We know going on an interview for a job you really want can be stressful, especially if you’re interviewing for your very first job. Because ResumeSpice’s interview preparation and career coaching services were built by recruiters, we also know the most important ways to prepare and present yourself to hiring managers.
Below are some helpful starting points from the career consultants at ResumeSpice to help you put your best foot forward in any interview situation.
- Prepare
Hiring managers want to hire people who know, care, and are passionate about what the company does. Do your research on the company’s products or services, check to see if they’ve issued any press releases lately, and re-read the job description to ensure you understand the job fully. It's important to be able to speak confidently about your ability to perform each required task.
- Dress to impress
The day-to-day work attire may be casual, but on your interview, you’ll want to dress professionally. Dressing professionally will demonstrate to the hiring manager that you’re serious about the job and respect the company and person with whom you're interviewing.
- Be on time
No one likes to be kept waiting, least of all someone who could be deciding whether or not you’ll receive an offer. Check in for your interview 15 minutes before your scheduled time unless instructed otherwise.
- Be yourself
Up to this point, the hiring manager has only seen your professional skillsets on a piece of paper. The interview is an opportunity to show him or her who you are and how well you’ll fit in with their corporate values and culture. This goes back to preparation. Remember why you applied for this specific position and speak to that during the interview. Pinpoint a few different points that genuinely interested you about the position or the company so that when they come up, you can have a genuine dialogue about them.
- Ask questions
Asking insightful questions is critical. Being prepared with questions shows a hiring manager that you’re truly interested in the position and that you want to understand more about how you’ll bring value to the organization. Write down a list of questions that are important to you and bring them with you to review before the interview.
- Follow Up
After your interview, send a thank you email the same day to thank the recruiter and the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Keep it brief, but thoughtful. You can also send a handwritten thank you in the mail after you send your email.
Interviewing for a job can be stressful, but these six pointers can help with your interview preparation. If you want one-on-one advice from a career consultant who knows exactly what hiring managers are looking for, contact our career consultants at ResumeSpice today.
