Congratulations, you put in the needed effort to find a job, and you have some promising interviews coming up. Well, the work isn’t quite over yet, but the fun is just beginning.
A job interview is a vital part in the hiring process. This is where everything that can’t be translated off paper gets hashed out. Where two-dimensional becomes three-dimensional, and for those of you who are math savvy you recognize that is a whole extra dimension. This is where you make or break all the hard work you have put in, and here are some tips to be at your best.
DRESS THE PART
If the position is an investment banker for a high end Wall Street firm, showing up in jeans is an instant rejection. The people working those jobs are wearing well tailored suits, not nice fitting jeans. On the flip side, it would be odd to show up in a well tailored suit if you are applying for a tattoo parlor. Maybe the owner will dig that, but odds are better if you wear something that displays your ink.
A general rule is to dress nice. Business casual is often a safe choice unless you know for certain otherwise.
BE EARLY
In the business world, on time is late, and late is fired. Prepare for the streets to be backed up and traffic at a halt. Prepare to get completely lost on your way there. It is always nice to do a dry run to map a good route, and the time it takes to travel before taking your maiden voyage. It is best to show up 15 minutes early and have time to prepare a little than run in five minutes late.
BE RESPECTFUL
Respect comes in many forms, and everything that you do before, during, and after the interview should be of respect. The employer is taking on risk to even give the time to interview you, and the least you can do is make sure not to waste their time. Make eye contact, sit with good posture, smile a bit (but not too much).
While working at Your Employment Solutions I saw a lot of people be disrespectful during their interviews. People would bring in children and constantly have to chase them down or quiet them. If you can’t find someone to watch your kids for the little time to do an interview, an employer will not trust that you could go a full work shift without your kids being and issue.
Most of all, and I can’t stress this enough…
PUT THE PHONE AWAY!
There are only two times you should ever pull your phone out in a job interview, and even at that, it is better not to do so. First, if you need to jot down a phone number. I can give a person a pass if they add the number straight to their phone. Second, adding a date to a calendar. A lot of people have their calendars on their phone, and that is okay. It is convenient and easy, but the second the task gets done, put the phone away! Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and your significant other will all be there when you are done. And if there is an emergency, most interviews don’t last more than 15 minutes, so even an emergency can wait.
COMMUNICATE WELL
Answer the questions asked of you, and better yet, ask questions. Asking a question about the company shows that you are interested in what the company does and want to know more and grow. Questions could include: “What makes {insert company} a great place to work?” or “What do you search for in employees?” Questions should not be, “How much will I make?” (That will be discussed later if you are offered the position) or “Can I get vacation days for XYZ?”
The interview is where the real magic happens. Make it count.
If you want more tips on job hunting, interview tips, or general work/business, from people far more qualified than myself, Forbes is a great resource.
