to set yourself up, and being late for at least a minute and a half can negatively affect the beginning of the interview.

Before entering the office, be sure to knock, quickly examine your appearance again, remove chewing gum and all sorts of little things that can ruin it.

Introduce yourself, smile and try to attract the attention of an employee of the organization to yourself. Address him only by his first name and only in rare cases, as he will allow himself to be called.

Try to find the right seat and sit so that your face is turned specifically to the interlocutor. No need to fall apart in a chair or strongly clamp, cross your legs or shift them from one to another.

It has been proven that being clearly in front of his interviewer, a person perceives him as an adversary who has the right to decide your fate. Therefore, it will be more convenient if the chair is placed a little obliquely.

During the conversation, it is important to follow the gestures of your hands. Do not wave them strongly or clench into fists and fiddle with a pen or pencil. You need to try to move them calmly and smoothly. At the same time, your face should be open and sincere. Specialists they advise you to try to mentally draw a circle between you and visually look at its center.

Listen carefully to all questions and try to answer only when asked about it. Moreover, you need to answer in essence and within 2-3 minutes without lengthening or shortening the information. If suddenly the question was not heard, ask to repeat it, but you should not do this very often. By the way, answers like "Yes" And "No", are considered monosyllabic and by saying them in a low voice creates confidence in your indecision and ignorance of the material you are talking about.

In the case when the manager asks you to tell a little about yourself, you do not need to start a story from the moment you were born and delve into great details. Speak clearly and to the point. Tell us about what you graduated from, what positions you held, what was your career growth and a little about the reasons that prompted you to go for an interview in this particular company.

Don't forget to smile, and to lighten things up a little, or to make any of your slips insignificant, use an appropriate joke or a bit of unobtrusive humor. Even in a business conversation, a pleasant smile does not hurt, and perhaps it will tell about your confidence.

At the end of the conversation, you should definitely thank the employee and the company in his person for the opportunity to try to find a job.

4. Job Interview Questions and Answers

Of course, the scheduled interview may take place according to the scenario determined by the employee of the organization inviting you to it. But, in any case, what cannot be ruled out in any way are the questions asked to determine the necessary information. American scientists conducted a number of their own research, developed and confirmed theories, came to the conclusion that in any interviews are asked 20 standard questions, 15 of them are basic, and 5 are additional.

Possible interview questions and answers - 5 questions with answers

Question 1. What can you tell us about yourself?

Answer: you need to try to make the story short, but not dry, while there is no need to shout, use obscene language, use specific phrases related to slang speech. Try to keep within the time period of 3 minutes.

Moreover, during the notification process, disclose information about your education, some successes not only in the professional direction, but also in the personal one.

Mention the success of your own career growth and merits. As a result, tell us why and what you want to change in your own life, and how you would succeed if you got a vacancy in this company. Just don't try to flatter. It's always noticeable.

Question 2. What attracted you to this particular company?

Answer: it can be formed when preparing at home. On Internet resources, having studied a little the history of the company, its direction of activity, you can most correctly build phrases and the whole story. But, do not talk about what will sound trite.

Eg, about the organization itself and how you like it, about the fact that you can change it for the better in the future. A response of this nature would be more appropriate.

Knowing that the company is in the baby food business, tell us that you have a special love for children and concerns about food safety in the formula market. And by means of employment, you will be able to realize how much this process has been worked out in this company and what you could offer in this direction.

Question 3. How did you resolve conflicts within your team at your previous place of work?

Answer: of course, for such a tricky question, you should try to give 2 or 3 effective methods for solving it. But, it’s not worth saying that earlier, your team only did what was in conflict and, as a result, all the necessary functions had to be performed only alone, that the entire amount of work fell on your shoulders because of this.

On the contrary, tell us how you managed to debug the work process, how the responsibilities were clearly distributed, and how such situations themselves arose quite rarely. Convince your interlocutor of your business qualities.

Question 4. What salary would you like to receive?

Answer: in this situation, it's a good idea to look through information on similar vacancies in another organization in advance and decide for yourself a definite amount.

