A HOW TO ON NAILING THE JOB INTERVIEW – TIPS FROM THE INFLUENCER NEXT DOOR
After countless hours of scouring through job listings, filling out application forms, and mailing out cover letters and resumes, you finally get the call: You have a job interview. The hard part is over, right? Not quite.
Have you ever felt that you had a great interview but still didn’t get the job? Just because you hit it off with the interviewer doesn’t mean you convinced him or her that you’re the best candidate. Having a charismatic attitude and engaging in polite conversation is a great start, but there are a number of skills and techniques that you must employ to make a truly great impression.
Do Your homework
Please, I repeat, please do not show up knowing little to nothing about the company you applied for. Do you your research before you take time out of a manager’s schedule. The more you know about the company, its industry, their mission and values, the better. It shows that you care about the opportunity and your profession in general. It shows that you value your time and craft as well as the company’s. Most importantly, it shows that you are a well prepared person, one that will go the extra mile and prepare for tasks without being asked.
Who is interviewing you?
The odds are in your favor here. The internet is your best friend. If you were not given your interviewer’s name before scheduling the interview, it isn’t too late for you. Do you remember when we were talking about research? The names of the people in charge are usually on company websites or social media, so dig in. Scope them out, check out their LinkedIn profile. Do you have anything in common with this person? Do you have mutual connections? Why not bring it up during the interview?
What is the company culture?
Hiring managers are all about synergy, to the point where they will hold its importance at a higher level than qualifications. They need someone that will mesh well with the mission, culture and over all energy of the team. How can you prepare for this before ever walking into the building? Hey there, research!
Check out their social media platforms. What kind of people do they showcase? Are they socially conscious? Hipsters? Partyers? Sports minded? Getting a sense of the crowd can help you decide if you will “fit” in to the culture ahead of time.
Where is the company located and the time it will take you to get there?
No brainer, right? You’d be surprised by how many people show up late for a job interview. Things happen that are out of your control, but you can still prepare for the unexpected. Map your commute, traffic expectations and parking options. Give yourself padding because as an interviewer, I can tell you that a late and frantic first impression is definitely not the best. And if you can’t be on time for the interview, odds are, you won’t be on time for your job. Set the standard from day one.
Dress for the part you want
Everything about your appearance should send the message that you will fit right in with the company. Call someone in human resources or check out the company website to learn what you can about the culture and dress code.
Come prepared
Bring a hard copy or two of your resume, a notebook or portfolio and something to write with. If you have professional preferences, bring those printed on an additional sheet. Bring a list of questions and a copy of the job description if possible.
What the role involves
What is the job? It is a no brainer that you should be well acquainted with the job description. In fact, you should be using said job description to tailor your resume and cover letter for this interview. What are the required skills and qualifications? How does your experience match up? Do you have examples of your experiences or achievements that can demonstrate your skill? The details of the job lay the foundation for the interview. During the interview, most interviewers will invite you to ask questions. Be sure to have at least one intelligent question that shows you know what the company does and how this job fits into the grand scheme of the company’s current projects and future plans. For example, you could ask for more clarification on a job requirement mentioned in the job listing or discussed earlier in the interview. Just avoid asking about salary and benefits – it’s too early in the game for that discussion.
Be Decisive
When recruiters are ready to hire a candidate, they need someone to start right away. The difference between the candidate who gets hired and the one who remains unemployed often comes down to who acts quickest in accepting the job offer. Be sure to return all phone calls and emails the same day so that the hiring process can move ahead as quickly as possible.
Close the Deal
Maintain your enthusiasm throughout the interview. At the end, ask if there are any other questions that you can answer, and be sure to ask about the next step in the hiring process. Follow up with an email or handwritten note to the interviewer to show your excitement.
There are many factors that affect the choice of a new hire, and even a stellar interview won’t guarantee you the job. Getting your foot in the door for a job interview is just the beginning. Planning, preparation, practice, and attention to detail will pay off for you by ensuring that you leave a positive and lasting impression.