So you’ve submitted a job application and a little while later the employer gets in touch to say they’d like you to come in for an interview. While you may be suddenly overcome with nerves, or panic that you won’t have enough time to prepare, it’s important to remember that at this stage, you’re in a great position.
The employer has asked to meet you, which means that something in your application has made them think that you could be the right person for the job. Now all you’ve got to do is show them that the real you is even more impressive than the one you put down on paper. Just follow these ten simple tips to avoid messing up that all-important interview:
1 – Experience
Be relevant. Do not go on about what you learned at your previous environmental jobs if the post you are going for isn’t environmentally conscious. Yes, your experience may translate but continually reminding them of your previous position in this instance is not helpful.
2 – Previous Employment
You will have to discuss your previous positions and reasons for leaving, so be very careful not to ‘bad mouth’ your previous employer as this will tell your interviewer that you are disrespectful or not a team player.
3 – Preparation
Do prepare, just don’t go overboard to the point where you have so much information in your head that you are trying to find a place to put it all. Answer the question you are asked, not the question you wish you were asked.
4 – Scheduling
Arriving at an interview late is absolutely unacceptable for obvious reasons, but you should know that arriving too early could put them off as well. Often they will be doing several interviews. One candidate arriving too early can put them under pressure to discuss and plan quickly, which can be frustrating and they may look for someone to ‘blame’.
5 – Appearance
Ensuring you look the part allows an employer to visualize how you will fit in. If it is an informal post, that does not mean you can rock up in jeans and a t-shirt, however. A good rule of thumb is to dress slightly better than you would dress every day if you worked there.
6 – Details
It is a given that somewhere in your application you will have referred to yourself as ‘detail-oriented’. Nothing disproves this faster than turning up in a toothpaste/jam/baby drool stained shirt.
7 – Research
Employers want to know that you want the job and showing that you know their target markets, competition, products and services shows them that you’re interested. Make sure you get this right; the last thing you want to do is start talking knowledgeably about ‘Grant and Farmer’, the technologies giant when in fact you are interviewing for ‘Grant and Fermer’, the law firm.
8 – Small Talk
When nervous it is far too easy to betray yourself during small talk, so avoid it if possible and stick to safe subjects like the weather and your journey if necessary. Be careful as talking about “what a rubbish day it is” and “how difficult it was to find the place” sets you up instantly as a negative person or worse, a moaner.
9 – Questioning
The questions portion of the interview is often the trickiest. Stay clear of putting too much emphasis on pay or time off and ask something positive instead such as, “do you foresee this position expanding eventually?” This will show you are already thinking of the company’s future.
10 – Leaving
Don’t leave on a low note if possible, even if you feel you haven’t done well. “Thank you so much for your time today; from what I have seen and heard this company looks to have an exciting future that I would like to be part of” would be a good exit. This reinforces your interest and will ensure they remember you.
About the author: Francesca is a blogger and freelance writer who enjoys writing about a variety of subjects including travel, business and careers. She currently writes on behalf of En-Spiral.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Argonne National Laboratory.