Getting an interview is both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. The excitement is potentially landing a great new opportunity. The anxiousness comes from not knowing what to expect. We never know what we will be asked in an interview. However, with these three interview tips you will surely nail your next interview!

Always Be Succinct

I find that when you combine nerves and questions there is a tendency to ramble. We often feel that if a question is asked we need to speak for a certain amount of time. Rambling can cause you to say unnecessary information which in some instances can be perceived negatively. Whatever the question may be, be succinct. Be straight to the point and elaborate when asked too. The interviewer will probe you if they need too.

Keywords

Keywords are the best way to prepare yourself for an interview. There are so many potential questions that can be asked. With keywords, you are able to pull them out and elaborate as much as you need too. For example, if the interviewer asks “What are the top three skills you feel are important to do this role,” You can think about words like “excellent product knowledge” or “communication skills.” As soon as you think of the keyword than you can better explain it.

Answering Behavioral Questions

All interviews will include behavioral questions. These questions are based on your previous experiences and how you handled them. They often start off with “describe” or “tell me about a time”. Think about actual work situations ahead of time. Times where you worked in teams, or handled a difficult situation. Then make sure your answers are correctly formatted when answering. State the situation, your role, details on the situation, and what the result was. This way you are fully answering the question and can handle any possible probing questions.

Take some time to prepare yourself. Using these three tips will surely help you have a positive outcome for your next interview!

Being a new employee in an organization can be exciting as well as nerve-wracking. Every organization has their own culture and ways of operating. As a new employee, it can be difficult to assimilate right away. However, if you practice proper office etiquette you will surely adapt quickly. Office etiquette is about how any employee should conduct themselves within the office. Today’s segment we will talk about the Do’s and Don’ts of office etiquette…

Whether this is your first job or your next job always mind your manners. Working in an office comes with different people and different behaviors. As an individual you must always practice positive office etiquette. Let’s look at the do’s:

• Always be respectful and courteous to those around you. Say ‘Good morning’ when you get in, restock the paper in the copier if you see it’s run out, ask people how their day is going. Be a part of the team and try to be as considerate as possible.
• Always offer to help. If you have time to do so and you are able to help offer your assistance. If you want to eventually become an integral part of the team you should help your colleagues.
• Always do your work. It is okay to chat with your coworkers, during breaks or on lunch. But remember you are being paid to work. Make sure you come in with the attitude to accomplish a good amount of work in the day.

Here are the don’ts:

• Don’t participate in office gossip. As interesting as gossip can be, it has no place in the office. Talking about a team member or a manager in a negative or derogatory way is inappropriate. This type of behavior brings morale down and productivity.
• Try to always mind your gestures. Slouching, or yawning during a meeting can be seen as unprofessional and careless. Your colleagues and managers will not take too kindly to rude gestures.
• Don’t ever assume. When you are unsure of something, don’t assume the answer. Talk to your colleagues, your manager or even your customers. At the end, you want to yield a positive result. Assumptions put you at risk of looking unprofessional and can potentially have a negative impact on your work. 

Office etiquette seems like common sense. But when we start a new role we can forget the little things. Reflect on what kind of employee you want to be and act accordingly.