Do Your Field Work for Interviews

Courtesy of Asma Asyyed Interviews can be hard work, but they do have their rewards, even if you don't get the job. I've based these tips on feedback I received--sometimes painfully--after my interviews. Be honest--I learned this the hard way when a friend of mine won a position that I was applying for, because she was more honest than I was. I answered what I thought the interviewers wanted to hear. It did not occur to me until later that this was a test of my common sense and honesty. Be confident about your ideas--At the same time, try to understand the arguments against them. This will make it easier for you to defend your ideas. As an example, one of my interviewers told me I was too young for the job. I knew I was capable of doing the job and that my age should not have been a factor. I listened to the interviewer's justification without interrupting him. I was not convinced, so I used his ideas to show that I could do it. I got that job. Be relaxed--If you are nervous, your employer will be nervous about hiring you. Try not to drink too many coffees before you go to the interview. Eat a healthful meal. To calm myself before an interview, I perceive the interviewers as colleagues, not bosses. Dress sensibly--Dress casually in the lab, but put on the tie or skirt when you interview. First impressions are quite powerful. I applied to one position three times before I got it. What made the difference was dressing conservatively and talking maturely. Have a backup plan--I know this seems a little counterintuitive, but many interviewers will ask about your backup plan, so be prepared to answer. I have been asked this question many times. At the beginning I felt awkward, since I did not want to give a bad impression, but then I realized that interviewers understand that it is natural to have a backup plan. Make your papers presentable--And, if you have to present anything, spend time on it. Being organized and neat are two qualities that, I think, will triple your chances of getting the position. Ask questions--Now it is your turn to be the interviewer. By asking questions, you show your interest in the job. Ask about additional details of the job, any available training programs, and the like. Do not mention salary--Do not think money; wait until you are offered the position. After all, if the salary is not good, then you just trained yourself for the next interview. Be well-rounded--When asked whether you have hobbies, do not say, "No." Being well-rounded means that you can handle multiple tasks with no problems and that you have many talents. This is a big sign of intelligence. Asma Asyyed (amsmaa@egcrc.net) is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, San Francisco. function sendData() { document.frm.pathName.value = location.pathname; result = false if (document.frm.score[0].checked) result = true; if (document.frm.score[1].checked) result = true; if (document.frm.score[2].checked) result = true; if (document.frm.score[3].checked) result = true; if (document.frm.score[4].checked) result = true; if (!result) alert("Please select") return result; } .myradio{background-color : #94bee5} Please indicate on a 1 - 5 scale how strongly you would recommend this article to your colleagues? Not recommended 1 2 3 4 5 Highly recommended Please register your vote

Do Your Field Work for Interviews

Sep 21, 2003

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