How to Get the Job!

Helpful hints on interviewing and networking.

Although many factors contribute to the hiring process, most decisions on whether or not to hire someone are based primarily on the interview.

• Always include a personalized cover letter with your resume. Never send your resume without a specific letter stating your purpose and intentions. Know who you are trying to reach and how they can help. Don’t talk about what you are looking for in a career; talk about what you can do for the company. When it comes right down to it, the employer will hire the candidates that best meet company goals and objectives. Show your passion! It is what will separate you from the rest of the applicants.
  
  
• Do you homework. Always do research on the company before the interview. An informational packet or financial report can usually be obtained directly from the company. Also, most companies now have web sights that can be accessed over the Internet. Additional information can be obtained in the resource section of the library. If asked to do follow-up research or write a proposal, make sure that you complete the assignment. The employer is testing your follow-through skills.
  
  
• Dress professionally. Remember that you don’t have the job yet and depending on your appearance, you might not get it. Keep in mind that even if the office were casual under normal circumstances, the office would most likely dress-up for a client meeting or another important occasion. You convey your competence, enthusiasm, professionalism and capabilities for the job as much as by your "look" during an interview as your actual qualifications.
  
  
• Respect people’s time. Don’t be late. On the flip side, don’t be too early. Arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled time is reasonable and acceptable, however, more that that is not advised. Once in the interview, be aware of the time. Look for signals that the interview is ending. An interview is not the time to be long winded.
  
  
• Be prepared to answer specific questions, based on your resume, regarding your work history, education, etc. Never say, "It’s all on my resume" when the interviewer asks about your previous experience. Part of your job in the interview is to elaborate extensively, enthusiastically and knowledgeably about your past. A resume is only meant to get your "foot in the door", not speak in place of you.
  
  
• Sell yourself. Think of yourself as the product and the employer as the buyer. Why should they hire you? Use all of your persuasive talents to convince them. Be open and friendly. Answer questions in complete sentences and refrain from using one word answers whenever possible. Never be defensive. If you feel that a question is inappropriate or even illegal, politely refrain from answering. Remember, "tough" questions are designed to fluster. Candidates that are poised and professional in such situations will stand out.
  
  
• Never deny weaknesses or mistakes from your past experiences. No one wants to hire a "perfect" employee because perfection is unrealistic in human nature. We all make mistakes and it’s all right to admit such things during an interview. Remember to always present yourself in the best light even when speaking about a weakness. The best advice is to list a realistic weakness ("perfectionist" is not a weakness, unless you are expected to perform mediocre work) as well as your attempts to improve and better yourself.
  
  
• Be realistic with regards to salary. Research the industry standard in your market. When changing careers expect to take a pay-cut as it is often difficult to transfer equally between two different industries. When changing jobs in the same industry, most companies will only match or slightly raise your current salary (the standard is 10%). Consider other issues when making your decision such as benefits, company philosophy and work environment. Remember that there is more to a job than just salary.
  
  
• Have information on three professional references available for the interview. Make sure that each has been contacted prior to listing them as a reference. List managers and not co-workers or peers whenever possible. Have your list typed up neatly on the same type of paper as your cover letter and resume. Have an idea of wheat each will say about you and articulate that to the interviewer.
  
  
• Interview the company. Time allowing, ask questions. It shows the interviewer that you have initiative. Ask intelligent questions based on what was discussed during the interview or information that you obtained while researching the company. Taking notes during an interview is a great way to prepare questions. On the first interview it is not recommended to ask about salary, benefits, or growth. Keep your questions in line with the position.
  
  
• Never neglect a thank you note. Even when you know you won’t get the job or you’re not interested in pursuing the opportunity; a thank you note is still a must. It’s a small world out there and not following through with this common courtesy can come back to haunt you.
  
  
• Always follow through. If you are asked to "stay in touch", make sure that you do. A phone call a few days after interviewing is acceptable and usually expected. When calling, give your full name and the purpose of your call. Be concise and professional. End the call by thanking them for their time and asking what the next step will be in the hiring process. It’s also a perfect time to ask again for the job.
  
  
• Use common sense and remember the basics. Look nice, be well-groomed, dress conservatively, smile, don’t chew gum, look the interviewer in the eye, say thank you, act intelligently, don’t wear strong perfume or cologne, sit up straight, and last but not least –ask for the job!!

SOURCE: Tips supplied courtesy of All About Careers.

The information contained above is intended to provide useful information on the topic covered, but should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion.