Tips on how to be a rock star in an interview
After interviewing several managers of retail stores and supermarkets about their hiring experiences, many common themes emerged regarding the interview process. Several managers expressed disappointment in interviewing skills among candidates seeking entry-level positions. After gathering your concerns and compiling a list, I decided to share some tips on how to interview like a rock star and get the job. Here are some important tips to follow:
Research the company. Google the company and learn its history, how big it is, what products the company focuses on. If you know someone who works at the company, ask them. To be informed! Knowing the company will impress the interviewer because it shows that you took the time to do your homework.
External appearance. Make sure you dress professionally. A manager told me that he has seen interviewees wear shirts with holes, dirty clothing, and inappropriate revealing clothing. Noted for not wearing: sagging pants, T-shirts, jeans, shorts, revealing blouses or short skirts, flip flops or sports shoes. For the interview, make sure you are dressed in an outfit that your grandmother would like to see you, or you could wear to a very pretty wedding. You want to make a good first impression and the way you are dressed will make an impact in seconds.
Chewing gum or eating candy during the interview is not an option. First, this is rude. Second, eating interferes with conversation and is very distracting.
Keep the cell phone hidden and turn it off before the interview. Never look at your phone while in the interviewer’s presence. If you do, you are sending a non-verbal message that the phone is more important than the interview. Do not turn the phone back on until you are done with the interview and out of the interviewer’s sight. Hiring managers say interviewees have responded to text messages during the interview and find it disrespectful and unacceptable.
Shake the interviewer’s hand when you first meet them. A firm handshake and eye contact show a strong sense of trust. This is very important because hiring managers are looking to see how you perform.
Thanks – Always say thank you when the interview is over. Also, send a thank you message to the interview by email reaffirming your interest in the job.
Ask questions. If you’ve done your research, chances are you have questions. Ask for hours, days available to work and training.
Abstract – Bring a hard copy of your resume. Show that you are prepared. Offer the interviewer your copy. You want to be remembered and reminded that you were prepared.
Following these ROCK STAR tips will give you an edge over others who are unprepared. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so you want to impress the interviewer and offer you the job.