Interview Tips For Candidates That Know How To Be Prepared
Company and Position Research
A prepared job seeker arrives at his interview having already done some research about the company and the position for which he has applied. Learning the basics about a company -- such as what it produces, how long it has been in business and how many people it employs -- can give an applicant a better idea what to expect from the company and the interview. Reviewing the position description -- especially the qualifications portion of the description -- can help a job seeker collect his thoughts about how he can fill the position, which special skills he possesses that make him an ideal candidate and how his experience qualifies him for the work.
Education
An applicant should share information about his education that is pertinent to the position he is interviewing for. Vocational degrees, college degrees, certifications or any other education obtained that applies to the job's requirements should be shared with the interviewer. An applicant should inform the interviewer about any workshops or training sessions he has attended that are related to the work the position requires. For instance, a heavy-equipment operator should inform the hiring manager about any safety training he has attended.
Experience
Any information about previous jobs held, years of work experience and overall work ethic are important elements for the blue-collar interview. Blue-collar job interviews weigh heavily on one's experience and ability to perform the tasks required, not whether someone has management potential or supervisory qualities unless you are interviewing for a position at that level. Some hiring managers will not hire a blue collar candidate that puts more emphases on being a manager or supervisor when interviewing for a production or entry level position. The goal is to get the job and prove you can follow first and then lead, not prove you can manage or supervise from the sidelines. The applicant should readily tell the interviewer about the job duties he has performed in the past, especially when they directly apply to the available position. Additionally, an applicant should share personal experience that applies in the interview. Personal experience such as home improvement projects, working on your own vehicles or planting a garden might all be relevant experiences that provide evidence of abilities necessary for the job at hand.
Achievements
Any accomplishments such as perfect attendance, team or personal awards for meeting or exceeding goals, awards or safety recognition's should be shared with the interviewer. Now is not the time to be humble about your previous professional achievements but be careful to not overdue it. If the interviewer shows signs that they are ready to move on to the next question, then they most likely are.
Better Left Unsaid
Negative comments about any previous or current employer should be left out of any conversation during a blue-collar interview. Worker's compensation disputes should never be discussed with a hiring manager. If you have any medical condition's that will not effect your ability to perform your duties as defined in the job posting or scope of work during normal operational hours, avoid any mention of them or any past treatment or doctors appointments. Nothing will kill an interview faster than an interviews personal issue. So, don’t talk about any outside issues. The less you talk about your personal life, family issues, differing opinions or political or religious views the better chance you’ll have at getting the job.