The U.S. unemployment rate is at 9%; and in some states or localities it’s even higher. If you are one of the many that is on the job hunt, you know you have to stand out in a crowd in order to beat out the competition. It seems like common sense that you would try and put your best foot forward in a job interview. However, being an employer I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Here are some tips to help you avoid the bad and the ugly.
Be prepared; and think ahead. Try and anticipate the kinds of questions you think you will be asked. Then, formulate an answer in your mind. Don’t memorize so that you sound like a robot or a bad actor when the question comes up; just have some idea of what you will say. Learn something about the company with which you are interviewing. What do they manufacture? What do they sell? What service do they provide? Think of how your particular skills and experience apply. Potential employers aren’t mind readers. You need to show them how you will be an asset to the company. Even if you’ve listed your best attributes on your resume; don’t be shy about pointing them out in the interview.
Sometimes the simplest things are the ones that we forget. Put gas in the car and get directions ahead of time. Last minute errands and becoming lost will do nothing for your state of mind on the day of the interview. You need to be calm. The interview itself is enough to make us a little nervous; so don’t let any added stresses creep in.
Dress appropriately. Did I just hear you say, “well duh”? Amazingly enough many of us have a funny idea of what is proper dress for a job interview. You need to be your best in all areas; and that includes looking the part. So, what is appropriate? A good rule of thumb is to dress as you would if you’ve already landed the job. However, this doesn’t always work. My daughter who’s a nurse was recently searching for new employment. On the job, she wears scrubs everyday; but going on job interviews in scrubs isn’t the way to go. Use your head. If it’s a professional office job, wear a suit. This applies to guys and gals. If it’s a job on a loading dock, you can dress down a little. Dressing down doesn’t mean wearing the most worn out pair of jeans you own and an old sweatshirt even if that would be appropriate to wear on the job. So, what about those nerves I mentioned earlier? The morning of the interview is here; and you have a bad case of the jitters. First, let’s cover what not to do. Don’t take a “nerve pill” that will impair you to the point of “I don’t give a flip land”. Don’t drink two beers just because that’s what your Uncle Lush advised. Do take deep calming breaths while trying to clear your mind. Get in some exercise. Go over your answers. (See paragraph two above.) Give yourself a pep talk. Knowing you can do the job goes a long way toward calming those nerves. Mentally list all the ways in which you are perfect for the job. If you don’t believe it, the potential employer won’t either.
Feed yourself before you go even if you don’t feel like eating. Have a light meal so that you don’t get a rumbly in your tumbly. This can be very distracting in the middle of an interview; and there is just no way to disguise the noise. Avoid foods that give you gas like the plague. Undesirable bodily noises (or smells) are a big no-no! Hey, it had to be said.
One of the worst things you can do is be late. DON’T! Set three alarm clocks if you must, put a note on the refrigerator, have your mommy call you, whatever it takes. No excuse is good enough if you are late to an interview. If I’m the interviewer and you show up late; don’t bother to come inside and waste my time and yours. In fact, you should be a few minutes early. By the way, it’s okay if you had your mommy call you to remind you of the interview; but don’t take her with you.
The day is here. You’ve thought about what you will say, you’ve dressed appropriately, calmed yourself, and arrived at the interview spot. So, now what? Don’t chew gum. No interviewer wants to look across the desk at what appears to be a cow chewing its cud. Don’t fidget. Look your interviewer in the eye. If your eyes are darting around the room, you’ll have your interviewer wondering if you are there for an interview or if you are casing the joint. If there is a jar of, let’s say jelly beans, on the interviewer’s desk; and you absolutely adore jelly beans, resist the urge. If you followed advice and ate a light meal, you shouldn’t be hungry. Besides I’m pretty sure the interviewer didn’t put jelly beans on the desk just because they knew you were coming.
Relax as much as possible. This doesn’t mean take off your shoes and slump down in your chair. Sit straight in your chair; and put your hands in your lap. When the questions begin be honest. Also, be thorough; but don’t ramble on forever. If the nerves set in and you feel a trickle of sweat on your brow; remember those calming breaths. Take a couple of quiet ones to help. Don’t be negative. Like my mother, did yours teach you that if you don’t have anything good to say to not say anything at all? Well, that truly applies here. Don’t talk bad about your spouse, your last employer, your dog, the weather, or anything. Believe me. Positivity will leave the right impression.
Ask questions. A job interview isn’t only for a prospective employer to find the candidate they are looking for. It’s also the perfect opportunity for you to find out if this place of employment is the right fit for you. If you did your homework and found out about the company, you should be able to ask informed questions. This will impress even the toughest nut to crack.
When the interview is over, it’s not over. Do not forget to thank the interviewer for their time; and advise you will be in touch. After you get home be sure and follow up with a note saying thanks; and reiterating your interest in the position. After that probably the hardest part begins, the waiting. Whatever happens, don’t get discouraged. If you didn’t land this job, don’t take it personally. Getting a few interviews under your belt will only hone your interview skills; and make you better. Hopefully, these hints and tips will help you find the perfect position. Good luck and good hunting!
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