How To Ace That Job Interview
A bad job interview can kill your chances of landing a position. And with unemployment skyrocketing and the field loaded with others seeking work, you need to nail that interview to cement a great first impression.
On The Early Show Saturday Edition, Susan Morem, author of "How to Get a Job and Keep It," offered advice that could help you land on your feet.
She says there are tried-and-true do's and don'ts for that all-important session, to help set you apart from the growing pool of job candidates.
THOSE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO LAND AN INTERVIEW HAVE TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME. WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION DURING A JOB INTERVIEW?
With job losses on the rise, the candidate pool for job openings is suddenly much deeper. So you really need to distinguish yourself from the other candidates, and that means paying very close attention to every detail when it comes to the job interview.
Aside from a potential employer looking at your resume, a job interview is your first chance to make an impression. And employers are looking for a reason to eliminate you from the stack of possible hires, and you don't want to give them any reason to add you to that "do not hire" stack.
PREPARATION IS KEY: DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Know about the position you're interviewing for. And know what's on your resume. Also, research the company with whom you are interviewing and be ready to ask intelligent and specific questions. Seek to gain an understanding of the challenges the company has faced and the direction in which it's headed. The more you know about the company and the position you're interviewing for, the better able you will be to communicate what you bring to that organization.
Also, if you're going to interview in a location or neighborhood you're unfamiliar with, go to the location ahead of time so you don't get lost. The last thing you want to do is show up late for the interview.
GREET WITH FIRM HANDSHAKE; MAKE EYE CONTACT
First impressions are key. So, greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. The interviewer sizes you up within moments, at the very beginning, so you want to make a great first impression. These opening moments are critical, because they set the tone for the entire interview, so you want to make sure you get off on the right foot.
DRESS TO IMPRESS
Physical appearance is key. Employers pay more attention to your physical appearance than you may think; they look you up and down, from head to toe, and take notice of everything from the condition of your shoes to the quality of your skin to the length and style of your hair. It sounds obvious, but make sure you're in top condition for the interview. Go to bed early the night before and get a good night's sleep. Take a shower, comb your hair. Make sure your clothes are clean. Don't wear a shirt with stains or rips. Make sure they're pressed. And make sure you wear a neat, comfortable pair of shoes. Believe me, nothing is overlooked. Employers will even take note of the type of pen you use! So you really want to appear professional and well-put-together, not like you just rolled in from a frat party.
DO NOT DRESS CASUALLY
Even if the company has a casual dress policy! When you're thinking about what to wear, you should dress for the position you want, not the one you have. Look professional; show your potential employer that you care about your appearance.
BE YOURSELF
Be professional, be prepared, be courteous and be knowledgeable. But it's really important to be yourself. If you go in there trying to be someone you're not, interviewers can tell. Sure, you'll be nervous. That's natural. But do your best to overcome that. Be personable, not robotic. You want the interviewer to get a sense of who you are as a person. They're not looking to hire a robot. They want to see some personality. Now there are limits. I'm not suggesting you go into your stand-up routine! But don't be afraid to let your personal side show a bit.
DON'T ASK ABOUT THINGS LIKE VACATION, SALARY OR HOURS
I would advise against asking about in/out times, salary, vacation, days off, dress code, etc. And don't make any negative remarks or comments that sound like complaints. There will be plenty of time to work out those details once the job offer has been made. Until then, you should convey a sense of enthusiasm and excitement that you're being considered for the position for which you're interviewing.
FOLLOW UP WITH A THANK YOU NOTE
A thank you note is huge. Studies show only 30 percent of interviewees actually follow up with a note. But I can't tell you how important it is to follow up with a personalized thank you note. And make sure it's handwritten, neatly, on nice stationery. You want to thank them for taking the time to meet with you, and gently remind them of your interest in the position for which you interviewed. Don't overdo it, though.
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