One of the struggles of switching career directions in life is that you likely already feel like you are at a disadvantage against other candidates from the get-go. On the other hand, we suggest you don’t look at it like that. Plain and simple, being a competent hard worker who is passionate about the industry you are trying to break into is all you need to really wow potential employers in an interview. In order to make sure you are able to show that side of yourself, we are going to give you a few pointers on what to do before and during your interview in order to really make a lasting impression. Continue reading below to learn more.
Before the Interview
Take It Easy the Night Before
While it might be tempting to celebrate this exciting opportunity, we would highly recommend that you celebrate once you actually get the job. You need to be at the top of your game when you walk into an interview. Not to mention, people tend to smell like liquor when they drink a bit too much the night before. Smelling like a bar surely will not land you the job of your dreams.
Do Your Research
We’re very lucky these days in that we have a ton of information at our fingertips at all times. Because of this, there is absolutely no reason for you to ever go into an interview without knowing everything you possibly can about the company you are claiming to want to work for. A quick Google search will only take ten minutes at most and will give you all the information you need.
Have All of Your Documents in One Place
Being organized is way more important than most people realize. When you are interviewing for a job, everything you do speaks to the way you would do that job if you were to be hired. We would suggest that you get organized ahead of time. Keep your resume and any other documents you may need in a folder so that you can access them easily should you need to.
Avoid Smoking On the Way There
If you are a smoker, you might be tempted to light up a cigarette on your way to the interview in order to calm your nerves. Don’t do it. You don’t want the hiring manager to smell smoke on you as soon as they meet you. Additionally, smokers tend to take more sick days than nonsmokers, making your scent an automatic disqualifier in some cases.
While Waiting
Practice Good Posture
While you are waiting to be called into your interview, be sure that you are sitting up straight. Slouching gives a horrible impression and just because you don’t think anyone is paying attention to you, you could be wrong.
Act Like Your Phone Doesn’t Exist
While we know it is hard to stay off your phone while you are waiting for anything at all, we would suggest that you keep it out of sight when you are waiting for your job interview to begin. Focus all your energy and attention on the task at hand: getting the job. Additionally, be sure you have the sound entirely off so that you don’t have to worry about it going off once you are called in for your interview.
During the Interview
Smile
You don’t have to smile ear to ear during the entirety of your interview, but you certainly should look happy to be having the opportunity to be there. Remember, this is a first impression. If you look unhappy or even apathetic about the interview, those who are interviewing you will remember.
Know It’s Okay To Be Nervous
There are very few people who can go in for a job interview and not be nervous. So trust us when we tell you that those butterflies in your stomach are completely normal. Just remember to relax. You are much more likely to give good answers to the questions you are asked if you take a breath before you jump into your responses.
Give a Firm Handshake
When you are first introducing yourself to the person who will be conducting your interview, be sure that you give a firm handshake that relays confidence and suggests that you are genuine. These are all traits hiring managers look for in the people they hire.
Maintain Eye Contact
Be sure that you are making eye contact throughout the interview. Not doing so can send the message that you are uninterested which is the last thing you want to do.
Learn Professional Development Skills at PDC
Now that you have the tips you need to get through an interview successfully, we have no doubt that you are going to do a phenomenal job. On the other hand, if you want to secure some more skills that will put you at the top of the list for your dream job, consider enrolling in a course or two at the Professional Development Center.