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Job interviews are all about making great first impressions. Even with a stellar resume, if you don’t do well in the interview, chances are, you’ll end up being forgotten. By making a great first impression, your application ends up with a higher rating, which in turn, increases the likelihood of getting a follow-up interview and job offer.

 

Here are five things you can do to shine in a job interview.

 

  1. Dress to Impress

 

The rule is simple: Dress in the kind of professional attire you would expect someone to wear when making an important client pitch, a business presentation, or meeting with a company CEO. For men, a well-fitting suit is the standard option. For women, nothing too revealing or baggy is best. If you think your attire is inappropriate, it probably is, so go ahead and change outfits.

 

If you know someone from HR, go ahead and ask what to wear in an interview. Some startups, particularly in the tech industry, are more casual and encourage applicants to come in casual attire — think jeans and a simple button-up.

 

  1. Arrive on Time

 

Failing to come to an interview on time is perhaps the fastest way to kill your chances of being considered for a role. Not only does it send the signal that you can’t be relied on and don’t pay attention to details, it might also be taken as a sign of disrespect.

 

At the same time, however, showing up too early can make you look overeager or desperate. The thought of you sitting in the waiting area may also make the interviewer feel uncomfortable, putting pressure on them to start ahead of schedule.

 

A good rule of thumb is to be at the interview location 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled interview.

 

  1. Do Your Homework About the Company and Position

 

Prepare for a conversation about the company’s condition and its latest developments, as well as the position’s tasks and responsibilities. While you certainly don’t want to act like a know-it-all, it pays to come prepared, which will show the interviewer you’re genuinely interested in the position and company, and that you’re not just looking for any job that will take you.

 

  1. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

 

Chances are, your interview will start with the question, “What can you tell us about yourself?”

 

This is an opportunity to make your elevator pitch — a brief and concise description of your skills, work experience, specialty, and potential contributions you can make to the company. Expand on the details of your resume, instead of just rehashing what’s already in there.

 

  1. Ask Questions


An interview is also an opportunity to learn more about the company, what they do, what they look for in recruits, and what their corporate culture is like. This way, you’ll know if you’re actually a match for the company and role.

Looking for a new job? 

For more job search insights and tips, be sure to follow this blog. If you need help looking for opportunities in accounting or payroll, schedule a consultation with the staffing services specialists of Sage Staffing. Call our offices at 661-254-4026 to learn how we can help you.

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