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Looking for a job is a stressful time. There are many things a job seeker must consider in the process. After the potential position is chosen, the resume is submitted, and the interview is pending; the battle has just begun. The job seeker must follow some important etiquette in order to be successful in the interviewing process. There are some simple tips to follow that will ensure that a good impression is made, and the interviewee has the greatest potential to get the job.
When receiving the call from the company make sure you know who you are interviewing with, what building the interview will take place in, and the exact time that you are expected. It is wise to ask if you will be interviewing with more than one person, so you will know how many copies of your resume to bring. You may ask for an address and for specific directions to the company, but do not require the person to give you step by step instructions, since you could look this up on the internet or gather that information independently. From the moment you receive your phone call from the employer, it is important to build your image in any way possible.
Prepare for the interview by researching the company. This can be done at the library, or on the internet. Basic information about the size of a company, the products offered, affiliates, and rival companies can be acquired this way. Pick one aspect of the company that is related to the position being pursued, and focus on gathering this information to show that you have research pertinent to the job you wish to obtain.
Make sure the route to the interview is clear. Make the drive to the company the day before the actual interview date. This will alleviate extra tension, and will reveal any obstacles such as excessive traffic or construction that will affect your timing. Try to arrive at the interview 10-15 minutes early, so you have time to visit the bathroom, brush your hair, and brush your teeth before meeting with the interviewers.
Use courtesy when dealing with office staff before the interview. A team environment will encourage input from receptionists and secretaries, so everyone you talk to may have a say about whether you are hired. When meeting the interviewer give him/her a firm handshake, and make eye contact. Do not stare the person down and squeeze the life out of the hand; these are acts of aggression and aggressive behavior is not generally a trait sought in new hires. Try to be relaxed and comfortable in the interview. It is not good to appear nervous in an interview. It suggests a lack of confidence and self-esteem. Use positive statements to calm the nerves such as:
“I am a competent person who could do this job well.”
“I have good skills that would be an asset to this company.”
“I look good and come across as a positive person.”
Repeating these statements before the interview will put you in a winning frame of mind that will enable you to present your best self.
Make a point of complimenting artwork in the office of the interviewer if you know it is his/her own office. Usually artwork is a reflection of the individual and this type of compliment will be well received. Follow the interviewer’s lead when it comes to small talk. Participate, but avoid long rambling stories that will consume the interviewer’s time.
When the interview is over, make eye contact again as you shake the interviewer’s hand. Thank him/her for taking the time to see you, and make a graceful exit. Within 24 hours it is important to send a handwritten thank you note to the interviewer. Mention one specific comment from the interview that impressed you about the company or the interviewer. In this way you are making sure your name is fresh in the mind of the people doing the hiring even after you have left the building.
These simple techniques are a few ways to make sure you have a positive experience while interviewing. Even if the job is not procured it is a confidence builder to know that you are approaching the process in a professional manner, and leaving a lasting impression with the people you encounter.
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