1. Research The Company

Do your homework. There are so many ways to learn about companies online. Look for their social media presence. Setup a Google Alert to get the latest company updates. Research news from the company’s past by doing a search on Google News. See if you can find the name of your interviewer and look him or her up on LinkedIn. Sometimes, you may just be interviewed by one of the executives of the company, so it’s good to know their accomplishments, interests and skillsets that you may have in common. 

2. Clean Up Your Social Media Presence.

Research shows that 91% of employers search your social media to know more about you as a person. Websites like www.socialsweeptser.com help you to sift through your social media history to find any content that could raise red flags. “Too many recruiters reject candidates because of something they found on their social platforms” Social Sweepster CEO Tom McGrath says. “We help you create the first impression on your own terms.”

3. Schedule For Tuesday at 10:30 AM If Possible

Glassdoor states that the best time for an interview is at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, and here’s why. On Mondays and Fridays, employees (including hiring managers) are either coming back from or going into the weekend. Their attention is going to another time and place and you don’t want to be a victim of this. In the same breath, make sure to avoid an end of day interview or right before lunch.  Regardless, earlier in the week and day is always better. 

4. Craft Your Elevator Pitch

You need to state who you are and why you’re a strong candidate, with succinct and focused delivery. When looking for a new job, it is important to have this answer prepared beforehand, as it is your first impression and the most important time to leave a lasting impact with your interviewer. It is crucial for your success to perfect your pitch. Learn more about creating the perfect elevator pitch here (JUMANA – Should link to the elevator pitch article that I just wrote). 

5. Be Fashionable

Play the part and dress for business, but also throw in some subtle flair if you can. It can be a colorful scarf, an interesting lapel pin, a beautiful necklace, or your favorite pair of quirky socks. Unique fashion accents can show more of your personality and make good conversation pieces. 

6. Prepare for The “What’s Your Weakness?” Question

If asked about your weaknesses, steer away from negative talk, like “I’m terrible at this.” Go towards talking about weaknesses in past professional environments and what you did to rise above.

Example:

Weak: “I take on too much work and burn out.”

Strong: “In the past, I’ve found myself taking on too much work, but I have learned how to delegate tasks and engage with my team when things seem too overwhelming.”

7. Line up your questions for the interviewer.

Come prepared with 2-3 questions for the interviewer to show that you are serious about the company.  You will look much more interested and engaged if you are prepared for this. Interviewees who show up without questions will be seen as uninterested and not as professional.

8. Bring your resume!

Bring your resume in a nice folder – any office supply store carries them. You can get hard plastic or leather for a little extra money. Sometimes it’s the subtleties that make the biggest impressions. Having your resume on hand helps for quick reference, and saves time and awkwardness if the interviewer doesn’t have it on hand. 

9. Send A ‘Thank You’ Email.

Send your interviewer a thank you email the following day.  It shows your appreciation, but also continues light conversation that helps to make an impression even if you don’t get the job. Recruiters may return to the same email thread in the future if there are other job positions to be filled.

10. Think positive. Have fun.

Have fun. Be yourself and make jokes if it feels natural and appropriate. We spend 40+ hours per week at work and we all want to enjoy our colleagues at the end of the day. Interviewers will pick up on nervous energy, so do your best to be calm and centered. 

11.  Don’t give up!

Was it bad timing? Were you interviewed for your dream job right after a bad case of the flu? Email the interviewer to say that you felt that some things could have been communicated in a better way and why you think the job is a perfect match. Reiterate your applicable skills and experience, and share you desire to contribute. This strategy may or may not work, but you’ll never know if you don’t try. You have nothing to lose, and this approach has been known to work.