SUCCESS! You’ve graduated from high school or college and now you’re ready for your first ‘real’ job. You’ve sent out your resume and cover letters, and have scheduled your first job interview.
But how can you do well at the interview so you receive an offer?
1. Dress The Part. To be clear, this doesn’t mean that if you are applying at a tech company, you come in sweatpants and a T-shirt. This may be the dress code that employees wear, but it isn’t appropriate for an interview. For men, this means wearing a polo shirt if the work environment is casual. If it is more formal, a suit with a tie. For women, this means no low-cut blouses or flip-flops. In our virtual environments these days, it’s important that you remember that what you are wearing does have an impact on how you are perceived by the interviewer. This does not mean you have to have an expensive tie or wear an expensive suit but you do need to look and present in a professional way. If you’re trying to get a job in a formal office setting such as an accounting firm, don’t dress casually. If you’re applying for a retail position, you have a little more freedom. It is always best to dress as if you were going to meet one of the most important people in your life – because you are! This person would make a huge impact on your future.
2. Be well-groomed. People may think that this goes without saying, but you definitely don’t want to look as though you just rolled out of bed. Basic personal hygiene is a must. As an employee, you will be a reflection of the company so the way your care for yourself is important. If you are having an interview virtually, it is even more important to have this extended to your personal space. Make sure your background is well-maintained or neutral whenever possible, so that they are judging you, and not the pile of closes that are lying on your bed.
3. Be conscious of your body language. If the interview is in person, a firm handshake at the start of the interview shows confidence. A weak handshake shows the opposite. Remember to maintain eye contact, stay relaxed, and be attentive to the interviewer. Ask questions and listen thoughtfully to the answers. Lean in slightly as the interview progresses to show interest. Take a moment to think before you answer questions from the interviewer. Watch their response to your answers so that you don’t end up rambling and try to keep the answers as on the topic as possible.
4. Come prepared. Research the company beforehand. If they ask you a question about what you know about the company, you should be able to share some experiences you have had with the business. Every business now has a website, social media page, or YouTube Channel where you can learn about the business and its customers. This shows the interviewer you are interested in the job and took the initiative to find out all you could about the company.
5. Be mindful. It is so critical that even if you are nervous, you are present and in the moment. I’ve interviewed candidates who acted as if they would rather be anywhere else than in that interview. They didn’t ask any questions, but instead just listened. It was difficult to tell if they were paying attention or understanding what I was saying. It is nice to be a good listener, but much better to be an active listener to show the interviewer that you are engaged and paying attention. Be enthusiastic, ask questions, and actively participate in the interview. It should be a conversation, rather than an interrogation. After listing all the responsibilities required of the position, I asked one candidate if this sounded like something he’d be interested in. His reply was, “Oh, I thought this was a desk job.” Needless to say, I didn’t offer him the job. If you aren’t excited in the interview, you’re definitely not going to be energized in the workplace either.
Remember, first impressions count, and many times interviewers make their determination on whether or not to hire you within the first few seconds of meeting you, so put your best foot forward. Show the interviewer you want the job by coming prepared, being professional, and being willing to work hard to do your best. Even if you are not the most qualified candidate, you would still land the job because you were the most outstanding and engaging one.