You’ve been searching the Internet for weeks, looking for the perfect job. You think you may have finally found it. You apply and wait for what seems like WEEKS, for a return call. It’s finally here! You feel a buzz in your pocket. “Hello there… Is this Jessica? This is Donna calling from YOUR DREAM JOB, can we set up a convenient time to meet for an interview?”
You end the call but can hardly contain the excitement. Your husband catches a glimpse of you from the living room, jumping for joy, screaming at the top of your lungs. “YESSSS!!!!”
Can you visualize this scenario? Have you been there? I know I have. Today, I am here to offer some practical but necessary advice on how to nail the interview and land you your dream job. I personally have been on a number of interviews since I have become a Registered Nurse. I have landed the job on each interview, every single time!
Do you want some “inside advice” on how I did it? Here we go…
1. Be on time
This may seem like a ‘no-brainer’ but this is so important. Allow extra travel time to get to where you need to go. Arriving 10-15 minutes early shows that you are responsible and ready to make a good impression. Interviewers do notice this, and appreciate it!
2. Smile!
Be happy! This is your opportunity and moment to shine. Be pleasant and outgoing. In the first minute that a person meets you, a lot is decided about how they view your character. Smile and be friendly, it will make a difference and will reflect how the rest of the interview goes.
3. Be prepared to talk about yourself
This is key. Come ready to have a conversation. Read over your resume and be open to talking about your past experience. Make sure to have extra copies of your resume and cover letter on hand, you never know who you will meet and who will want a copy of them.
4. Dress up
Of course attire plays a big role in the interview process. If you show up disheveled and not dressed the part, your interviewer will surely notice. You need to dress professionally and look presentable. This is an excuse to go shopping ladies! I have one professional suit that I purchased when I first graduated. It is a baby blue Liz Claiborne suit with a nice pin skirt. Every time I wear it I get so many compliments. It is okay to invest in a nice business outfit. You may spend $100 now, but it could potentially get you that $65,000 job you have been hoping for!
5. Become an expert on the potential employer
Do your research. Study the company. What is their mission? What are their core values? Doing your homework goes a long way with employers and could be the difference between getting the job or not!
6. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse
Practice. Take some time to go over common interview questions and be prepared to answer those questions. Know your strengths and weaknesses and be able to put a positive spin on them. The more you practice the better you will sound and the more convincing you will be.
7. Be yourself
You don’t have to pretend to be someone you are not. Be confident. Let your qualities and experience shine through during the conversation.
8. Stand out and show your personality
If appropriate, tell a story in your interview. Talk about your recent work, your passions, or your academic experiences. For me, I have recently went on a trip to Nicaragua to build a clean water well for a village in need. This is something that stands out. Don’t be afraid to share with them a little of your personal life, just be careful to only share what is relevant and appropriate.
9. Ask questions
At the end of the interview, when the interviewer asks you if you have any other questions, say yes. This is your opportunity to get to know more about the company and ask any questions that they have been in the back of your mind. Do not ask how much you will be making – salary is a topic for after the initial interview. Ask knowledgeable questions that will show the interviewer that you are interested in the company. Also, make sure to listen. Don’t do all of the talking. No one likes a person who talks and talks and talks and talks…
10. Follow up
Make sure to send a follow up “thank you” letter to the person you interviewed with. I tend to send mine the same day. This will show them that you appreciated them taking time out of their busy schedule to meet with you (ego boost) and will keep your name fresh in their mind. It shows them that you are appreciative and that you are eager to hear back from them.
What are your thoughts? Have anything to add to my list?
Comment below. I ‘d love to hear your ideas.
This post was written by Jess, but first seen on Society Letters here.
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