So, your exceptional cover letter and resume got you in the door. Now it is time to make sure you stand out in the interview.
- Research the employer, the manager you will be interviewing with, and the job opportunity itself. The more you know about the company going into your interview, the more comfortable the hiring manager will feel putting you into that position.
- Dress like a winner. Dressing conservatively is the best bet. Wear simple, clean, pressed and well-fitting clothes. Keep accessories to a minimum. Make sure you do not eat or smoke before the interview. Make sure your hair and fingernails are clean and trimmed.
- Practice your responses to common interview questions. Some traditional questions that a lot of interviewers ask are:
- What are your long term career objectives?
- What made you leave your last job?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- Why did you choose our company?
- Ask good questions of your own. Some ideas:
- What are some of the expectations and responsibilities of this position?
- What does a typical day look like for someone in my position?
- What are your favorite things about working for this company?
- Be aware of your body language, and make sure to make eye contact.
- Make sure you leave them with a great. Don’t be afraid to be assertive and ask about the next steps in the hiring process. Let them know that you feel like you would be a great fit for this job and you are very interested in the position.