The interview process can be very scary and nerve racking at times, but making a good first impression can go a long way to a smooth and solid job offer. After submitting your resume and talking to a recruiter about all the jobs out there, you finally have the chance to meet a hiring manager face to face for an interview. I can’t tell you how many times, I have had hiring managers come back to me and tell me that only reason they aren’t moving forward is that candidate wasn’t professional and made a bad first impression.
When planning your time schedule for a first interview, always leave a buffer of 15-30 minutes for anything that could go wrong (i.e. street closures, accidents, flat tires, dead battery, long lines, no parking spaces, you just get lost). Next, always assume that you will meet a few people that you weren’t aware of prior to the interview and be prepared. Have multiple clean copies of your resume for them to know a little about you. The most important thing you can do, is make sure you are dressed professionally! Have on a clean, dark suit with a crisp white shirt and solid tie with brown or black socks and well polished shoes, gentlemen. Ladies, I recommend a dark pants or skirt suit for you. I know this seems silly, but I actually had an individual not get a job because he wore his “lucky” bright red cowboy boots to meet the board of directors. Hiring manager look at everything! Finally, make sure you have done a little research on the company. You want to ask smart and insightful questions about this organization as well as let them know that you are invested in this process by knowing a little about them.
I know how stressful first interviews can be and if you follow these tips, you’ll make a great first impression and it might just be a bit easier. At the end of the day, you only can control so much in the hiring process, but making a good first impression is all on you!
For More information about interviewing or new opportunities, contact Warren Recruiting.