New Year's Resolution: land a new job
With unemployment at a record low, and the economy booming in Utah, it’s important to remember that you are interviewing this company as much as they are interviewing you. In my career, I’ve hired more than 40 people. These are the top three tips I believe every interviewee needs to remember:
Look into the interviewer and the company
You obviously need to look into the position and the company, but I am consistently shocked by how little research interviewees do on the person they will be meeting with. With a simple LinkedIn search, you can figure out a little about the background of the hiring manager you’ll speak with. Make sure to bring up something that you were impressed with when you researched their work experience. It’s a quick and easy way to show that you’ve done your homework, and it’s a little ego boost for the hiring manager.
Make sure you’re dressed appropriately
One would hope that in today’s world this wouldn’t have to be brought up, but I still see this as a big problem. If you could go to the beach, gym, or night club, in your outfit right after an interview, don’t wear it to your interview! You don’t want the person you’re interviewing with to even remember what you were wearing. Rather, you want them to remember how capable you are. So, keeping it conservative is the safest bet. That doesn’t mean you can’t show a bit of personality, but you should make sure that you are polished. Make sure not to wear overwhelming perfume or a wrinkly suit. Again, you want the focus to be on your intellect and experience, not your clothing.
Take it seriously
The best interviews I have are with people who are taking the experience seriously, and there are a few ways to tell: they are on time, they aren’t taking my time for granted, and they ask smart questions. The best way to show someone you are a good fit for the job is by asking questions that are not just about logistics, benefits or pay. Instead, they ask how they would be successful in the position, how they can contribute, and how they can help. I can’t stand when I ask if the person I’m interviewing if they have questions and they focus entirely on what benefits them. This is your chance to really shine and showcase why you’re a good fit.
Interviewing for a new job is one of the most stressful experiences. But, with a little preparation and research, you’ll be setup for success and land the job.