You were probably job hunting for a while, pushing resumes here and there, when the phone rang. You’ve landed an interview. And, in today’s insane job market, even that’s a success. However, here comes hell: you need to go there and convince the man behind the desk that you’re worth it. The question is:
Are you ready for the interview?
If this isn’t your first roller-coaster ride, chances are you have learned one or two things. Even so, there is plenty left to figure out. Here are Hispotion’s 5 rules so you won’t be that guy at interviews. Check them out below:
Table of Contents
1. Re-check your attire
The rule of thumb is, you want to look good for the interview, but in the same time, you’re not attending a ballroom concert. Apply common sense: don’t mix suspenders with a belt, don’t come in with a pink shirt or a pink tie.
On the other hand, safe choices include a blue or gray suit. Go for a three button suit to be sure it will fit you properly.
However, you may also choose a 2-button version if you have a rather slim figure. Go for a blue (or related) tie – avoid cocktail color mixes.
And if it wasn’t obvious by now, always take a suit for the interview. The only exceptions allowed are when you are specifically asked for a particular dress code.
Choosing the right attire matters a lot on the first impression, so choose wisely and don’t be that t-shirt and jeans guy. If you need to dig deeper into the subject, check out this article on interview dress codes for men.
2. Don’t do gadgets.
Period. I don’t care how much you need to check that twitter feed or reply to that text. It is going to have to wait until you’re done. Turning your phone into airplane mode is enough to block out calls and notifications.
However, airplane mode doesn’t stop alarms.
Neither does turning your phone off, as most smartphones boot up if an alarm is set. So, it’s best to check out beforehand if you have any stray alarm resting in the background, waiting to go off while you’re presenting your case.
Headphones should be stuffed in a pocket or left in the car. It’s not a good idea to enter the interviewer’s office with cables dangling around your shoulders as it shows a lack of professionalism. Don’t even mention coming with headphones in your ears; you don’t want to be that guy.
3. Deal with the interviewer
The basic element that most inexperienced job hunters miss is this: every interview is a dialogue. It’s not a monologue, which basically breaks down to:
- you must present your case, but don’t be the only one talking
- ask questions about the company
Since you are having a dialogue, both parties must be on the same wavelength, but not on the same axis. While experienced interviewers do this by default, it’s important not to face your interviewer directly. Simply shift your chair a few degrees relative to the desk, like this:
Here’s a better view:
A slightly offset position from your interviewer will relax the atmosphere, while a straight line arrangement will generate some tension between the participants. You definitely don’t want to antagonize the person behind the desk – so don’t be that guy.
4. Keep it professional
Always do your homework. Most of the time, your search for a job will lead to job-hunting websites which give little information about the company. If you land an interview, don’t go in unprepared.
Check the company’s web page, social media presence, try to get in contact with a former or actual employee. Make a list of focused questions that you could ask during the interview. For example:
What is the company’s management style?
or, even better:
Are there any examples of a career path beginning with this position?
It’s common practice nowadays for big companies to check their candidates’ social media presence. If your Facebook account features some moments you wouldn’t want to explain to the interviewer, remove or make them private.
Set up a good looking social media presence by adhering to services such as LinkedIn – it allows you to post all your experience, projects and activities to the corporate public.
5. Never lie about it
Whether it’s in your resume or during the interview, don’t lie. Lies are easily spotted by experienced interviewers and can also be uncovered by checking references. It just takes a phone call and your whole credibility (and chances of getting the job) drops below sea level.
You must consider the fact that you might not get the job. Whether because your qualifications weren’t sufficient or someone else just did better in showcasing their skills, it doesn’t really matter. Brush up your resume, straighten up, and start again. Only this time, do everything better than the last time! Don’t be that guy who gives up!
If you landed the job, congratulations are in order!
We’d love to hear your personal experience at interviews. Hit us on Facebook with your story and we’ll make sure to share it!