Alright! You’ve got that phone call. That company is now inviting you in for a job interview. But before you start planning out what to buy on your first paycheck, let’s talk about how to feel and do your best once you step foot through the door. A job interview is not an assurance that you’ll bag the position. You must work very hard to get it. But at least you are just a few inches away from your goal now. Below are some tips that would surely help you get that job you so desire.
Plan Your Clothes. The night before the big day, it is always advisable to plan what you are going to wear. It need not be designer clothing; just something formal and elegant-looking is enough. Be sure, however, that you are comfortable in what you are going to wear. The least you would want to worry about is your bra peeking through your blouse during the interview itself. Keep your clothes as modest as possible. While it is not forbidden to glam up your look with some hues and accessories, keep in mind not to overdo it. Neutrals are still favored, to play safe; and a few pieces pearl or silver jewelry will do. Model your overall look the night before in front of a full-length mirror: from the hairstyle down to your shoes.
Make a Checklist. Be sure to make a checklist of what you are going to bring. Always bring an extra resume because interviewers usually ask for it even though you have already submitted one before. Always keep a pen and paper handy in case you need to write something. A breath freshener is also a must if you plan to eat before the interview.
Research. Research on the company you are going to apply for. Check out their websites to see how long they have been in the business, and find out everything else you need to know. You need not memorize all the words written in their website to impress the interviewer; just a meager familiarity with the company would do. Don’t make up stories: if you really don’t know the answer, say so.
Be on Time. Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early so you still have some ample time to relax and check yourself. This will also reduce your anxieties.
Be Nice to Everyone. Smile at everyone who greets you while you are on your way to the building and while waiting. You’ll never know if you may have already bumped into your interviewer. Besides, you may make a few friends who may prove crucial to your career eventually. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain with being nice.
Be Considerate and Courteous. When it’s your time to be interviewed, be sure your cell phone is turned off or in silent mode. Extend a handshake and wait till you are asked to take a seat before sitting down.
Be Confident. Bear in mind that you are there, being interviewed, because the employer sees potential in you and that’s already a reason for you to be confident. As long as you know what’s written in your resume and all of them are true, you don’t have to feel apprehensive. It’s time to show that they made the right decision to call you for an interview. Convince them that you are the right person for the job. Learn to market yourself. According to Ruth Hill, in her article “Marketing Me,” if you do not show the value of yourself, you won’t survive today’s meetings industry reality.
Bring a Notebook & Copies of Your Resume. Is it me, or doesn’t it just look so impressive when you stroll up in an interview with a nice leather bound portfolio? In my experience, I’ve almost always given an extra copy of my resume to a hiring manager who welcomed it. Also, when they talk about work specifics, or even their personal experiences at the company, it’s great to take notes every now and then! (Not head face down in notebook, 11th grade U.S. History kind of notes)– but just something to let them know you’re interested in what they have to say. Plus, you may want to write down important points you may forget after the interview!
Ask Questions. At the end of the interview, the interviewer always asks if you have any questions, so take this opportunity to ask your questions and address concerns that you may have in mind. This is where that notebook might come in handy;) Ask about the company, too, as this would show you are really interested to know more about the company you applied to work for. On the other hand, don’t ask what’s already obvious. Meaning, if it is already in their website or it was already discussed, then there’s no need to ask about it again. This will just imply that you were not trying to pay attention or just trying to fill in dead air or to impress. Ask sensible questions. Also, while it is understandable that you need to sell yourself, dragging the conversation off-topic just to impress your interviewer is overdoing things. Keep your answers short, simple but with character. Be attentive and listen first to what the interviewer has to say before you start being too chatty.
Follow up & Say Thanks! Usually, the interviewer gives the range of time that your application needs to be processed. If not, don’t be afraid to ask when you can be notified; you wouldn’t want to limit yourself with waiting around. If the turnaround time has already lapsed, call up the HR department to ask about your application. Just ask first if it’s alright to call them to follow up. And ahh, the power of a handwritten note. Before too much time goes by after your interview, why not send the hiring managers/human resources manager a thank you.
There are so many tricks of the trade out there!
