Job Interview Tips
All of us, at one time or another, have gone through the interviewing process. It may be a very stressful time, or it may be an opportunity for you to really “cinch” that job. Being prepared for this event is one of the most important steps you can take in securing a job. Once you have submitted your resume and an employer likes what they see, the next step may be for you to come in for a “face to face” interview. This is the time when you can actually “cinch” that job. You need to be sure to make a good impression on the person you are interviewing with. There are some important tips to keep in mind when actually meeting your new potential employer. BE ON TIME If you are late for your interview, it will very likely knock you out of the running. Even if you have a good excuse, it will not be good enough. Being late the very first time the employer asks to see you will show that it was not that important to you that you be on time. It will be taken as an indication that you will most likely be late to work as well. NEVER LIE Make sure you tell the truth. Never lie either verbally or on your resume, most employers will check you out thoroughly if they are interested in you. A lie will knock you out of the running, for sure. BE DRESSED APPROPRIATELY Not all interviews require that one be dressed in a suit. Dress appropriately for the particular job you are seeking. At all times, appear neat, clean and well dressed. For example, if you are a man who is interviewing for a manufacturing position, it is acceptable to wear a pair of nice pants and an ironed shirt, or if you are a woman trying for a receptionist position, you would wear something appropriate to wear to work and greet the public. KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE COMPANY YOU ARE INTERVIEWING WITH
Do some homework. Make it your business to do a little research about the company you are interviewing with. Have an idea about what they do, how large they are, what their annual sales might be, if they are publicly or privately held, and if possible, what their values are. This knowledge will also help you determine if you want to work for them, too. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE THE GUEST Be cordial. Extend your hand for a warm but firm handshake. Allow the interviewer to run the interview. Let that person talk first and give you as much information as they want. Ask questions only when appropriate or when asked. Keep your questions related to the job. You need to make sure the person goes away with the feeling that it is the job you are interested in. QUESTIONS Ask good questions. Have them be related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Engage the interviewer in a discussion about the particular position to be sure you understand what the expectations are. Also ask about the company itself. Do not make salary your primary focus although, in some cases, it may be OK to ask what the salary range is. It is appropriate to ask about their benefit program, career advancement, and when they may be looking for this position to be filled. Be energetic and interested without being aggressive. EXITING FROM THE INTERVIEW Know when it’s time to “wrap up”. Look for this hint from your interviewer such as pushing back from the desk, standing up, etc. Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time. Express your interest in the position. You may ask when it would be a good time to get back to them. Leave with a smile and a firm handshake. DO YOUR FOLLOW UP Always follow up with a thank you note expressing your appreciation for the interview and your interest in the position. Be sure to get the correct spelling of the person’s name and company name. If you have been told they will contact you, let them do so. If you were told you could call in 10 days, make sure you do just that. Remember that the interview is the time for you to really “sell” yourself. Take full opportunity of this time. Be on time, honest, interested, informed and cordial.