It’s always exciting to receive an interview request from a company you’d really like to work for, but it’s important to remember that you’re competing for the job with a number of really qualified professionals. You definitely have what it takes to be the last candidate standing, so don’t give it any less than your all.
- Conduct Research. Display enthusiasm for the job by learning as much as possible about the company prior to the interview. Carefully review the organization’s social media accounts, corporate website, and check to see if any articles have recently been published about it in the news. The hiring manager will ask you what you know about the company, and if you clearly haven’t done your homework, you’re probably not going to get the job.
- Practice Answers to Common Questions. Job interviews are incredibly nerve-wracking, because you don’t know what questions are headed your way. However, there’s a very good chance most of these inquiries will be relatively standard, making it easy to practice ahead of time. Prepare responses to common interview questions before the big day, so you won’t be on the spot when trying to come up with a sure-to-impress answer.
- Present Yourself in a Professional Manner. Most aspects of a job interview are out of your hands, but dressing professionally, showing up on time, and arriving prepared is something entirely in your control. Always dress professionally (even if the company has a casual work environment), allow plenty of extra time in case you get lost or stuck in unexpected traffic, and bring extra copies of your resume, a notepad, and a pen.
- Ask Questions. No one wants to hire a candidate who isn’t completely engaged in the interview process. The hiring manager expects you to ask questions and if you don’t, they’ll think you’re not too excited about the position. It’s best to listen carefully to the interviewer and ask questions throughout the meeting, but prepare a list of inquiries that you can fall back on if you get too nervous and forget until the very end.
- Write a Thank-You Note. Simply put, you must send a thank you note after every job interview — and you need to do it promptly. For most companies, a quick email thanking each interviewer for their time and reiterating your fit for the job is all it takes. However, if the organization is more traditional, you’ll want to handwrite your note and drop it in the mail that same day.
Contact Wood Staffing if you want to find a great new career opportunity in Michiana. We’ll evaluate your skills, offer career advice, and provide you with access to a variety of jobs that match your goals for the future.
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