By Eric Treske
You’ve filled out your applications, submitted your resumes and cover letters, and played the waiting game; now all that’s left to do is interview. Your job interview will be your prospective employer’s snapshot to the kind of person and employee you will be. While job interviews can fill you with anxiety there are several simple actions you can take to separate yourself from the pack.
1. Be Punctual
If you’re not early you’re late. Showing up late for an interview conveys you are
unreliable, you lack time management skills, and you don’t really want the position.
Take necessary measures to ensure you are punctual.
2. Dress the Part
Ensure you are well groomed and dress appropriate to the position. When in doubt,
it is best to error on the side of overdressing. Avoid wearing strong smelling perfume
or cologne and refrain from wearing excesive jewelry.
3. Turn the Cell Phone Off
Demonstrate that you are focused on the job and the interviewer by leaving your
phone in the car or turning it off. An interruption from your cell phone can be
devastating to the impression you leave on your prospective employer.
4. Research the Company
This step should be taken before you even apply or submit your resume but once
you have your interview scheduled it is a good idea to look at the company in
greater depth. Look for areas you may be involved with in the company or better
yet, think of some questions you’d like answered in the interview. This
demonstrates you take initiative while giving you more insight on your
prospective employer.
5. Give Good Eye Contact
This is the most crucial of all non-verbal communication so do your best to avoid looking down, looking away, and even extended eye contact that can make the interviewer feel uncomfortable. Engage with the interviewer in a natural and relaxed manner. Other non-verbal communication to avoid includes, poor posture, nervous gesturing and anxious facial expressions.
6. Bring Necessary Paperwork
Always bring additional copies of your resume, position appropriate paperwork or portfolios, social security card, personal identification, and references. In addition, don’t forget to ask for a business card following the interview. This will allow you to address our last suggestion.
7. Send a Follow Up Thank You Note
Sending a thank you note reinforces your interest in the job and separates you from the rest of the pack. This doesn’t need to be long but keep it sincere and to the point.
There is no way to predict how an interview will play out, but by keeping these tips in mind you will be better prepared to handle anything that is thrown your way. Keep in mind that the individuals that are hired are always the best prepared so take the time to research, rehearse, and prepare as much as possible before the interview. Most important of all, be relaxed and be yourself.