- How much time do you think it takes to make a first impression? A day? An hour? Not even close. It takes us just 4(!) seconds to form a first impression.
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Why first impression is important
- Imagine: you see a crooked guy with dirty hair wearing shabby clothes. Do you feel like working with him? And what if you someone tells you that he is a great human being? The answer is still the same. All right, maybe later you will get to know him better and you’ll find out that he is a good specialist who always does what he is asked, and you can always rely on him. It might happen. But how much later?
- A good first impression is extremely important. You probably know the idea that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So, in case a first impression is negative, you will deflect all arguments for the person on a subconscious level.
- That’s why making a good first impression is a very important skill in business communication and all its stages, including job interview.
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Why you should prepare for a job interview
- Who has never been anxious before a talk with a possible future employer? Even the most experienced have cold feet. Unfamiliar environment, tricky questions, realization that this might be your dream job and finally, language barrier — too much to handle in one day, isn’t it? This is not a challenge that can be easily overcome. It needs thorough preparation.
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How to prepare for a job interview in English
- We draw your attention to the fact that our tips are not just about the language aspect of preparation. Your success depends on many factors.
- 1. Forget about studying English in a group. Both formats (group and individual) have their advantages and disadvantages. Your choice should depend on the goals you set. It’s hard to imagine preparation for a job interview in a group. Don’t waste your time — start looking for a good personal teacher. Tell him about your goals so he could make the best learning program for you.
- 2. Make a good CV. This document is your face. This is the first thing they know about you (it may be the last thing because if the employer doesn’t like the CV, there will never be an interview). So you should be extremely careful when writing the CV. Ask your teacher to help you. The CV should be written in both English and Russian, so you can send another version as soon as it is requested.
- 3. Find as much info about the company as possible. Start with the website: read the history of the company, latest news in the media, find out what the company does. You’ll kill two birds with one stone: you’ll know what words you might need to know to be able to discuss all this in English; you will show the employer that you are serious (you didn’t come for a friendly chat, you did your homework, so it matters to you).
- 4. Learn all professional term. Imagine the awkwardness if you don’t understand the employer because of lack of professional knowledge. Ask your teacher to prepare a list of the most useful words for you to learn and teach you to pronounce them correctly. Don’t forget to rely on yourself: you teacher might not know everything, so everything by yourself (check out our article about self-studying).
- 5. Prepare answers for the most frequently asked questions. If you have visited many job interviews, you know that questions asked there are often similar. Here is a list of some of them:
- Tell me about yourself. Tell about your education, your skills and experience, and about your goals and achievements. Don’t talk too much — don’t bore your interlocutor with many interesting details.
- Why did you resign? Be careful answering this question. No matter what, don’t criticize your ex-boss. Just say you want to develop. «I’m looking for a new challenge» should do the trick.
- Tell me about your strong and weak sides. Talk only about those advantages that matter for this job. Avoid such clichés as «I am a natural leader» or «I am a team player». Learn many adjectives of personality — you might need them. Don’t forget to mention your weaknesses. There are no ideal people. However you should say something like «I’m a workaholic and I hate when something is unfinished».
- What do you see yourself as in 5 years’ time? Talk about your carrier and professional goals. Use the following expressions: I hope to develop my skills at sth, I see myself as smb, I’m planning to achive sth.
- 6. Prepare your questions for the employer. Never say that you have no questions. Firstly, that’s probably not true; you’d better clarify everything you want to know. Secondly, you’ll show the employer your interest for the job. Ask him about the prospects of professional growth, working schedule and your duties.
- 7. Practice with your teacher. The most important thing about studying English is practice. Having job interviews is just another skill. You should work on difficulties, so you don’t make mistakes later. Your teacher shouldn’t correct your mistakes during the rehearsal. He should do it later. During the rehearsal don’t forget about your pose and facial expression.
"Thorough preparation, honest answers, good CV and self-confidence — here are the keys to success."
- Hopefully, this article is useful for you. If you want a boost of your carrier, sign up for English lessons by Skype and prepare for a job interview with an experienced tutor.