You have applied for many jobs, sent
out numerous resumes and finally landed an interview. Congratulations!
Now get ready to ace that interview.
Dress the part
Always dress at least one step above the company’s dress code
policy. When in doubt, dress professionally. For men, this
includes a suit and tie and for women a skirt or pants with
a matching jacket is appropriate. Wear minimal jewelry, no
perfume, cologne or shoes you can barely walk in. Save the
flashy, low cut, short skirt and designer jeans for a night
on the town.. Looking professional is the bottom line. When
you arrive on site, stop in the restroom to have one last
look, smile and you’re ready to go!
Prep your resume
Look over your resume one last time. Know what it says so
you can refer your experience to the position. Print extra
copies to bring with you in case there is more than one person
at the interview. Be organized and put your resumes and other
materials in a professional folder or briefcase.
Know the company and the interviewer
Before the interview, research the company’s website to have
a good idea of their products or services. Be aware of any
recent accomplishments, awards or media coverage the company
has had. Use Linked In to learn about your interviewer. Did
they just acquire another company? Were they recognized as
a great place to work? Be sure to have examples of your skills.
Most companies use behavioral interviewing techniques and
are looking for the interviewee to describe a situation and
the outcome to answer the question. Have examples from you
previous experience ready for those types of questions.
Turn those negatives into positives
Interviewers will want to know why you are leaving your current
job, what your weaknesses are and how you deal with conflict.
Never speak negatively of your current employer - it will
get you nowhere! You must be ready to turn potential negatives
into a positive. For example, “I’m leaving after two great
years and ready to take on new challenges.”
Keep it simple
Answer all questions with brief answers; refrain from telling
stories. Interviewers want to hear what you have to say,
but you also must respect their time. Before you answer each
question do 3 things; Listen to the entire question, pause
and smile. Focus on what the interviewer is asking and what
they are saying. Always maintain eye contact with the interviewer
both when you are listening and answering the question. This
is your opportunity to learn so stay focused and listen carefully.
Save all questions until the end of the interview.
Show genuine interest and ask good questions
Prepare questions ahead of time that ask about anything you
need to know including company culture, what the team is like,
growth opportunities, why people like working for the company,
work/life balance, etc. The interview is a time for you to
find out if the company is a good fit. Be prepared in the
interview, companies may not give you a chance to ask questions;
they may reserve that for the 2nd and 3rd interviews. Wait
for the interviewer to invite you to ask questions.
Write a handwritten thank you note within 24 hours
In today’s age, most people will send emails, so by writing
a hand-written note, you will stand out from the crowd.
Following
these basic guidelines will help you put your best foot forward
and land the perfect opportunity you deserve.
