|
|
The
local job market is extremely competitive and
preparing yourself for the interview can often be
overlooked. Here are the "Top Ten" tips for making an work for you:
- Research the company and be prepared with a "good" level of
knowledge. You don't need to know gross margins in the Southwestern
region for the past 8 years, but you should know enough to show the
interviewer that you respect the opportunity and you respect their time.
- Be on time, unflustered, with a clean, well-presented copy of
your resume! It may sound simply, but you would be surprised at how many
people don't leave 10 minutes early in order to arrive at the interview
10 minutes early.
- Dress the part - business-like and professional, no matter
how progressive the company is...
- Be kind to every employee you meet! The receptionist, yes,
but also the parking lot attendant, the janitor, and the intern. Why you
might ask? Did you know that Southwest
Airlines
used to have the flight attendants on flights anonymously assess the
candidates they were flying to interviews? It just goes to show you that
you need to mind your manners all the time!
- Think of JFK -
Ask not what the company
can do for you, answer instead "what can I do for the company?"
- This is not a filming of "Biography" on the
A&E Channel: it is a sales presentation in which you are
selling your capabilities to do a job for the company. Stick,
mostly, to the business side and how you can solve problems. Don't go
into a half-hour long disquisition on the relative merits of Mozart and
Beethoven., the reason you love/hate the Yankees, or the intricacies of
your college rivalries. The interviewer does not want your life story;
they want to know your business capabilities.
- "Bad mouth thee, bad mouth me."
Whenever you trash-talk your former or current employer, guess what the
interviewer thinks? " Oh boy, if we hire this guy, I'm next on the
firing line!" Never, ever, say bad, mean, unkind, or even true
things if it makes you look like a prospective ingrate, gossip, or
ne'er-do' well.
- Do not bring up salary or benefits
questions on the first interview. Focus on the job, your ability to
contribute, and all the great things you can provide them.
- Thank the interviewer for their time
and ask questions. Again, this shows good manners and good sense.
- Send a follow-up email
- thank
the interviewer again and briefly reiterate what you discussed and how
you can contribute. This serves as a good memory jog to the interviewer
of your conversation and reminds them of the points you want them to
make for you in the hiring meeting.
|
|
