If you’re serious about getting the job you want, you must play an active part in jumpstarting the interview. The following seven secret strategies will help you do that.
Secret #1: Polish Your Resume
Make no mistake about the importance of presenting a clean, clearly written resume that is spell-checked and proofread. Read it again. Review it again. Repeat the process again. And if you know someone with good editing skills, ask him or her to take a final look.
Secret #2: Plan Ahead
The night before your interview decide what you will wear and set out each item for easy access in the morning. You’ll want to arrive early feeling ‘put together’ and refreshed rather than harried because you left too many decisions to the last minute.
Secret #3: Know the Company
It’s not enough to have your eye on a particular job. You need to become familiar with the company in general so you can speak about it comfortably during your conversation with the hiring manager.
Secret #4: Prepare Real Life Examples
Come to the interview ready to provide a couple of real-life examples of how you solved a specific problem in the workplace, helped resolved a customer complaint, or dealt successfully with difficult coworkers.
Secret #5: Think Before You Speak
Take a moment to pause before answering a question. Don’t inflate your abilities and skills but don’t blurt out your flaws either. Share how you were able to turn around something you regretted or how you handled a challenging situation in a way that benefitted everyone involved.
Secret #6: Create Some Questions
The hiring manager may close the interview by asking if you have any questions. Come prepared with a few and write them down if that will help. Ask about the working conditions and environment, the chance for promotions, and the specific duties you’d be expected to carry out. Save the questions about salary and benefits for the meeting that will come after you’ve been offered the job.
Secret #7: Follow Up With a Thank You Note
Express your appreciation at the end of the meeting and with a handwritten note as soon as possible afterwards. Such a gesture will show your thoughtfulness and your desire to keep in touch. You may not get the job. But that doesn’t have to change who you are. If you make a good impression with your kindness, honesty, and professionalism you may be the one the hiring manager thinks of when a new position opens.
Jumpstarting your interview by putting these seven secret strategies to work for you will insure you of a real shot at being invited back for a second meeting—and perhaps being offered the job itself.
Jimmy Sweeney is president of CareerJimmy and creator of the brand new, “Job Interview Secret Document.” Jimmy is the author of “Tough Times Job Tips” and writes a monthly article titled, “Job Search Secrets.” On your very next job interview, the moment you walk in the door, simply hand your customized “Secret Career Document” to the person conducting the interview and let the magic begin…