An interview is your opportunity to set yourself apart from every other applicant. Depending on how things go, you can either knock one out of the park and secure the job, or just as easily slam the door shut and kiss it good-bye. By following these tips, you should be on your way to filling out paperwork with Human Resources in no time.
Have you ever heard the saying, “dress for success?” Of course you have. It goes without saying, the day of your interview, you want to leave those jeans and gym shoes in the closet. Gentlemen, wear a suit and tie. Stick with something simple like charcoal, black or navy, nothing flashy. If you are unable to wear a suit, slacks with a dress shirt may suffice. Ladies, please dress sophisticated, not busy. Like men, a suit would be preferred. However, slacks and a dress shirt will pass. If you choose to wear a skirt, it should fall to your knees. Makeup should be basic, remember you are interviewing for a job, not heading out to a nightclub. Take advantage of a dry cleaner and have your interview clothing pressed. If you are questioning an outfit you plan to wear, do yourself a favor and move onto something else.
You should treat your interview as though it begins the moment you leave your home and does not conclude until you have returned. The person you cut off for a parking space just might be the person that is interviewing you. Saying hello and holding the elevator can go a long way. You never know how the people sharing that small space can influence your future career. Be mindful of what you say when you are in the bathroom or in the waiting area. It is amazing how those conversations, no matter how insignificant you think they may be, can make or break your employment with the company. Once you get the job, treat every moment you are at work just as though it is an interview for your next position.
Do your homework on the company for which you are interviewing. Nothing is more impressive than an applicant who has knowledge of the company. During the interview process you will be provided with an opportunity to ask questions about the company. Having well thought-out and prepared questions shows the interviewer that you are serious about the company and your future employment there. This is not the time to ask about compensation. Don’t worry, there will be time for that when they offer you the position.
Put time in to prepare for your interview. The more experience that you have being interviewed, the easier being interviewed becomes. You will be questioned about your work experience and possibly your education background. Interviewers will ask how you can improve the company. Going through a series of mock interviews will enable you to provide intelligent and well-structured answers. It is natural to feel nervous and uneasy when someone is being critical about you and your skills. However, with practice, you will be able to handle the interview process, because you will already know what is going to be asked and more importantly, have the right answers.
Take a moment to think about questions and your answer before responding. When you pause before answering a question, it shows the interviewer that you are being thoughtful of your response. If you are unsure of how to respond to a question or what is meant, ask for clarification. You are better off giving yourself a moment to compose an answer than to just wing it and throw just anything out there.
By following these tips, you should secure the job that you deserve. You have it in yourself to succeed, you just have to show them how much they need you.