The Essential Job Interview Checklist

You just got the call for a job interview! This is great news, Congratulations! See how all the hard work you put into writing a professional resume, networking at various events and online job searching has paid off at last. To be sure you are the brightest star above all the other job candidates, I have provide essential job interview tips to ensure your success! Be Prepared – This means practicing answering interview questions, doing your homework on the potential employer and matching your skills with your answers for the duties related for the open position. Dressing for Success – Dressing professionally makes the best first impression. While it may not be necessary to purchase a business suit, it is very important that you dress the part. Don’t Be Late – Arriving on time for a job interview means getting to the interview location at least 15 minutes early. Indeed the job interviewer will take note of your arrival time and will allow you to review all your notes for the interview. Keep Eye Contact – Making eye contact, along with a smile and solid handshake will convey confidence to the job interviewer. Show Enthusiasm – If the job comes down to you and another candidate, this is an excellent way to stand out to the interviewer. Showing your enthusiasm for the open position lets the interviewer know that you are serious about the position and are driven to succeed. Let Them Know You’re a Team Player – Hiring managers want to make sure that they hire someone who can take direction. They also want someone that can lead a team to meet the company’s objectives. Provide real work examples of how you can lead a team and also how you can be a team player for a company. Make Sure You Sell Yourself – It has been proven that people buy from people they like and this theory does apply when hiring someone. Remember a job interview is like a sales pitch. Have a list of your core competencies and be prepared to discuss how you have showcase your competencies in the past and they will be beneficial to the potential employer. Always be Truthful – Never mislead the job interviewer, especially about your skills and past experiences. Most companies will conduct a background check before they hire someone and you don’t want to be in the boat where they find out that you were being dishonest to them. Be Professional at all Times – Although this should always be done without saying, sometimes people do need to be reminded from time to time. Don’t chew gum, pay attention and sit up straight. Ask Interview Questions – Asking questions demonstrates to the interviewer that you are interested in the job. So much to the fact that if you don’t ask interview questions you could come off as frail and useless. Also asking questions allows you to evaluate the company so that you can make sure that company is a good match for you. Always Thank the Interviewer – When the a job interview comes to an end make sure to smile, stand up to extend your hand for a firm handshake and say “thank you. Ask the interviewer when do they expect to make their decision and if you should follow up with them if you don’t hear from them by the decision date.