Tips For Job Interviews
Your resume has sparked interest and you have been asked to come in for an interview. This is the time to do your homework and learn all you can about the company. Having some knowledge about the company can only help you. Be prepared and learn what the company offers either in services or in product. Learn the names of the CEOs and officers of the company. You will not be expected to know all about the business but it is important to know the basics.
What you wear to an interview makes a statement so dress conservatively. Men should wear a suit or at the very least dress pants and dress shirt with a tie. For women, do not wear anything clingy, too short, or too low cut. No heavy perfumes and for men be freshly shaven.
The first impression for the interviewer is very important. As one who conducted many interviews, I can say for a fact that when someone walks in that door I formed an immediate impression. For me, that first contact gave me information of either this is a candidate I would like to learn more about or this person is not for this job.
Walk into the interview and shake hands with the interviewer with a firm grasp. No limp handshakes as that is not the impression you want to create. Do not gush or talk on and on. Have questions ready that you would like answers to. Ask intelligent questions about the company. A first interview is a screening process to determine if you would be a possible candidate. Do not discuss salary or benefit packages as that will come in another interview.
Tell me about yourself is a start to many interviews. Be ready for this question ahead of time. Do not talk about what you like to do such as going to the dog track. Keep it professional. Are you a hard worker? Do you volunteer anywhere? What professional organizations do you belong to that is relevant for the position your are applying for., If you have worked for a similar company such as you are applying for, mention that and what position you held.
Before the interview talk with those you have used for references. At the very least to make sure it is okay to use their names and at the same time to let them know they could be getting a call from a potential employer for you.
At the end of the meeting, thank the interviewer for his time, shake hands with a solid grip and realize you have done all you could to land this job.
