Best Impression: Interview to Get the Job
Some things may have changed about job hunting, but how you present
yourself in an interview is not one of them. Despite the rosy employment
picture, you are probably not going to be hired until a company has
a conversation with you and decides you're the best person for the
job. This is especially critical when you are up against someone
with similar credentials and background, or when the qualifications
for the job have more to do with interpersonal and communication
skills than with technical qualifications. Here are some strategies
to help you do the best job of selling yourself when meeting with
a prospective employer.
Preparing for the Interview
You probably wouldn't give a presentation without advance preparation.
Similarly, you don't want to go to an interview without having
first done some investigative work: Do the research. Make sure
you are familiar with the prospective employer's job requirements,
company history, and industry. If possible, try to find out a
little more about the person conducting the interview. You'll
make a much better impression during your meeting if you have
done your homework.
Clarify your Objectives
Before pitching yourself for a position, be sure you are clear
on your own interests and career goals. Be prepared to explain
why you want the job and why you think you would be a good fit.
Your goal should be to convince the interviewer you have what
it takes to do the job.
Get your Questions Ready
Be an active participant in the interview by developing relevant
questions, some of which may be based on your research. But
asking questions is only part of the equation. Also know the value
of listening well: Pay attention to and thoroughly absorb what the
other person is saying. It's one of the most underrated interviewing
skills. If you listen carefully to hiring managers, they will
often tell you exactly what they're looking for in an employee,
and you can tailor your pitch accordingly.
Don't Forget the "Small" Things
Other things to consider as you prepare for your meeting include
being aware of your posture, making eye contact, pacing your
answers (not talking too fast), and avoiding any distracting
mannerisms such as foot tapping or running your hands through
your hair. These things may sound trivial, but you want the
interviewer to focus on what you are saying - not what you are
doing.
During the Interview
Your first meeting with the hiring manager is likely to make the
most vivid impression. This is your chance to make sure you get
a favorable review. There are many things you shouldn't do in
an interview, but here are some basic guidelines you can follow
to start off o the right foot.
Dress Smart
Don't underestimate the power of your professional appearance.
This is the first time the interviewer will see you and, like
it or not, what you wear could affect your chances of proceeding
to the next round of interviews. Your goal should be to blend
in. Whether you're applying for a position at a bank or as a
merchandiser for a fashion house, dress appropriately for the
job you want.
Make the Best First Impression
The interview begins as soon as you arrive at the company. Most
businesses have a reception area where you'll wait to meet the
person conducting your interview, and this is when many job
seekers let their guard down. Keep in mind that you may be evaluated
just as much in the waiting area as in the interview itself.
Make sure you are friendly to the receptionist, office assistant,
or anyone else who may greet you before and after the interview.
In a recent survey commissioned by Robert Half International,
91 percent of executives said they consider their administrative
assistant's opinion of job candidates an important part of the
selection process for positions at all levels. If you are discourteous
to a receptionist or anyone else at the company, it will negatively
impact your chances of getting the job.
Asking and Fielding Questions
Know your resume thoroughly and be able to cite specific examples
that verify the information listed. Come to the meeting prepared
to defend any weaknesses in your job history. Do your best to
respond to questions in an open, direct way. When executives
in a survey commissioned by Robert Half International were asked
to name one quality that impressed them the most about a candidate
during a job interview, 32 percent said honesty and integrity
were most important. Enthusiasm and verbal skills were next
on their list.
Keep in Mind that Interviews are a Two-Way Street
Just as the interviewer wants to know if you are right for the
job, you want to know if the position is right for you. It's
your opportunity to find out as many specifics about the job,
the company, the culture, and the hiring manager as you can.
Closing the Interview
If you've made a good impression up to this point, you want to
make sure you end on a positive note. If you decide you want
the job, be prepared to say so in a clear, convincing manner.
Say Thank You
Regardless of whether you feel things went well or
poorly, remain friendly and courteous to the interviewer
and thank him or her for taking time to meet you.
Ask When a Decision Will be Made
Without giving an ultimatum about other job offers
or deadlines you may have, politely ask when the
hiring manager will be making the final decision
about the position for which you are applying.
Write a Follow-up Letter
Send a thank-you note as soon as possible after your
meeting. In a survey commissioned by Robert Half
International, seventy-six percent of hiring managers
noted the importance of sending a thank-you note
following an interview. Your letter should express
gratitude for the meeting, reinforce your interest
in the job, and recap the strongest points recommending
you for the position.
Like most skills, becoming an expert at interviewing
takes practice. But the more you prepare for the part,
the better impression you'll make on the people you
meet and the more you'll increase your chances of securing
the job offer.
By Max Messmer, Chairman and CEO, Robert Half International, Inc.
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