In 2017, the highly competitive job market for people's skills and experience means that standing out from the crowd is a must for anyone who wants a prime position with a great employer. You earned the degree and networked your way to getting a hiring manager's attention. Acing the job interview represents the final step. Consider these tips and tricks to leap ahead of the rest of the candidates in the pool.
The Simple Stuff
Little things go a long way for a job interview. Dress one notch above the office dress code. For example, if everyone dresses business casual on an everyday basis, go for business formal attire. Factory workers can probably go for business casual attire.
Arrive to the interview five to 10 minutes early. While you're sitting there, remember to do some deep breathing exercises to relax. Engage in conversation with anyone who walks by because those people can give you clues about the position and the company culture.
Leave your soda, latte, cappuccino or whatever drink you brought with you in your car. An interview room is no place for a drink container that might spill. Turn off your smartphone and don't even think about grabbing for it during your job interview. Your focus for the next 30 minutes is on the people in front of you as opposed to the latest Facebook post from a friend or text.
Attitude
Aside from the little things, a sunny attitude brings a positive tone to the job interview. Recruiters and hiring managers look for people with bright attitudes who bring a positive demeanor to every talking point. Express your enthusiasm to work for the company by giving emotional reasons for meshing with the company culture. For example, maybe you came across a company's product as a younger person and it really resonated with you to the point that you changed your life in a positive way. Practice showing enthusiasm by looking at your facial expressions in the mirror to see what others see during your interview.
Respect for everyone in the process goes a long way to landing a job interview. Yes, you have several steps to get through just to come face to face with your future boss, but patience and respecting the employer's process indicates you're an agreeable co-worker who plays by the rules.
Your Resume
Polish your resume and update your hard skills. Even if you connect with someone at the company as part of your network, you still need a dynamite resume that lists your qualifications, skills and experience so your hiring manager gets an idea if you're the perfect fit for the position. Hard skills get you to the interview, but your soft skills win the interview. That's why you need great interpersonal skills, a good attitude and an emotional connection with others in the room. Think of the interview as your final boss battle at the end of the level of a video game.
Your job interview is one of many important steps in your job hunt. In a highly competitive job market, every detail counts as you try to win the day against candidates who have similar qualifications to yours.
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