No matter how good your prospects look at landing a job, you still want to make a great impression at your interview. You never know how many other prospects you might be up against. Even if you are likely to get the job, do what you can to make a great first impression.
Have Copies of Your Resume Handy
The interviewer might not have your resume right in front of them. If someone else assists in the interview, then they might need a copy as well. Some interviewers will even wait before pulling out their copy just to see if you were considerate enough to bring one.
Don’t Just Recite Your Resume
If you got an interview, then they liked something they’ve already seen. Your resume information is a great starting point for answers, but tell them the story of your success behind the individual lines of your work experience and education.
Dress for the Part
Learn all you can about the company culture where you are going to interview. Most of the time, dress clothes or a suit and tie might seem like a safe move, but not always. Applying for construction jobs in formal attire might draw some chuckles when you’re better off dressing more casually and showing off your willingness to get dirty.
Show Your Research
The more you learn about a company, the more you need to allude to it in the interview. Everyone they talk to is looking for “a” job, but you should demonstrate how you want “their” job. Show that you are ready for the position the same day of your interview.
Always Have Questions of Your Own
In every stage of the interview, have questions ready for them. If all you do is sit back and answer their questions, you might seem very passive as a professional. Getting a conversation going back and forth means a useful dialogue. While they’re trying to figure out whether you’re a good fit for their company, you need to likewise make sure they’re a good fit for you. Remember this, they think they are interviewing you, but in reality, you are interviewing them.
Be Grateful
Your enthusiasm for a position might actually backfire in an interview if you sell yourself too hard. Be grateful for the opportunity to interview with them, and send them a thank you note after the fact to reinforce that. Whether it’s an email or a physical letter is up to you, but do something along these lines. This is sometimes the tiebreaker when they have multiple candidates they like.
Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700
