Did you think you did well on your last job interview only to never receive a call back or job offer? Are you thinking about what you said and how you looked during your last face to face job interview and wish you had a second chance to make a great impression?Here are 7 quick suggestions to help you put your best foot forward and step way ahead of your competition for the job you want:
1.Research the company you will interview with. There is no longer a need to go into a job interview ‘cold’.The internet is a vast resource of company information. From how the company started and who is the current head of the company to their latest products and company slogan, this information and more is just a click away. Doing your homework will make you feel more comfortable about your first “company meeting" because the company and its representative will not feel like total strangers.
2.Practice your answers to common and not so common job interview questions.From “Why did you leave your last job?’ and “Why should we hire you for this position?"to “How many gas stations are there in the US" and “What if I told you this interview is not going very well?", your response will tell the interviewer how well you think on your feet and how you handle pressure.Ask a friend to help you practice and to honestly let you know how you are doing.You will feel calmer when you mentally prepare yourself for almost any job interview question.
3.Practice your entire job interview presentation.Beyond practice answers to questions, it is just as important to be aware of your voice and body language.Are you speaking clearly?Are your arms folded? Do you appear interested and eager or bored or afraid? Your body language could be betraying you. Again ask a friend to help you practice.Or use free mock job interview video clips to get honest feedback about your entire job interview presentation skills.It’s best to identify, make and correct your mistakes before you’re your next face to face job interview.
4.Plan your job interview attire.It is recommended that men wear a conservative suit and women wear a conservative suit with minimal jewelry, makeup and accessories. Make sure clothing is in good condition, clean and pressed.Even if your research shows the work environment is pretty casual, at the very least, dress one step above the level of the job you are interviewing for.
5.Bring only necessary take alongs to the job interview.Make sure you have specific directions about the location of the job interview. Ask for the name, title and a contact telephone number for the person who will conduct your job interview.Bring extra resumes with you.Also, bring questions you have about the company, and the job you are applying for.Note:Your job interview is not the time to ask questions about compensation, flex time and vacation days.
6.Display good manners before, during and after your job interview.Your job interview begins the moment you arrive on the company’s property.Be on time.In fact, arrive 15 minutes early.Greet and address the receptionist or the person that welcomes you with respect.Do not answer your cell phone or use a similar device while waiting, or during the interview. Just turn it off.If your culture allows, firmly shake the hand of the interviewer before the job interview begins and after the job interview ends. Thank the receptionist on your way out.
7.Send a thank you letter. Use technology to send a hand written note.By using email, you’ll be able to see that it was received by the person or persons you intended.Not only will the note make a great impression, but it will make a lasting impression long after the conclusion of your face to face interview.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