The manager, of course, wants to understand what kind of employee comes to work for him, how much he himself evaluates his work.

But, it’s not worth bargaining here, it’s also not nice to have long discussions about this. You need to understand that if this is a huge organization that has a large staff and is not only regional, but also world famous, then the level of remuneration for your work can be raised by 30% from the average.

Question 5. Why did you leave your previous job?

Answer: by asking such a question, the future employer really wants to know the true reason for your departure and understand that something like this will not affect the process of today's work. In this case, of course, you can’t lie, you need to try to correctly formulate your idea and correctly convey it at the interview.

A situation may arise in which the data about your previous place of work is already known, and the true reason has not been a secret for a long time. And the question was asked to you, only in order to confirm your data.

Eg if you were very busy with incomprehensible work, the deadlines for its execution were limited, and the behavior leading staff is inadequate, you can say the following.

It was difficult for me to cope with the constant flow of work, the deadlines for which were negligible and unrealistic to complete. I am not afraid of large volumes, I like being in the flow of things, but it is necessary to approach the issue of its temporary execution wisely.

Summing up this situation, we can say that in the modern world, very often recruitment functions are transferred to special agencies with long experience and wide specialization.

But, even the fact that at the first stage you will not be able to meet with the leader himself does not mean that you need to relax and not even think about the desire to make a good impression on the interlocutor.

On the contrary, it is worth understanding that you have to go through even 2 interviews. And you need to prepare for them with a vengeance. All outsourcing agencies work exclusively under contracts with organizations and are guided mainly by the parameters set by the managers themselves, selecting employees who are most suitable for a given position.

And, there can be many applicants, and your task is not only to charm the interlocutor, proving your business qualities, but also to surpass the rest of the applicants.


Maybe you just need to think about starting your own business. It's not as difficult as it seems, just read the article - "".

Of course, it is understandable that conducting such a recruitment process is very exciting and the situation becomes stressful. But, there are a number of vacancies in which applicants must initially be resistant to the situation and be able to resolve emerging issues.

In fact, when asking this question at an interview, the manager sets himself the goal of looking at actions in an unplanned situation and identifying the applicant's possession of sales techniques. To do this, of course, you need to understand the motives of the interlocutor and clearly know that the final decision depends on what will happen now, especially if the vacancy involves corrupt actions.

So, what is your model of behavior when asked to sell a pen or other product?

  1. Do not rush, and immediately issue spontaneous decisions. And, if you are even very worried, ask 1 minute to think.
  2. Next, pick up the same product (pen) and try to carefully examine it. Consider it all pros And minuses, make accents for yourself on uniqueness.
  3. Try to stick to the basic stages of sales, and if you are not familiar with them, and there is no experience in this matter, try to study them, at least superficially. For this there is a huge amount of suitable literature and articles on the Internet. Even if such an option looks awkward from the outside, the manager will still appreciate it and notice your perseverance.
  4. Try to understand who you are selling it to and assess the needs of this person, and when asking additional questions, use the technique of active listening. Analyze answers. Eg, ask: how often do you write? Do you have a spare pen? Or what do you like about it, or maybe you should change something in it?
  5. Trying to make the fact of the sale, you do not need to lie and actively invent. Don't overprice.
  6. Try to maintain verbal contact throughout the entire time. It would not be bad to give this pen into the hands of a potential buyer, so that in reality he himself could evaluate all the properties.
  7. After you still manage to get consent to the purchase, it would be advisable to also offer a notebook or spare paste, and maybe even another related product.

Starting to sell, confidence gradually comes, but, at the same time, your interlocutor will naturally make his objections. And there is nothing strange in this, the main thing is to respond to them correctly and not to go into a stupor.

Eg, to the question: Why do I need her? you can easily and simply answer: “I understand that you already have a pen, so you know what a business approach is, and it would be very disappointing if its ink runs out at the most inopportune moment. Take it in reserve and you will be sure that in any situation, there will be no difficulties.

In fact, to be frank, the situation in personnel policy is very difficult. Managers want to find a really worthwhile specialist and get him into their organization. But, there are only a few of them. Therefore, a smart salesperson who knows how to work and knows how to sell himself in an interview, as well as methods and techniques of sales, applying regularly in practice, will be very necessary. And the interview process helps to understand this.

