It all starts with the resume, but what I plan on focusing on is the interview process, and how to maximize your chances of receiving an offer.
1. 10 seconds to sell or say so long
Unless your resume catches the interviewer's eye in 10 seconds it's over, you're done.Cater your resume to the job description!
2. Dress in a clean conservative manner
Make sure you go into a job interview having showered and wearing clean clothes. If you like wearing cologne or perfume, don't wear any on the day of the interview. What's subtle smelling to you may be overwhelming to your interviewer.
3. Be on time
There is no excuse for being late, none! Leave extra early, do whatever it takes. Blaming it on traffic or anything else doesn't matter.
4. Cell phone off
Obvious but easily forgotten. Double and triple check to make sure your cell phone ringer is turned off. To be on the safe side, you might want to leave your phone in the car.
5. Know the company, and why you want to work there
Research the company you're interviewing for. Learn as much as you can about the company's mission, objectives, goals, and future plans. Definitely be aware of some of the company current projects, or current events that might impact the company
6. Bring resumes
Your interviewers will likely have a copy of your resume but bring spares. It shows you're prepared and serious about getting the job. Use resume paper, it will make you stand out from other applicants.
7. Bring a notepad/padfolio
Very few people bring a notepad with them to a job interview. It's a very subtle thing that makes you stand out. Take notes when appropriate.
8. Profiles to private
If you don't think interviewers look you up on Facebook or MySpace, think again. Hiring managers do this all the time "to weed out people who wouldn't be a good fit in the company's culture."
9. Don't make jokes/babble/badmouth/flirt with the Interviewer
Too many people think they are funny when in reality they're not. There is a time and a place for everything, a job interview isn't the time nor place to test your material. Be friendly and outgoing, but save the jokes.When answering a question, answer the question. Don't start out answering a question and then veer off to talk about something else. Make sure your answer directly reflects the question being asked. Bad mouthing a previous boss in a job interview is a huge negative. They may have been the worst boss in the world but expressing that in a job interview is a huge mistake. Remember, at all times be PROFESSIONAL!
10. Have good eye contact
Staring at the floor, ceiling, or wall when speaking or listening makes you appear disinterested.
11. Have goals and Passion
Maybe you don't have any idea where you want to be in a few years professionally but figure out something to say. If you don't and you're asked, you appear unambitious, which could lead an interviewer to think you'd be a lazy employee. Be able to express why you want to work in that field/industry and what you do to further your knowledge (books, blogs you read). The more intelligent or informed you are the more impressive you'll look.
12. Have accomplishments
Be prepared to talk about something that you're proud of accomplishing, whether professionally or personally (or a failure and what you learned from it).
13. Ask Questions At the end of the job interview make sure you have some questions to ask. If the interviewer doesn't offer you a chance, ask to ask. Again, it reinforces your strong interest in the job.
14. Send a thank you note
It's easy to send an email but take the extra effort to mail your interviewer a hand written thank you note. It reinforces your interest in the job. It doesn't need to be long, just make it sincere.
These are 14 simple tips, but I can assure they will make a big difference!
Thanks for sharing this post.
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