With over five-point-five million job openings last month, it's a good time to look for work. Today with online and mobile technology to help, it's never been easier to find the dream job that fits your goals.
Though the job market is looking good right now, your first hurdle is still going to be that first job interview impression. You start, of course, by reading up on the company itself, their competition, and then prepare to explain what you can do to fill their needs. Plus, here are the five tips you should follow to ensure you land your dream job:
5 Minutes to make a good first impression.
That doesn't give you, the prospective employee, much of a window. So make sure everything is on point. Dress appropriately; some due diligence should tell you whether the company is formal or more casual when it comes to business attire. When in doubt, dress up. It will give you a sense of authority, which your interviewer can feel, and which can make you feel more in control of the whole process.
You can speak volumes with body language.
- Fiddling with things on the desk.
- Slouching posture.
- Inability to sit still in your chair.
- Letting your hands wander up to your face or your hair.
- Flabby handshake.
- Crusher handshake.
- Hands that are too busy that can't stay still.
Be honest about your potential shortcomings.
The impression you need to give is that you've done some serious thinking about your capabilities and limitations. Make sure your interviewer understands that you are capable of admitting responsibility as well as accepting constructive criticism.
Always offer specifics when describing how your skills can be put to use in your new position (always assume you've got it already). When it comes to any weaknesses, make sure your recruiter knows that you are working on overcoming them -- and give specifics of how you've succeeded!
Take time to ask.
A lack of any questions at the end of the interview likely shows the recruiter that you don't care that much about the company or the position and don't understand the interview process very well.
Read up on the company before your interview. That's what the internet is for. Your questions should reflect at least a nodding acquaintance with the business. It's always a good idea to ask for more details about your position and how it fits into the larger picture.
Don't forget your manners.
Make sure it's a personal note or email. Not generic. Stay brief, but mention something in your note that shows you were paying attention during the interview -- i.e. "It was nice to learn you like gardening as much as I do!"
Before you hit 'send' double check your spelling -- most especially of the person you are sending it to. If 'he' or 'she' had an unusual or difficult name, make sure you get it right by looking it up in the company directory. Nothing will write 'finis' to your job prospects quicker than getting your interviewer's name bass akwards.
Bottom Line:
When you attend a job interview, creating the right impression is your ultimate aim. By planning ahead, you can control the impression you make to your interviewer (and hopefully future employer)!
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.