6. 13 common job interview mistakes

Of course, we try very hard and think through every moment and step, but if we suddenly get a refusal, we cannot understand for a long time what contributed to this.

In fact, there are several typical errors that lead to this result.

  1. being late. The first and worst mistake. In this matter, your punctuality should simply go off scale.
  2. Untidy appearance. It is worth paying special attention to this, especially since you can prepare in advance and thoroughly.
  3. Escort. Such issues are resolved only on their own and no wives, husbands, relatives, girlfriends need to be invited to the offices. A negative opinion is formed immediately.
  4. insecure behavior. Set yourself up for the fact that everything matters, and even if the meeting is unsuccessful, this will give a chance to work in another organization, because there are always alternatives. Calm down and go to the meeting.
  5. Mobile phone conversation. Turn off this connection for a while, it will not be very convenient during the interview to divert your attention and waste other people's time on your personal conversations.
  6. Questions about money. If throughout the meeting the topic of discussing finances and the amount of payments constantly pops up, this will lead to an unequivocal refusal.
  7. Arrogance and self-confidence. This behavior is also unacceptable. It is clear, of course, that you come to offer your knowledge and skills, but this must be done correctly and in accordance with the situation.
  8. Lie. No need to try to lie, because, as you know, sooner or later the truth will be revealed and this will create a negative image for you.
  9. Extra frankness. Often, candidates, when answering questions, try to gain confidence in themselves by voicing excessive unnecessary information. And this can be very damaging. No need to discuss your personal life, some kind of dislike for people, or the sins of the past.
  10. Reaction of irritation to asked questions. Many managers may ask the same question multiple times for verification purposes. It is worth keeping an eye on your emotions, although experts allow you to show a little irritability for a question asked three times. In their understanding, such a reaction will tell the interlocutor that you are attentive and follow the conversation. But, do not raise your voice and try to swear.
  11. Criticism of employees or superiors that you have worked with before. In any case, it is not even worth discussing this topic. Often the answers are simply projected onto the existing situation and this is not correct.
  12. Verbosity. This is also one of the main mistakes. This kind of behavior is annoying. The manager wants to hear a clear and meaningful answer to his question. Sometimes there are candidates who start talking about one topic, and in the process manage to discuss several more.
  13. Lack of feedback. After the interview has passed, especially if a promise was made to call you, you should not make quick decisions and independently assume whether your candidacy came up or not. Dial the phone number at the specified time yourself and find out how your conversation ended for the receiving party.

1) How to behave in a job interview - tips and tricks

2) An example of selling a service at an interview

7. How to get a job without an interview

Oddly enough, but interviews as a form of testing a future employee for professional suitability are gradually becoming a thing of the past - more and more people these days find work on the Internet and perform duties from home, working in comfort. Usually, vacancies on the Internet do not necessarily require a rigorous interview, the main thing for the customer is the quality of the work performed.

To get a job online, most often you just need to complete a test task that allows you to demonstrate your skills to the customer. In general, working on the Internet has many other advantages, such as a flexible work schedule and a high stable income. We advise you to download our free course on making money online from scratch - it will help you determine the type of work on the Internet that is ideal for you and start earning money online.

Watch a video about making money on the Internet without investments from a specialist Andrey Merkulov:

8. Conclusion

Now, after reading the information, a certain scenario of actions and answers to the questions are formed: “How to behave at a job interview?”, “How to sell a product?” etc. becomes clear. Do not be afraid and show excessive nervousness, this will not only harm, but may subsequently affect your health.

Gain confidence that you have experience, knowledge of all the main processes, a long period of practice and a huge number of resolved issues. Gather your strength and tune in to the positive. But, on the night before the interview, be sure to get enough sleep, allowing the body to get a little stronger.

You have already earned approval and made a good impression on the HR or employer.

During the meeting, try to find out a little about the future position and place of work; in a conversation, your knowledge of the company or future position will favorably distinguish you from many applicants. Be very careful and collected.

