Hiring season is here and I want to share a few tips that will help you always get the job. You already have an interview set up. That should be the hardest part of the interview process. I have over 10 years experience in hiring.
Tip #1 – If you know the name of the company, scout it out in advance. If it is a retail setting go in as a customer. What are all the employees wearing? What is the company selling? How long has the location been open? Same goes for a restaurant or any location open to the public. One of the most frustrating parts of interviewing is when the candidate does not know about the company or the position.
Tip #2 – Now you have already done your research. Bring a notebook with you to the interview. Once you hand the interviewer your resume it is good to have something with you to jot down a few notes.
Tip #3 – Let the interviewer bring up the pay scale. If it is an entry level job it might be set pay that you can look up online first. You never want the interview to be about money (even though it is a huge part). When you start talking numbers before it is brought up by the interviewer, you give the impression that you do not care about the job you are doing. Just the money.
Tip# 4 – Over dressing is way better than being under dressed. If you can check out what other employees are wearing it is good to try and dress the part. Example: If you are going into the makeup industry wear all black and focus on your makeup. If you are going into an office setting a suit is the way to go. I prefer pant suits, but if I were going to an interview I would wear a skirt suit. It looks like you have put in just a little more effort. Pull your hair back. It does not necessarily need to be up, but it should definitely never be in your face. Simple makeup is best. My go to look is a light buffed out crease with winged liner. Easy, but you tried. Wear a light cologne or perfume. Nothing over powering.
Tip# 5 – Dedicate the entire day to the interview and be early. Go ahead and plan on the interview taking several hours. Hopefully it does not, but sometimes you will need to meet with several people or fill out paperwork. It is better when you are not trying to rush anyone.
Tip# 6 – Never bad mouth your last employer or interrupt the person interviewing you. This should be common sense, but I promise you – it isn’t.
Tip# 7 – This is the most important tip of all. Be confident, not arrogant. There is a very fine line between arrogance and confidence. I love when people tell me that they are the person for the job and they WILL exceed my expectations. I would say 75% of the people I interview act as though they are too good for the job. Every time someone comes in with this attitude, I completely tune out the interview. If you are too good for the job then go apply somewhere else and stop wasting everyone’s time. That sounds harsh, but it is true.
When I first moved to Atlanta I went to an interview where they spent the first 15 minutes giving our group a list of rules. I did not find that very welcoming and I knew it was not the place for me. Before the interview started I thanked them for the opportunity and told them I knew it was not a good match.
On the opposite side of the spectrum I was finishing an interview and I did not think the person was going to be a good fit for the position I needed filled. I was wrapping up my questions and I asked if they had anything to add. The person said “Yes, what qualities do you need to add to your current team to make them stronger because I know I can be that person.” They got the job. Completely changed my mind in 30 seconds. That is confidence. Confidence is what is going to land you the job. Make sure the person interviewing you knows what you are bringing to the table. Just be very careful you are not putting down the company when you are talking yourself up.
#8. Lastly, be yourself!
That wraps up my interview tips! Let me know if you have any questions or additions!
