Get the Interview.
You’re looking for work. You need a job.
Unemployment may be low, but finding THE job is still tough. So, you search online, use job seeker apps like Zip Recruiter or Indeed, check social media for job opportunities, and talk to friends about where they’re working and whether there are jobs available.
It takes some effort, but eventually you will land an interview.
The nature of interviews has changed over the years. Today, your interview may take place by appointment in an office or over coffee. It could be by phone or Skype. It could be a “walk in” type meeting where there’s no specific appointment but more of an “open door” to take the next step. Interviews can be long, an hour or more, or shockingly short, on the order of five or 10 minutes.
No matter the format or the formality, interviews still matter when it comes to landing the job.
Avoid Interview Mistakes.
Make the most of your interview time by avoiding these 5 interview mistakes
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Forgot your resume.
This is a rookie mistake. You’ve got to expect that an interviewer will want to know about your experience, background, education and skills. You will probably be asked to fill out an application, even if you have a resume with you.
What if you don’t have a resume? Be sure to bring detailed notes with the name of your prior employers, your supervisors’ name and contact info, and specifics about each job you’ve had. If you are looking to create a resume, there are numerous online resume builder sites you can tap into. Job sites like Zip Recruiter and Indeed also offer resume building tools, all at no charge.
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Be on time.
That means arriving 10 minutes before the scheduled interview time. Sure, you may run into traffic or get lost on the way – that’s why you’ll want to leave plenty of time for the unexpected. It’s not a bad idea to visit the interview location in advance to familiarize yourself with the location, bus routes, where to park, and similar details.
It’s always better to be early than late. And if the worst happens and you just can’t keep your interview date, call to let the employer know and ask to reschedule. That small gesture is a sign of respect and maturity, qualities most employers value in their team.
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Know what you’re getting into.
At minimum, you should know what the company does and what job you’re interviewing for. Do a little research. Show interest in the work and the employer will be more interested in you…that’s the goal, right? Talk to your friends and family members about the company you’re interviewing with to get their impressions. Google the company.
You don’t want to get all the way into an interview before you learn it’s not the kind of place where you want to work.
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First impressions matter.
Make a good impression by being neat and clean. Make eye contact. Shake hands with the interviewer. You may even want to practice your handshake with a friend to get some feedback: Too strong? Too limp? Sweaty palms? And, it’s always good to remember what you learned in kindergarten – say please and thank you.
And here’s a tough one: leave your mobile phone behind.
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Plan what to say.
Most interviews follow the same pattern. The employer asks some questions about you and your experience, then you have a chance to ask questions of them. If you’re planning for your first interview, ask a friend or family member to practice with you – do a little role playing. If you’ve been down the interview road before, think about the questions you’ve been asked in the past and about what you’ll say when those same questions come up again.
Think ahead! A little planning with help you prepare and also calm your nerves.
Interviews are important steps in getting the job you want. Handle the interview well and the odds for getting the job go way up.
And here’s one final tip. The recruiters at Active Staffing are available to help you with your resume, interview practice, even coaching on what to wear. You can rely on Active for interview support and for help to get a job you’ll enjoy for the long haul.