How To Impress At An Interview, And Land That Job
Candidates' experience and credentials, as detailed in the
resume, are most often the frequently used criteria for
determining which job applicants are deserving of a personal
interview. Ultimately, though, the hiring decision is going to
be heavily based upon the candidates' performance in the
interview and their value to the organization. To impress an
interviewer, you have to be able to distinguish yourself from
other candidates and be prepared to 'sell' your qualifications
to the interviewer. How can you do this?
Present a polished professional image
Remember that professional companies are looking to hire
professional individuals, not the beach bum who just shook the
loose sand from his hair. Dress conservatively in a well-fitting
suit and keep jewelry, makeup, and fragrances to a minimum. It's
also important to always take a shower, brush your teeth, and
comb your hair before an interview as well to present to clean,
polished image.
Spend some time to research the organization prior to the
interview
Doing outside research on your own time to prepare for the
interview demonstrates your commitment to hard work and your
sincere interest in the organization. Study up on the company's
products and services, industry, target market, annual sales,
structure, and any other key information. Managers will be
impressed by your research.
Prepare specific examples of how your skills and experience make
you a strong fit for the organization's needs
Practice answering tough, directed questions about your
experience and be prepared to draw colorations between your
experience and that needs of the organization. For example, if
the position requires strong analytical skills, you should have
example ready to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Have
you faced any challenges that forced you to think quickly on
your feet? How do you go about evaluate alternatives when you
have to justify a decision on a project?
Prepare and ask intelligent questions about the company and
position
Your research on the organization will also come in handy when
it comes time to formulate a series of intelligent questions you
want answered. Since the interviewing process is an evaluation
tool for both the individual and the organization, it is in your
best interest to gather as much information about the potential
opportunity as possible. Asking well thought-out questions shows
that you are serious about the opportunity at hand and indicates
the level of your knowledge about the company to the
interviewer.
Pay attention to your body language.
You want to exude self-confidence and poise during an interview.
Maintain eye contact, smile pleasantly, and keep your body
attentive but relaxed throughout the meeting. Avoid fidgeting,
clearing your throat, and breaking eye contacts as these are all
signs of an anxious person.
Conclude the meeting by thanking the interviewer for his time
and shaking his hand.
End the interview on a strong positive note by thanking and
acknowledging the time the interviewer spent meeting with you.
It's important that interviewer know that you value his time -
after all, he could just have easily been doing something else.
Write a quick "Thank You" message to the individual(s) who
interviewed you.
It only takes a few minutes to pen a "Thank You" note to an
interviewer, but the gesture speaks volumes about your
professionalism and the importance you place on good customer
service. If you treat the interviewer with gratitude and
respect, you are likely to treat your co-workers and customers
equally well.