Let's face it, most of us find interviews stressful. We just want the company to hire us so we can prove how great we are and perfect for the position. If only it were that easy.
Well it can be....here are simple steps that make a HUGE impact and get you remembered!
Being remembered starts with setting up the interview - when setting up an interview remember to be THANKFUL, ASK QUALIFYING QUESTIONS, and OFFER to be helpful.
First be THANKFUL and excited at the opportunity to meet, the ASK a few qualifying questions?
When setting up an interview its alright to ask questions -
Confirm time, date and address?
Will I need ID for security?
Who should I ask for upon arrival?
Who are will I be interviewing with and what are there titles?
I usually dress in a suit for interviews, would that be appropriate? or What is the dress code? or I'll be coming from my current place of employment and we dress in (name dress code) is that okay for your team?
Besides my resume, are there supporting materials I can bring that would be helpful in showing you my best work?
Are there any areas of concern for the individuals I will be meeting with that I should be sure cover during the meeting?
And, OFFER to send the calendar invite "should I send a calendar invite for our meeting?" An offer to assist in the process before you meet makes you unforgettable.
NIGHT BEFORE -
Get everything in order the day or night before the interview to relieve morning anxiety. Check your clothes, prepare the bag you are carrying with resumes, a working blue or black pen, charged devices, information of where you are going, any interview notes you've made. GET A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP.
Remember your MANNERS -
"The early bird, catches the worm...". For you that means, arrive a 10-15 minutes early but don't check in until 5 minutes before the interview time. For example, interview is at 10am. Arrive at 9:45am. From 9:45 - 9:47 relax take a deep reassuring breath you are on-time. If are in your car or there is a local coffee spot you can pop into, take advantage of it. Take time to review your interview notes, go to the rest room to check your appearance - remove loose strings, hair is in place, shoes match, hands clean and sweat free, hide food stains...whatever is wrong you can fix from 9:47 - 9:51. From 9:52 - 9:54 walk to reception/security. Now you're ready, calm, cool and collected. It's time to turn off your phone and check in at 9:55.
GREETING -
As you waited for the person to come out and greet you - dry your hands discretely and get ready to shake hands. Remember to be firm, to hard or to soft leaves a not so great impression. Think of it like a hugging a child...a good hug is not tight, you feel the grip. A handshake is about 2-3 pumps and then let go. When shaking hands its important to make eye contact and smile while introducing yourself. "Hi I am Nathalie, its a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for arranging this time for us to get together".
the IMPACTFUL INTERVIEW
The interviewer is trying to figure a couple of things in an interview - are you the right fit, do you have the right skills, will you be manageable and what will you add to the team. Your impact can be made a couple of ways -
THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS - when you have great questions for the interviewer they will be impressed. Questions based on your conversation and preparation are the most effective. They uniquely show off your intelligence, experience, grasp of the role, communication, leadership and why you are a good fit. Questions based on what you've read in the trade publications, what created the need to hire, how your role creates advancement for the company, or given your experience how can you contribute to the organization development, philosophically what's the next step for the department and how can you help? are just a few of the examples of how you can create an impact.
In addition, other opportunities to create an impact are -
Common BOND - look for physical and conversational cues that allow you to find a common ground. It could be as simple a complement on a interviewers outfit or jewelry or more sophisticated focusing on something related to the industry or company's.
BODY LANGUAGE - seat up straight, slightly forward to show you are engaged and actively listening, eye contact and open arms.
VERBAL communication - use of language, enunciation, clear orderly explanations, appropriate stories that show off your skills, experience and ability to handle situations.
HUMOR - being able to bring positivity and humor to a conversation always illuminates your ability to communicate. Employers consistently assess communication as a top and necessary skill.
LEAVE BEHIND - a printed resume, a personal business card, a writing sample, example of work, portfolio. It should be something tactile and professional that will remind the interviewer of your qualifications for the role.
WRAP it UP - let the interviewer know you are very interested in the position, what else would they like to know that would help make the decision in your favor? if they are interested in you what would be next steps?
THANK YOU NOTE - always send a thank you note. Email within 12 hours, snail mail within 24 hours. The best thank you notes references an important conversational tidbit and answers the question why you would be the best choice based on your experience and aptitude.
Each step is small, easy to implement and build on each other. Individually they create small memorable moments for the interviewer, when used together they create a lasting impression.
Join the conversation, let me know what steps you've used in the past and what are new. If you want to contribute to the list - I'd love to add your tips...leave them in the comments.
I'll gladly answer questions too.
