Are you prepared
for your next job interview? Do you know the
secrets of pulling off a flawless interview and
getting the job of your dreams? Use these five
easy steps to prepare yourself and leave the
best impression possible with the hiring
manager.
1. Be Early
- The
worst thing you can do is show up to an
interview late. What does that tell the hiring
manager about your commitment level? Why would
anyone want to hire a person who doesn't have
the organizational skills to show up on time? By
showing up early you are demonstrating and
showing respect to the company and the hiring
manager. You are also giving them the
opportunity to take you early, which could give
you more face time. Face time is important, the
longer you have with the hiring manager, the
better your chances will be to get the job.
2. Research the
Company
- Never walk into an interview without knowing
anything about the company. Do some research;
find out how many facilities they have, who is
the CEO, and what recent news has come out about
the company. Look at the financials from their
website or other investor news. Be prepared to
ask some questions about what you have
discovered. At the end of every interview that I
have conducted, I always ask "Do you have any
questions for me?" I am always impressed with
people who have done their research and are
serious about working for the company.
3. Listen, Don't
Talk
- It may seem
counter-intuitive, but get the hiring manager to
do most of the talking. It is a proven fact that
hiring managers will think the interview go
better if they do a lot of talking. So use your
research and ask a lot of questions to get the
interviewer talking.
4. Carry Copies of
Your Resume
- Hiring managers
are busy people and many times they do not have
a copy of your resume when they enter the room.
Even if they do have a copy, a lot of the time,
it will be a fax copy from the recruiter. This
is the time to hand them your resume on a
quality piece of paper. Resume paper is thicker
and has a very good feel to it and that is what
you want the interviewer to associate with
you... a good feel. Later, when the hiring
manager is reviewing your resume, you will stand
a better chance of getting the job or at least
the second interview.
5. Follow-Up
-
After the interview, it is always a good idea to
follow-up with the hiring manager in some shape,
way, or form. If the interviewer gave you
his/her card, then make use of it. Call them and
ask a few follow-up questions and thank them for
taking the time to meet with you. If you didn't
get a card during the interview, then send a
polite thank you letter. The goal here is to get
the hiring manager to think of you again. And
the more he/she thinks of you, in a positive
manner, the better your chances are to get the
job.
Are you happy with
your career? Do you have plan on how to develop
your career and get where you want to be? Visit
www.developingcareers.com to learn how to
manage your career start to finish. Remember:
Those who fail to plan... plan to fail. Visit
www.developingcareers.com for FREE resources
that can put you on the path to success.