Answer questions concisely, excessive talkativeness can be interpreted as frivolity and talkativeness.

What to say in a job interview with no experience? Do not be shy: about your victories, knowledge and skills, tell us how you put them into practice. Be open and ready for dialogue, and don't be afraid to show your original approach to business. Don't be afraid to show positive traits and learn from it. And don't forget during the interview.

It is creative applicants who are remembered at interviews, and even if you do not pass for this position, you may be recommended to another company or firm.

Try to be remembered by the HR or employer, but don't be too extravagant. Everything should be in moderation.

The first interview is always different from all the others, a little chaotic, a little frightening, exciting, it can either reveal all the talents in a person, or, conversely, make him closed and completely incapable of dialogue.

No wonder all young professionals are worried about how to pass an interview without work experience?

A lot depends on the first interview for a candidate: his self-esteem and, possibly, his future. The employer or HR is also in an incomprehensible position: the future of the company or business depends on his choice.

Be attentive, careful and remember that, first of all, you are professionals and only then, after a working day, people. Establish contacts just like professionals, a friendly attitude at work is often fraught with bad consequences. The main thing about how to successfully pass an interview, if you don’t have work experience, you now know.

Hello dear friend!

It is quite natural: everything that happens for the first time causes excitement bordering on fear. To varying degrees in different people. The reason is the unknown. Uncertainty, uncertainty always causes fear. What course of action to choose? Let's try to answer the question: first interview how to behave?

As a rule, the first interview takes place with a recruiter (HR manager).Its main differences from the interview with the head:

  1. The recruiter asks more questions. You will have to answer more than ask yourself
  2. The recruiter does not decide on the job offer. The decision is always made by the manager, most often by the immediate supervisor of the vacancy
  3. The recruiter does not seek to evaluate your professional competence. This is the prerogative of the leader.

Recruiter's tasks:

  1. Weed out candidates who, according to the results of a face-to-face meeting, do not meet expectations after reviewing resumes and telephone interviews. Or they made blunders in the interview.
  2. Select from the remaining those whom, in the opinion of the recruiter, it is advisable to send to a meeting with the head

Your tasks:

Quite logically, your tasks should correspond to the tasks of the recruiter. Namely:

  1. Don't screw up. Avoid gross missteps. So that you are not weeded out for reasons unrelated to your qualifications. For example, wearing shorts to an interview. Or say that your previous work is a hopeless garbage dump.
  2. Make a good impression. If possible, stand out from the crowd of other candidates. to be remembered. In a good way, of course.

Now in order:

How not to mess up? Common Mistakes

1. Prepare for an interview like a duel . Or like an exam where they want to fail you.

The recruiter does not have the task of filling you up or convicting you of incompetence. His task is to fill the vacancy. That is, your aspirations are largely similar. Yes, there may be uncomfortable questions - but as a rule, this is nothing personal.

A negative attitude towards a meeting is a sure path to failure.

2. Know nothing about the company

Awareness about the company where you came is one of your trump cards. Most applicants underestimate this.

3. No questions

The sailors have no questions - not the case. Questions are flying. Your questions are often more important than your answers. How to ask and what questions to ask a recruiter article

4. Negative assessments of former bosses and places of work

The question of the reasons for leaving the previous job is mandatory. How to answer it correctly, look .

In general, it is desirable not to talk badly about anyone or anything.

5. Arguments and avoidance of answers

You should not enter into disputes under any pretext or for any reason. Just make it a rule that interviews are not the place to argue. You still won’t be able to prove something, and spoil each other’s mood.

6. Familiarity

Ivan - immediately on Vanya. Few people like it. In fact, this is a violation of personal space.

7. Not ready for questions

How to make a good impression?

If you ask recruiters how they decide on candidates, you will hear something like this:

“We select the most competent and appropriate position, company culture, style of the head of the vacancy.”

In practice, the situation is often different.

Believe it or not, but very often the decision on the future fate of a candidate is made on a “like-dislike” basis."" Nobody canceled.


What does the employer want?

