A job interview can make your palms sweat and heart race but it doesn’t have to. Making a great first impression is critical; unfortunately most of us make a judgment about someone within the first few minutes. Being prepared is the key to a successful interview and will ensure you make that critical first impression a positive one.
With an uplifting economic outlook and if you are in the market for a new job, chances are you will find yourself preparing for an interview at some point in the near future. Here are a few tips to consider to ensure you don’t bomb that important first impression.
Who’s doing the Hiring?
Research the organization by visiting their website. There you can find information about their history, product lines, size of the business, and position in the marketplace. This demonstrates your interest in the company and allows you to prepare for potential questions in the interview process.
Know your Role
Gear your answers to the areas covered in the description of the role for which you are applying. For example, if the role calls for a candidate who can handle escalated calls from unsatisfied customers, you might highlight the time you went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure your customer was satisfied with the service you provided. Not only will this demonstrate your ability to do the job, it will provide a real life example of your capabilities in this specific role and what the company can expect if they hire you.
Dress the Part
There is nothing worse than someone going to a job interview wearing ripped jeans, and oversized snow boots! If you are unsure about the dress code of the company, ask the HR Representative who coordinated the interview. When in doubt, dress to the nines as chances are no one will be offended if you are over dress. At the very least dress pants and a sharp shirt will demonstrate that you are confident and are ready to do business.
Be Natural
At the end of the day, if you try to be someone you are not you will fall flat. Hiring Managers are looking for the total package – presentation, technical experience and interpersonal skills. Be yourself. By being prepared you will shed a lot of the stress and nervousness that typically surrounds a job interview. Knowledge is power … the more you know the better of an impression you will deliver. Remember you only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one!
