Apply these interview best practices to give employers the right impression:
The last time I was writing interview tips, I couldn't help but think back to the article Usa Today wrote on college graduates and their lack of interview skills. The truth is that Generation Y is not necessarily familiar with many behaviors hiring managers and recruiters assume to be common sense.
While a college education is a very valuable tool and an amazing experience, it doesn't always prepare you for the job-search process. My ultimate goal -- what Jim Collins would call my BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) -- is to change that over time. To start, I'd like to provide you with a few interview Dos and Don'ts to help every newcomer to the workforce make the right impression.
Don't: show up to an interview with your parents, a friend or a pet.
Do: arrive fifteen minutes early and treat everyone you meet with respect.
Don't: assume the recruiter or interviewer knows anything about you or has read your resume.
Do: come to the interview with copies of your resume, and be ready to walk them through your education and work experience.
Don't: refer to notes when responding to the interviewer's questions.
Do: take notes on what they say, and come prepared with five questions to ask.
Don't: ask the interviewer what they want to know about you.
Do: modify your elevator pitch to explain why you are qualified and interested in the specific role.
Don't: bad-mouth a previous employer or admit you know nothing about the company you're interviewing for.
Do: show a genuine interest in the company, industry or role, and ask thoughtful questions that prove you've done your homework on the organization.
Don't: ask about vacation policies or job compensation unless you've been offered the position.
Do: ask questions to learn more about the company culture and professional development.
Don't: forget to ask for each interviewer's business card or their contact information so you can follow up.
Do: send a thank you message to each person you met with, highlighting specifics from your conversation with them.
Click on the following link to learn more interview tips for your job search.
Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders, the premier mobile career network for all career-driven professionals. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Follow her at @JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and Like her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.