Congratulations, you have made it to the face-to-face interview. However, it is not time to celebrate just yet. This is where you become more than just words on a paper in the form of a resume to a hiring manager. You have 30 minutes to an hour to prove to the hiring manager that you are the perfect fit for the position you have applied for. Remember the old saying that says, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” Well in this case that saying is completely correct. This is your one shot to make the hiring manager choose you over the other 5 plus candidates they will be interviewing for the same position. So how do you set yourself apart from the others that have the same skill set, background and knowledge that they will be interviewing?
Do your research. Sounds simple enough right?
You would not believe how many people I have interviewed over the years that did not know the name of the company they were interviewing with, what the company actually did, the interviewers name, their title, or even the position they were interviewed for.
In the world we live today, this process is very easy and takes little effort to explore the worldwide web and investigate to find out more about the company and the person you are interviewing with.
Second, use various social media site to find out as much as you can about the person you will be interview with. What other companies they have worked for, what schools did they attend, were they involved in sports, were they in the military, etc. Use this information to find common ground. This will allow you to discuss topics that you both have a mutual interest. However, make sure you use this in a conversational format.
Dress to impress!!!
Gentlemen, wear a dark suit, white shirt and a blue time and Ladies wearing a dark business suit with a modest blouse is great.
Show up 15 minutes early, no more no less.
This allows you to relax, take a deep breath, fill out any necessary paperwork, etc. As an interviewer if someone is late 9 times out of 10 I have mentally crossed them off my list regardless of their reason or excuse for being late.
Bring several copies of your Resume.
Make sure it is current and on resume paper in some type of folder along with letters of recommendations and other important documents that you fill make you stand out from the other candidates.
Keep to business.
For example, when the interviewer says “tell me about yourself,” they are not asking you to tell them about your family, friends and social life. They want you to tell them something that is important to them that sets you apart from all of the other candidates interviewing for this job.
Be honest in your answers.
Do not lie to the person you are interviewing. With today’s technology, facts are a click away. Remember they are experienced in the industry and know probably more than you do.
Ask for the job before you leave.
This can be done in numerous ways, and takes some practice.
Follow up with a thank you email and/or handwritten letter.
Very few people do this anymore. Interviewer appreciate that you took the time to thank them. This could be what differentiates you from the other candidates.
Good Luck, I hope you can utilize these fundamental tips to help you land your next dream job!
Charlie Reeves, President & CEO at Alpha & Omega Workforce Solutions
