When you’re on the hunt for a new job, finding out that you passed the initial round of resume inspections and are heading toward an interview, it’s easy to feel like you’re in the clear. Realty is, you’re not. The interview is where the “rubber meets the road” and employers, HR staff, and anyone else included in the process will be looking closely at not just your skills on paper, but also your personality, manner of speaking, physical appearance, and more to determine if you are the best fit for their opening. While there’s no fool-proof formula to guarantee that you get the job, there are things you can do to stand out and make a great impression.
Do Your Research. Not only should you carefully research the company with which you are applying, but you should also freshen up on the details about the specific position you’re hoping for. In many cases, applicants are turning in paperwork and resumes for many different positions in a variety of locations around town, and it’s easy to confuse details among them, and you don’t want to start of an interview by talking about a completely different opening at another company! A refresher about the company, the job in question, needed skills/abilities, etc. are great ways to make sure you’re prepared for any questions sent your way during your interview.
Get to “Know” the Interviewers. In many cases (but not all) applicants will be notified of who will be present during their interview. The CEO of a company, particular HR staff members, peers, etc. could be possible attendees during your interview. If you have information about these attendees, try to find some information about each, and look for commonalities you may share. These can be good conversation points to interject in your interview at strategic times, and offer personal connection that make you memorable, and hopefully, a good candidate to be part of their team.
Practice Until Perfect. We all know that practice makes perfect, and it’s no different when it comes to your interview. Practice by writing out your answers to various common interview questions, set up “mock” interviews with friends and family, and prepare a closing statement to be sure you end your interview on a solid note when the day comes. The more preparation you put into your interview, the more likely to are to shine bright and land the job.
PHR Staffing Solutions is proud to serve the greater Lakeland area with top quality recruiting and staffing services. Our offices in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Lake Wales ensure that applicants can always have access to the resources they need to be successful during the application, interview, and hiring process. From resume writing and pre-employment training opportunities to job fairs and continual employment opportunities, PHR Staffing Solutions is here for you Give us a call or apply for any current opening online!