Getting the Total Package
Negotiating an interview could only be easy if you’re prepared enough. Any interview is like an exam. Your grade, your result, is only a reflection of your performance during the time you took it.
These days, what the companies are looking for are not just those with brilliant transcript of grades but also those who are able to tap into their ‘quick intelligence’ or the street smarts. If they see these two important qualities in an interviewee, then the job is almost a closed deal.
How to be the ‘package’ could be quite tough though, but here are some ideas on how to be the best package without the fancy trimmings:
1. Prepare yourself for everything… and it’s not bad to over-prepare. Having a plan of strategy like how to answer general interview questions is most effective, specially when equipped with practice. The practice will allow you to feel comfortable with the answer, making it seem entirely natural.
2. Set your goals, and let your employers know it. Being clear on how you see yourself years from now is important since these companies are relatively picky. Have your resumes memorized, and be not afraid to tell them what you want and don’t want.
3. Know your strengths… your weakness as well.
4. Build on your resume. Try to refer to your resume as much as you can, backing it up with stories of your experiences to prove a point.
5. Don’t be ashamed of your previous job—specially if it didn’t end well.
6. Interview your employers. They wouldn’t know what you want or what you have in mind if you don’t interact with them. The bulk of an interview may be with them asking you questions but it doesn’t prohibit you from doing just the same to them.