  1. Benefit: - problem solving, revenue, cost reduction, new projects.
  2. Comfortable interaction: communication style, personal qualities, good habits.

From a young specialist expect more likely the second.

If you have an interview for the first time, most likely you are still young. Here is a portrait of a young worker that the employer expects to see:

Educated, executive, interested, passionate about his work, with good habits, striving for professional growth.

And of course, they are greeted by clothes, sorry for the banality. It will be a shame if some little thing completely spoils your mood and impression of you. What to bring and how to dress


How to behave?

Stick to the following simple rules:

1. Rule of three pluses

Name, smile, compliment. This is from a series of influences on thin strings.

How to do it right, we discussed in article.

2. Rule of the golden mean

From my observations, recruiters do not welcome the manifestation of any excess. “This one asked questions like from a machine gun, and everything was not on the case,” “did not ask a single sensible question about work.” “This one is too sassy”, “This one is too timid”.

The key word is "too".You will say, “You won’t please them ... they dress up like marriageable girls.”Maybe so, hence the rule of the golden mean.

Do not talk too much or too little, ideally, the conversation between the interlocutors should be distributed 50 to 50. Do not speak too loudly, do not talk about problems directly, do not allow familiarity.

3. Rules for answering questions

First, prepare your answers to the questions.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. In an interview, it is more important how you answer, not what exactly. Follow the universal answer.

4. Ask questions about work

Ask about the content of the work, goals, projects of the company.

5. Active listening

Use active listening techniques. More

6. Enlist the support of a recruiter

Everything is very simple:

  1. Say you want to work for this company, give reasons.
  2. Ask the recruiter to recommend you to the job manager. This is the case when directness is quite appropriate.

For example:

“Elena, I’ll be honest: I would like to work in your company. You have interesting projects and a team of professionals. I hope I can make a worthy contribution to the development of the company.I would be very grateful for the recommendation of my candidacy to the head."

Approximately in this spirit.

The trick is that almost none of the candidates do this. For different reasons. Some people are afraid of rejection. But you don't lose anything. Some people think that their experience and skills speak for themselves. I'm afraid to disappoint you: they don't speak for themselves.

7. Agreement on further steps

Mandatory item. Often they will tell you: we will call you back. It's about nothing.Specify when there will be a call and say that if there is no call, you will call yourself.

Your communication process does not end at the interview. A typical mistake is going into standby mode. “Well, they said they would call…” Such promises should not be taken seriously.

  1. Write to the person you met.
  2. If you agreed to call and there is no call, dial yourself. Don't be afraid to be intrusive. Until you have been rendered, you can endure brains. Perseverance and obsession are not the same thing. Obsession begins when you are “kicked out the door” and you “climb in the window”.

Finally:

Don't look at the interview as a matter of life and death. It's just a meeting. Just follow the rules of conduct we have discussed. The first interview will be followed by the next, one of which will complete your employment process.

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How to make the best impression and become the main contender for the position of interest?

An interview with an employer is a great chance to show your best side and get a position of interest even in cases where your experience or professional skills are not as deep as those of other applicants.
So, the first stage of the job search is over - your resume interested the employer and you were invited for an interview.
Definitely, you should prepare well in advance.

Appearance: how to choose the right clothes for an interview

In this case, follow the proverb: "we meet according to clothes - we see off according to the mind." This does not mean that you should wear your brightest skirt, a lot of accessories and look like a Christmas tree. Or vice versa, a strict black suit and a very strict hairstyle can push the interlocutor away from you.
Do not forget! An interview is a meeting with strangers who you need to make a good impression on.
  • If you know how it is customary to dress in this company, dress the same way. Otherwise, wear business attire.
  • Do not wear too bright or very gloomy clothes. Raspberry, green, red color is best left for subsequent visits
  • Any clothes should be neat, and shoes should be polished.
  • Don't forget to take care of your hair. Untidy hair, or even worse, not washing your hair, will not increase your chances of getting a job.
  • You should only have a business bag or purse with you. This is the most important event in your life today. No beach bags, rucksacks, big grocery bags, or "go home groceries straight away" luggage. All this will lead the interlocutor to the idea that a new job for you is between going to the market, walking, or “yes, I drove on the road”

