| As a former professional in the staffing industry, I've | | | | former employee in that role didn't perform well or |
| conducted a lot of interviews. These tips for a job | | | | because business is growing so fast that they urgently |
| interview will give you a better chance to walk into | | | | need more help. Remember, employees cost money |
| your next interview with confidence, and perform at | | | | and a well-run business doesn't increase their costs |
| your best. | | | | without a good justification. Chances are the manager |
| Tips for a Job Interview #1: Do Your Homework | | | | of this position has a number of items causing him |
| There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that a hiring | | | | stress, and he's looking for the right person to ease his |
| manager can almost instantly tell the difference | | | | pain. Make sure you ask good questions and find |
| between someone who really understands the job | | | | those pain points so you can sell yourself more |
| they are applying for and someone who is | | | | effectively as the right solution. |
| "carpetbombing" the internet with their resume and just | | | | Tips for a Job Interview #4: Everyone You Meet is a |
| hoping something sticks. Before your interview, you | | | | Decision Maker |
| need to read everything you can find about your | | | | I'll tell you a little secret from my career in sales. When |
| company on the internet. (Much easier if they are | | | | you walk into a client's office, the first person you talk |
| publicly traded or very large, but not impossible if | | | | to is usually the receptionist. Treat them with respect. |
| they're not.) Know their products or services, and if | | | | The receptionist, especially at a large company, knows |
| possible try to find their latest press releases and a | | | | EVERYONE in the company. They see them arrive in |
| transcript of their latest earnings conference call. (This | | | | the morning, and they see them leave at night. |
| will usually be in the investor relations section of their | | | | Chances are good that they will happily give their |
| website.) | | | | opinion of your friendliness and personality some time |
| Tips for a Job Interview #2: Dress for Success | | | | shortly after you leave the interview. You never know |
| Even if you're applying for a mailroom position with a | | | | who will have an impact on your chances, so treat |
| super-relaxed software company, you're better off | | | | everyone you meet at the company with respect. |
| being overdressed for the interview than | | | | Tips for a Job Interview #5: Perfect Practice Makes |
| underdressed. Unless the company has specifically | | | | Perfect |
| given you different instructions ahead of time, show up | | | | I saved this one for last, but it is really one of the most |
| in a conservative suit (blue or black is best) and | | | | important tips for consistently performing well at a job |
| SHINED SHOES. Even if no one looks at your shoes | | | | interview. You have spent a lot of time in your life |
| once, covering all of the little details and looking your | | | | either studying for a degree, or increasing your skill |
| best will make a subconscious impression on the | | | | level in your career. Unless you are in sales, it's unlikely |
| interviewer and let him/her know you are serious | | | | that face-to-face interviews and meetings have been |
| about the job. (It may also give you a little | | | | a large component of your background. You |
| subconscious confidence boost yourself.) Don't over | | | | remember the first time you gave a speech in class? |
| do it on the perfume or cologne, either. A good rule of | | | | You probably made some mistakes and didn't come |
| thumb (in life, not just interviews) is that only your lover | | | | off sounding very polished. But after practice, you |
| should be able to smell it. | | | | probably got better right? An interview is similar, and |
| Tips for a Job Interview #3: Find the Pain Points | | | | you need to rehearse and practice every piece of it |
| This job is open for a reason, whether it's because the | | | | until you can perform with confidence. |