Landing the Job!

Interviewing!

There is so much out there on what to do for an Interview! Recently I read an article that said you should not prepare your answers just go in and "be you." However as an HR professional who has interviewed a lot of Applicants in the last 5 years that is the worst advice I've seen out there! So I thought I would put together some great tips on how to land your next great job.

1) Every movie you have watched in the last year has been scripted. With the exception of Will Ferrell or Kevin Hart most all actors usually stick to the script. Now I know we don't get to see them reading lines or studying but the finished product is usually a good movie or show when they have completed it! This is why I tell all my Candidates BE PREPARED! Any good Chef will tell you the great meals start with Prep Work! Most Hiring Managers will usually stick to the same 10 "Safe" interview questions you can find on Google. So if you know what the Manager is going to ask why not get yourself prepared and come off as prepared and confident. Job Interviews can be stressful especially if you are in between jobs. Practice your answers driving down the road or ask a friend to ask the Interview questions. The better you prepare the more confident you will be and you will essentially "check off the boxes" the Hiring Manager is looking before he presents you as THE ONE!

2) Be 10 minutes early! I cannot stress this one enough as I have had candidates who thought they knew the location only to get lost or stuck in traffic. If you are serious about making a good first impression you will be 10 minutes early. Look it up the night before and make preparations to get there on time. If that means ironing the clothes the night before DO IT! Also there is a thing of being too early. If you arrive don't go in 30 minutes early. The Manager may have planned his interviews around a busy day and may need to hit a few emails in between interviews and this can put you behind the eight ball if you arrive too early. They may feel stressed or frustrated which are neither emotions you want them to associate with your interview!

3) Do research the company and know what they do and a little company history. You may have been set up by a Recruiter and they should have given you this info. If not look at the company website or on LinkedIn to see if you have connections that work there. You do not have to become an expert just enough to know about the role and any questions you may have for at the end of the interview.

4) Dress for the role! If a suit is required put the polo back in the closet. I would rather be overdressed than look comfortable or sloppy.

This is not a comprehensive list just a good foundation if you are back on the market for the first time in a few years. Again practice makes perfect and being prepared is never a bad thing!