Important job interview rules


  • Take with you the entire package of documents that the employer may need: passport, identification code, diplomas with inserts, other training certificates, etc.
  • Try not to be late for the interview in any case. The first delay reduces the chances of success in employment by 95%. Think in advance about the route and how to get to the specified place.
  • If you still cannot avoid being late, be sure to call back, explain the situation and ask to reschedule the meeting to another time.
  • Be confident and at ease. Don't show your excitement. The voice should be calm and even;
  • Try to get enough sleep before going to the employer. It is unlikely that a tired, sleepy person will be able to make a good impression.
  • Do not express your dissatisfaction with anything. You may be asked to wait even though your appointment was scheduled for a specific time. At the interview itself, you may be asked provocative or inappropriate, at first glance, questions - this is a test for stress resistance, respond adequately.
  • Find out in advance what the company does. Look at the reviews of employees on the Internet, notes in the press, look at the official website. This will help you decide if you want to work for this company. In addition, appropriately interwoven facts in a conversation with an employer will only increase your chances of success and show interest in employment.
  • At the end of the conversation, be sure to ask how you can find out about the results of the interview, whether you can call back yourself to get an answer.
  • Be sure to say goodbye graciously, even if you realize you didn't get a job. Just in case, leave a good impression behind

What are the most frequently asked questions in an interview?



During your first interview, you may be asked questions such as:
  • about professional skills, seniority and work experience
  • about autobiographical data
  • personal qualities (social skills, ability to work in a team, stress resistance, ability to make decisions quickly, etc.)
Remember! At the interview, you may be asked to fill out questionnaires, psychological tests, and perform simple practical tasks to test your professional skills. Do not get lost, fill in everything that you know clearly and legibly. Usually there is nothing difficult in such tasks.
Common Questions
  • Why did you leave your previous job?
  • Don't talk about having a vicious tyrant boss or an obnoxious gossiping team. Even if this is true, the employer will think that you are a scandalous person who is difficult to get along with. It certainly won't do you any good. Tell me better that they paid little, or not on time, inconvenient work schedule, difficult to get to, and so on.
  • Why did you come to our company? Even if you are not interested in anything other than the salary, do not talk about it as a priority. Say that this is a promising company or that you have long dreamed of trying yourself in this industry, you are attracted by the possibility of career growth, etc. Only at the end add that the employer offers a good salary.
  • What are your plans for the future? – If your position implies career growth, be sure to emphasize the desire to develop. If you are hired only for a specific position, just say that you like this work.
  • Tell us about your past accomplishments. - You should not praise yourself and present yourself as a hero, but you need to modestly name important facts. If you have not yet achieved anything, just say that you feel ready to solve more complex issues than you faced at your previous job.
  • What shortcomings do you see in yourself? “You don’t have to tell all the nasty things about yourself. Name one or two, and then with an emphasis on merit. For example, “I consider high scrupulousness and multiple checks before handing over the work as my disadvantage.”
  • What salary would you like to receive? - if you are a great specialist, do not sell cheap. In any case, name a price not lower than the average market for this type of work or 15 - 20% higher than your previous salary.

How to pass an interview if you have no work experience

Do not worry, work experience may not be as important for a company as an innovative approach, the ability to develop and make innovative decisions. The energy and potential of the younger generation can win over the conservative views of middle-aged people.
Talk about your academic achievements or bright future aspirations at the interview. Be confident in your abilities, but not overconfident.

How to correctly assess the result of the interview: did it or not



It is not always easy to immediately assess whether the interview went well.
If you were invited to go to the personnel department or offered to show your new workplace, the details of the work were agreed, then it is clear that you are a new employee of the company.
If you were asked to wait for an answer, then you are not the brightest candidate and the company will choose from several options. All is not lost, wait a few days and try to call back yourself (if allowed). Perhaps the employer will understand that it is you who are interested in the job, and will incline the choice in your favor.
If you were coldly told to wait for a call, then you most likely did not pass. Don't despair, maybe this is not your "favorite" job. In addition, you always have a chance to find a better job.

