The difference between a call back for a second interview – or even getting a job offer – is well within your control as you prepare for your first meeting with a prospective employer. It lies in how well prepared you are and in how you present yourself. Approach every interview with optimal confidence and smart strategies.
Do Your Homework
Learn as much as you can about the company, the position and the people you’ll be meeting. You don’t have to be an expert, but you should build a sound knowledge base so you can formulate your own opinions and responses.
- Start with the company web site. But don’t stop there. Use Linked In, Facebook and other social platforms to increase your knowledge base. If possible, talk to current or former company employees to get a person-to-person account of what it’s like to work there.
- Learn a bit about your interviewers. Google them and check them out online as well. Clearly understand their titles, roles and careers. For starters, be sure you can address them by name and show that you know something about their backgrounds. This is a polite, respectful sign of professional courtesy.
Pass the “Fit” Test
Make absolutely sure that the role and the company fit your skills, career track and personal and professional objectives, beliefs and values. If this perceived fit is lacking, don’t waste your or anyone else’s time by taking the hiring process any further.
- Every good interviewer will quickly spot a cultural mismatch. They’ll realize that your passion and excitement levels just aren’t there.
- Even after the fact, reflect carefully. Post interview, it may become clear that a position is simply not a good fit. If this happens, you probably shouldn’t pursue it, even if an offer is made. Most likely, it would prove to be a painful experience and not work out long term.
Maintain a Professional Focus
Display a thoughtful, professional focus throughout your interview. This begins as soon as you arrive on the premises and doesn’t end till you drive away.
- Dress, speak and act appropriately. Try and learn about company dress code and select an outfit that takes it up just a notch. Use words and expressions common to the company, its markets and industry, but avoid jargon. Be sure your style and tone are suitable as well. For instance, you’d be more serious and subdued if interviewing at a corporate law firm and would show more vitality if vying for a sales or marketing job.
- Greet everyone with a firm handshake. Researchers from the University of Iowa recently analyzed job interview actions and concluded that the right handshake was “more important that agreeableness, conscientiousness or emotional stability.” Five trained raters independently noted that the quality of handshakes was related to interviewer hiring recommendations.
Be Your Best Self
Know yourself and the value you can add to the job and the organization.
- Be able to list your strengths and weaknesses. Have some concrete examples in mind. Be realistic and honest when asked to elaborate.
- Never compromise your core values and convictions. Be ready to enter a good, constructive conversation, possibly with different points of view. Be tolerant, open-minded and empathetic.
For additional tips on interviewing and taking your career to the next level, consider working with a professional recruiter from Premium Staffing, Inc. We specialize in industrial, engineering and skilled manufacturing placements. Contact us today to learn more.