Have you ever walked out of an interview, thinking you aced it, only to receive a 'no thank' email a week later?  What went wrong?  You thought you answered all of their questions correctly, you arrived 15 minutes early, and you even wore heals!

Since graduating two years ago, I’ve sat through many interviews for internship, part-time, and full-time positions.  Rarely have I been given an interview and not a subsequent offer.  I say this not to brag - but because I’ve collected some foolproof tips and tricks to stand out from the interview crowd and make a killer first impression.

12.18.TW

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My top 10 tips for interviewing well in the new year are:

1) Smile

This might seem like an easy tip, but you’d be surprised at how many people get so nervous they forget to smile and leave the impression that they're a friendly person.  No one wants to work with a sourpuss who isn't kind!

2) Make eye contact

Remember to look your interviewer in the eye when you speak to them.  This conveys confidence and a feeling of comfort with the other person (after all, this could be your future boss or supervisor).  Make them feel like you already know them and want to work with them.  This will speak to your ability to fit in well with the company.

3) Firm handshake

This is also a sign of confidence.  Have you ever shaken someone’s hand that felt like a limp fish?  (Yuck is the only word that comes to mind!)  A strong handshake may sound trivial, but it leaves a stronger impression than most of us realize.

4) Overdress

This is the time to break out your business suit, heals, pearl earrings and white blouse.  It doesn’t matter if everyone in the office wears jeans (when you get the job you can dress however the office does), your interview is the only time to show you mean business and are serious about the job.  Outward appearance, superficial or not, goes a long way in making a strong first impression.

5) Research the company

Try to be as familiar with the company as possible.  When I was interviewing for an internship in New York, the manager who hired me shared that she was so impressed I had read some of their blog articles.  Because I had read the articles, I had the opportunity to share my knowledge on the topic and make her feel like I was already comfortable with information about the organization.  It certainly played a role in why I was offered the competitive position.

6) Think of how your experience pertains to the job description

Spend time analyzing the job description and then reflect on the experiences (professionally and personally) that make you a good fit.  Think of examples in your previous jobs where you have done the exact things in the job description (and where you’ve gone a step beyond what was asked.)  Potential employers will often ask for examples of how you executed the roles on your resume – what programs you used, how you felt about the task, etc.  Get comfortable with your answer before the interview.

7) Say thank you. Twice.

I recommend writing an email thank you within the first 48 hours after your interview and sending a handwritten note within the week.  The email thank you will show your promptness and the handwritten note will show your thoughtfulness.  Both take less than ten minutes.  If you really want the job, it’s worth it.

8) Bring extra copies of everything

It's your job to be prepared.  On the last interview I went to, they asked me if I had a pen for them to write something down.  Imagine how embarrassing it would have been to say no.  Always bring an extra of anything that might assist the interviewer with their job.  Bring extra copies of your resume, pens, references and even perhaps the cover letter you wrote.  It never hurts to have these items and might reflect poorly if you don’t.

9) Prepare questions to ask

Your interviewer will ask you if you have any questions for her or him.  Asking thoughtful constructive questions is as important as your answers.  It shows that you're taking the process seriously and want to know more about the role or organization.  I recommend asking, 'What does this job entail on a daily basis?'  This question conveys you want to make a strong commitment to the role and fulfill their expectations.

10) Be enthusiastic (but not over the top)

Try for moderation when interviewing.  Don’t become so excited about the job prospect that you aren't taken seriously. Keep your voice lively and nod at appropriate times, but don't go overboard with your enthusiasm.  Your goal is to show that you're on track and excited, but serious about the opportunity.

Good luck!!

 

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