As if you didn’t have enough to keep in mind just before your job interview. Here we come with four more tips. But, we’re here with your best interests in mind. An interview is one of the most important opportunities for showing that you’re not only interested and passionate about working in a company, but also that you will be the right fit for the open position on their team. If you have a great job interview, you don’t want to blow it at the end by asking a question in poor taste. And for that very reason, we gathered our four best tips for leaving the right kind of lasting impression.
1) Come With Strong Questions
It’s pretty much a safe bet that at the conclusion of your job interview the employer will ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” Make sure you have at least one or two prepared and well thought-out questions. You want to make sure you don’t ask them about anything that is readily available on their website. If you do, you will come across as not just unprepared but disinterested in their company as well. And, on a similar note, never ask about money, vacation and sick days or anything related to benefits at this point. Not only is it too soon, but it also can give the perception that you are interested in the job for the wrong reasons. You should be looking at the interviewing process as a way to show and explain why you’re the best fit for that employer, as well as determine if that company is the right fit for you.
2) Shake and Repeat
Think about some of the best customer service experiences you’ve had. Chances are most of those interactions concluded with a firm handshake, a big smile and a “thank you (insert your name here).” As a skill that’s often taught and practiced in customer service, it’s also one that you can use to show your genuine appreciation of your interviewer’s time. Also, when you repeat the interviewer’s name as you shake their hand, it’s yet another opportunity for you to commit that person’s name and face to your mind, which will come in handy when you get to the following two tips.
3) Follow Up Promptly
It’s a smart idea to follow up with each individual who interviewed you before the end of the day. Now we’re not advocating that this is something you do in a rush. (Of course you want to make sure you spell their name correctly and send a thoughtful response.) But do make sure that if you send a card, you get it mailed that day. If you send an e-mail, shoot that off before bed. Whether you send a thank you via e-mail or snail mail, make sure you mention something specific from your conversation to show that you’re someone who pays attention to — and cares — about the details. Finally, make sure to send any materials you promised to follow up on within 24 hours of your interview.
4) Debrief the Details
Shortly after your interview is over, the first thing an employer usually does is take notes or reassess any final thoughts about you as a candidate. You should also take a few minutes to take some notes for yourself. Did the potential employer mention certain specifics of characteristics they would like in an ideal candidate? Write those down. Did they elaborate in more detail the duties the position requires? Take note of those, too. Did you and the hiring manager have a mutual fondness for the Pittsburgh Steelers? Jot that down as well. The point is this: Keep notes on anything and everything that could help you in the hiring process moving forward. You never know when something could come up as a conversation point. And, if you do end up getting the job, this insight into your future employers will be valuable to go back to.
If you follow these four tips you can feel confident that you are leaving your interview with your best foot forward. Good luck!
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