It’s said that a resume and cover letter get you an interview, and an interview is what gets you the job. How do you make a great impression in an interview so that a prospective employer believes that you are the best candidate? Ultimately, it comes down to preparation and persuasion. You need to do your homework before the interview, and while in the interview, the goal is to sell your experience and skills. Keep the following tips in mind when getting ready for a job interview.
- Don’t be late. If you are interviewing at a location that is unfamiliar, consider driving to the location the day before just to make sure you’re clear regarding the directions. If you’re taking mass transit, confirm what bus or subway routes you should be taking to reach your destination. Better to be 15 minutes early than 5 minute late!
- Turn your cell phone ringer off and turn the vibrate feature off as well.
- If you are active on social networking sites like Twitter or Facebook, setting your profile to private isn’t a bad idea. Many HR managers Google candidates these days. Even if you don’t have anything potentially embarrassing out there, it’s good to keep that personal side out of sight while looking for a job.
- Dress to impress, but keep it simple. Consider the corporate culture of a prospective employer when deciding what to wear to an interview. You can’t go wrong with black, navy, or gray, especially in conservative industries such as finance or law. If you’re interviewing for a spot at, say, an advertising or PR firm, then it may be OK to introduce some color.
- Research the company prior to the interview and have some questions of your own ready. While the company’s website is a great place to start, you can also search for news articles about the company where you’re interviewing — this shows initiative, a trait that many employers seek in new hires.