Hooray, your resume has gotten you the call to come in for an interview--Congratulations! The first hurdle in the job applicant process has been overcome, but now you have to shine at the interview! Revision Resume recommends:
#1: Never Arrive Unprepared
Being unprepared can be apparent in a variety of different ways. You want to demonstrate that you are focused on this job opportunity and invested in this interview. Some ways in which that isn't apparent include:
Didn't arrive at the interview on-time. This shows you didn't plan the right amount of time to get to the interview. Either you didn't think ahead to allot the right amount of time or you haven't prioritized the interview appropriately.
Not properly dressed. Dressing appropriately for an interview shows respect. It also shows that you are taking the interview and this job opportunity seriously.
Didn't practice potential questions. If you have a hard time thinking of answers to common interview questions, it will be apparent that you didn't practice ahead of time. Again, this shows that you aren't taking the interview seriously which may make you look like a less desirable candidate.
Don't have questions for the interviewer. At some point in the interview you will most likely be asked if you have any questions. You should come prepared with questions you have thought of in advance instead of saying, "I can't think of anything right now." Asking a question shows you are engaged in the process.
Arriving at the interview unprepared will affect your candidacy for the position as other interviewees may outshine you. For additional tips on how to prepare for an interview check out this blog.
#2: Never Take Over the Interview
Let the person conducting the interview take the lead and do the talking. They likely have a list of questions they would like to cover in a specific time frame. Answer each question thoroughly but concisely. Avoid rambling on and on. Avoid trying to direct the conversation or take over the questioning. You may have questions you want to ask, but wait for the interviewer to offer you the opportunity.
If you try to take the lead, it will frustrate the hiring manager, and a frustrated hiring manager may not look to kindly on you as a candidate. In addition, if the hiring team don't get through all of their questions because you were rambling or controlling the conversation, they may decide they don't have enough information about you as a candidate and instead select someone else.
#3: Never Lie
Any lie you state in an interview is likely to be discovered. If it doesn't match your resume or your LinkedIn profile, it will be very obvious. If your references don't support your statement, you will be caught lying. It is always best to stick with the truth. If a lie is caught (and it is likely to be), you will be eliminated from contention for the job opening. You may think you are gaining yourself something by stretching the truth, but it is likely to be detrimental to your job chances.
Final Thoughts
After your interview, consider what went well and what didn't go as smoothly. Then, take a few minutes to write a value proposition letter to the interviewer. This is a thank you note that also offers another opportunity to express why you are the right candidate for this position. If you realize you didn't get to share something you wanted to share, you can include that in your value proposition letter. Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and point out a problem the company is having and how you would fix that issue if you were an employee.
Revision Resume aids clients in writing their value proposition letters (as well as resumes and cover letters). Contact us to learn more about how we can help you throughout your job application process.
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