The first step of job search is submitting a professional job resume with a resume cover letter that states clearly your interest in applying for a certain position. But getting your job resume noticed is only the first step of the job search. Yes, a professional job resume is a crucial part of the job search as a professional job resume is a key part of getting an employer to notice your job resume out of all the other job resumes but to get the job, you have to get through the second crucial part of the job search which is the interview.
After countless numbers of job resume submissions to companies, a potential employer has finally seen your job resume and called you up for an interview. Congratulations! You’ve passed the first step of the job search. Your hard work of sending out your resume cover letters and professional job resumes has finally paid off. But like we said, getting your professional job resume noticed is only the first step. There’s no resting on your laurels now as you have to prepare for the job search interview. The better prepared you are, the better your chances of walking of that job search interview with a confident smile on your face that says “I think I got the job!”
Because there are plenty of people who are also on a job search mission, it’s important that you stand out from the rest. Your professional job resume may speak a lot about you on paper but to land the job, you physically have to be different from the rest during your first meeting with the employer. Here are tips to help your next job search interview land you the job:
Job Search Interview Tip #1: Do your homework. In any job search, it’s important you know the company you are applying to beforehand. You can make use of this during your job search interview and help you boost your credibility with the interviewer. This will also help you to formulate intelligent questions to ask him or her.
Job Search Interview Tip #2: Know where you’re going. You should never be late for a job search interview. That will just leave a bad impression to your potential employer and will get your job resume thrown straight down the trash can. So before going to any job search interview, know the company’s location and how to get there. Estimate the time it will take for you to get there and make sure you have the company’s contact person’s name and number.
Job Search Interview Tip #3: Look the part. Remember that the goal of any job search is to stand out from the rest not only by handing in a professional job resume but also looking the part. Your clothing should be neat, pressed, and professional looking. Make sure to also have a fresh haircut and clean, manicured nails.
Job Search Interview Tip #4: Rehearse beforehand. Prior to your job search interview, anticipate your possible employer’s questions especially the common ones and prepare answers to it. Conduct a mock job search interview with a trusted friend as practice.
Job Search Interview Tip #5: Secure your references. References are important in any job search so be sure to include them in your professional job resume. Think of at least three key people who could give a good word about your work ethics such as former supervisors or colleagues and secure their permission beforehand.
Job Search Interview Tip #6: Arrive early. In any job search interview, it is ideal to arrive at least 15 minutes before your job search interview. Prior to meeting your potential employer, go to a restroom and check your appearance in the mirror then approach the receptionist to let the employer know that you’ve arrived for your set appointment. Also turn your cell phone off or put it on silent mode during your job search interview to avoid disruptions.
Job Search Interview Tip #7: Bring necessary documentation. Make a checklist of documents that you will need for the interview, and make sure that you have them in your briefcase or bag before leaving home. These documents may include extra copies of your résumé, a portfolio of writing samples or other professional work. If you are a recent graduate, you should also bring along your college transcripts.
Job Search Interview Tip #8: Sell yourself. Your job search interview is your chance to shine, so now is not the time to be humble. Develop a 25-second sales pitch that sings your praises. It should include your strengths, your abilities, and what sets you uniquely apart from the other job search applicants.
Job Search Interview Tip #9: Follow up. After the job search interview, don’t forget to send a handwritten note or friendly email thanking the interviewer for taking time and consideration, as well as restating your interest and commitment to the position. If you don’t hear anything after one week, call to politely inquire when they will be making a final decision. This is also a valuable step to any job search.
Keep the above tips in mind as you attend one job search interview to another and you’ll be sure to land a job pretty soon.