Changed your mind? How to turn down an employer after an interview

Immediately after the interview, never tell the employer that you have changed your mind and you are not at all attracted to work in this company. Just politely say goodbye at the end of the conversation, thank people for the nice offer, pick up the phone of the contact person and give yourself time to think carefully.
Call the company employee back in a day or two. Politely refuse, referring to some personal circumstances that do not allow you to start work at this hour. Even if the work does not suit you at all, you should not leave unpleasant impressions and cross out possible further cooperation with these people or the company.

Common Interview Mistakes: Video

It is impossible to avoid mistakes during an interview, because all living people, and a conversation with a future employer is stressful for everyone.

A job interview is a test for the applicant, during which his professionalism and level of competence are assessed. The opportunity to take a vacant position directly depends on how successful the first meeting with the employer is. That is why the interview requires careful preparation.

Start with the required documents. Do not forget about your passport, diploma of education and advanced training. Also, it will not be superfluous to take a resume (although many employers ask you to fill out a standard organization questionnaire).

Before going to the interview, try to study the information about the company in which you are going to get a job. Familiarize yourself with the site, read reviews, study the direction of the employer. Thus, you can show your interest in the future place of work.

Then you should consider answering the questions most often asked by employers:

  • What is your last job? Why did you decide to change it?
  • What is the work experience?
  • Why choose our company?
  • Why choose you? List your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Variations of questions may differ, but the essence remains the same - the employer is looking for an employee who can work in this position, possessing the necessary competencies. For the applicant, this is a great chance to “sell” yourself profitably.

Speaking about the previous place of work, one should not speak negatively about the management and colleagues. When naming the reason for changing jobs, limit yourself to a neutral answer. It will not be out of place here to emphasize your desire to grow professionally, gain experience and improve the acquired skills.

When talking about work experience, list the organizations where you worked before. Don't go into great detail about what your employers did, the dates each organization was founded, and the names of the directors. It is better to dwell on your own achievements in your position.

Telling about yourself, try to indicate such personal qualities that will distinguish you from other competitors. Don't over-praise yourself, but don't criticize too much either. Rather, mention some small mistakes and tell how skillfully you coped with them.

Think carefully about your appearance. Remember that you can't make a first impression a second time. Try to find out in advance if the organization has a dress code. If yes - try to comply with it, if not - give preference to a restrained business style. Women should not experiment with the length of the skirt, men with the color of the tie. In general, clothing should be neat, hair clean and styled, nails trimmed. Do not get carried away with perfume and cologne, especially in hot weather.

How to behave in an interview with an employer

So, the preparation was successful and you are ready to go to the interview. Remember some rules, and everything will go like clockwork.

It is better to go to the interview in advance, even if you know the route well. It is better to wait yourself than to make the employer wait. If on the way you had a force majeure, call and warn, explaining the reason for your delay.

When you arrive at the organization, do not forget to turn off your cell phone.

Upon arrival, be sure to say hello, introduce yourself, ask to be informed of your arrival.

Entering the office of a potential employer, be friendly, sit opposite the interlocutor. You should sit on a chair evenly, without falling apart, without crossing your legs, etc. Keep it as natural as possible. Excessive nervousness will create a bad impression about you.

Listen carefully to questions, answer only after the employer has finished his speech. Don't interrupt, even if you know what he wants to ask. Answer only on the merits of the question asked, try to meet the answer in 2-3 minutes. If you are asked to tell about yourself, do not go into memories of your childhood. The employer is more interested in your education as well as work experience.

During the interview, you can also ask questions to the employer. Prepare them in advance so that you don't miss out on important moments due to excitement. Direct questions about future career advancement or the possibility of a pay rise should be avoided. It is better to ask if there is an opportunity for further training, which will characterize you as a purposeful and far-sighted person.

At the end of the interview, thank the employee for their time and ask how you will be informed of the results. Many are embarrassed to ask, but in vain. You may get the impression that you came only for show.

Remember, a good mood, self-confidence and preliminary preparation are the key to a successful interview.

The article was prepared by the specialists of the Naim.ru employment portal