When it comes to the interview process, job seekers have a long list of etiquette guidelines they are expected to follow. Hiring managers could change their minds in a matter of seconds simply because an applicant took out his lunch during the interview. When new graduates are gearing up for the job search process, they can use these tips to help make each interview go smoothly.
Do some pre-interview digging
No interviewer likes starting an interview with a candidate who can't even remember the name of the company. It might sound far-fetched, but the scenario has occurred in meeting rooms across the country. To avoid this situation, job seekers should spend a significant amount of time researching a company days before an interview. Knowing the values of the organization, the types of clients they serve and the various departments within the company can help a candidate walk into the office on the day of their interview with confidence. Thorough background knowledge of the company can also lead to engaging and interesting conversations with the interviewer, making it feel more like catching up with a friend than trying to impress a potential boss.
Ramblers versus quiet ones: Keep it in the middle
Many professionals fall victim to giving long-winded responses that seem to have no central point. Instead of listening intently, hiring managers get lost in these answers and may not even bother to pay attention to what the candidate is rambling about. This situation is never a good sign, and can ultimately make or break the interview for the applicant.
On the other hand, a response that is brief enough to the point where the interview question seems only half-answered can cost candidates a potential job opportunity as well. The best solution is to take a moment before replying and consider how to best articulate the answer. A couple of sentences that help explain the why and how should be sufficient and keep the person at the other side of the table engaged.
Be confident, not arrogant
Confidence is noticeable the second a candidate walks through the door. Feeling comfortable with themselves, these aspiring professionals can clearly state their career goals to any hiring manager, as well as their certainty that they are the right pick for the job. Although confidence is essential trait, those who give the impression that they've already secured the position may come across as arrogant and run the risk of turning off the interviewer. It is best to fall somewhere in the middle of the two.
Students pursuing careers in the oil and gas industry can practice these interpersonal skills in business courses such as those in the Oil and Gas Administration program at Reeves College. For more information, fill out the form on the right.