Guest post by By Sharon Armstrong, owner, Sharon Armstrong and Associates and co-author, The Essential HR Handbook
This month I’d like to share some secrets on getting to the second interview. It’s simple really — just do a great job on the first interview!
A job interview is the most important undertaking in the job search process. It’s the key to being hired, and how you approach the interview can determine it’s outcome. The goal of the interview is to raise the interviewer’s expectation of you so you will be invited to continue in the selection process, and subsequently, receive a job offer.
To sell yourself effectively, you need to match the position requirements with your skills, accomplishments, and personal qualities. So begin by doing your research.
- Visit the company website and get informed about the organization, it’s services and products.
- Google the company, check out the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed, read annual reports and trade publications. In addition, ask all your friends what they might know about the organization. Try to learn something about the interviewers too, if possible.
- Practice some common interview questions. “I have 100 free ones on my website”: http://www.theessentialhrhandbook.com (click on the Free Report banner to access them. Please help yourself!)
- Be prepared to ask questions. This is essential because it demonstrates your interest in the position and the company. It helps you uncover the interviewer’s needs and it provides some valuable information you’ll need to determine if that employer is right for you.
- Pack extra copies of your resume and reference list.
- Get a good night’s sleep!
- Dress appropriately.
- Make sure to arrive a little early — and be polite and professional as soon as you walk in the door. When I was a full-time recruiter, our receptionist would zip into my office right after an interview if the applicant hadn’t been nice to her. And the process would stop right there.
Don’t forget to send your career-related questions or column suggestions to me at: Sharon@sharonarmstrongandassociates.com. I’d love to hear from you.
