Your resume can be extraordinary and on paper, you are the shining star. The company needs you; your background and expertise are outstanding and a perfect fit for the open position. The next hurdle is the interview. The importance of the first impression at the interview cannot be overemphasized. You can look great on paper and totally blow it with a negative first impression. This is why rehearsal and preparation are absolute necessities. Remember, you only have 30 seconds to make an excellent first impression.
The keys to an excellent first impression are:
1) Your appearance. Be sure you are well groomed and dressed professionally for the interview. Although the company may have a relaxed dress code, the interview demands a professional appearance. You can dress down after you become an employee.
2) Be on time. Allow enough time to arrive a few minutes early. Arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the appointment, but no more than fifteen minutes. If you arrive too early, you run the risk of appearing desperate and the interviewer may feel rushed. You do not want a hurried interview.
3) Be polite and pleasant to everyone you meet at the company. When you approach the receptionist, smile and make eye contact. You would be surprised at how many managers seek feedback from the receptionist. They know you want to impress management, but how do you treat other people?
4) A firm handshake, eye contact and a smile will be remembered. When you meet the interviewer, stand tall and as you offer a firm handshake, smile and look into the eyes of the interviewer. As you answer and ask questions, be sure you maintain eye contact, smile and speak clearly.
5) Ask for the job. During the interview, be sure you verbalize your interest in the company and the open position. You are confident you can meet the company objectives and you want to be a part of the team.
6) Thank the interviewer. At the end of the interview, be sure you thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
As part of the preparation process, prior to the interview, you should have a couple of good questions in your memory bank ready to ask the interviewer. Be sure your rehearsal includes answers to several common interview questions, and you have good answers on the tip of your tongue. Always take a copy of your resume to the interview.
After the interview, write a short thank you note to the interviewer. You can, in one sentence, remind the interviewer that you are prepared to meet company objectives. You can express your hope that you will become a member of the team. Keep your thank you note brief and sincere.
The keys to an excellent first impression are:
1) Your appearance. Be sure you are well groomed and dressed professionally for the interview. Although the company may have a relaxed dress code, the interview demands a professional appearance. You can dress down after you become an employee.
2) Be on time. Allow enough time to arrive a few minutes early. Arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the appointment, but no more than fifteen minutes. If you arrive too early, you run the risk of appearing desperate and the interviewer may feel rushed. You do not want a hurried interview.
3) Be polite and pleasant to everyone you meet at the company. When you approach the receptionist, smile and make eye contact. You would be surprised at how many managers seek feedback from the receptionist. They know you want to impress management, but how do you treat other people?
4) A firm handshake, eye contact and a smile will be remembered. When you meet the interviewer, stand tall and as you offer a firm handshake, smile and look into the eyes of the interviewer. As you answer and ask questions, be sure you maintain eye contact, smile and speak clearly.
5) Ask for the job. During the interview, be sure you verbalize your interest in the company and the open position. You are confident you can meet the company objectives and you want to be a part of the team.
6) Thank the interviewer. At the end of the interview, be sure you thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
As part of the preparation process, prior to the interview, you should have a couple of good questions in your memory bank ready to ask the interviewer. Be sure your rehearsal includes answers to several common interview questions, and you have good answers on the tip of your tongue. Always take a copy of your resume to the interview.
After the interview, write a short thank you note to the interviewer. You can, in one sentence, remind the interviewer that you are prepared to meet company objectives. You can express your hope that you will become a member of the team. Keep your thank you note brief and sincere.
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