Interview Tips From an HR Manager's Perspective
Get the Job Offer by Doing All the Right Stuff in the Interview
Apr 28, 2009
Here are some lesser known tips for presenting a polished and professional demeanor to the interviewer for that great career opportunity.
Tone Down the Perfumes and Colognes for the Meeting
Having a strong odor as a distraction in the interview is not a good thing. No one wants to be remembered by how much they smelled up the office after an interview. Stick with soap or perhaps a scented moisturizer and avoid the added perfumes altogether.
Don’t be Too Friendly or Flirty with the Hiring Manager
Sending the wrong message by being too friendly in the interview may result in the job offer going to another less flirtatious candidate. Though sexual tension does exist at times in the interview, do not encourage this by touching the other person, other than a firm handshake, or by being overly gregarious. This is a business meeting first and foremost.
Go Easy on your Accessories and Jewelry in the Interview
Cover the tattoos, avoid jangling jewelry and long chandelier earrings. Men should stick with a watch and one ring and no other bling. Jewelry that is distracting in any way will minimize the seriousness of the interview setting and should be avoided.
Conservative Dress is Always In Good Taste for Any Business Meeting
The business suit has gone in and out of style in recent years. Today, the word is to dress up your very best to inch out more casual candidates. This means a business suit and tie for men, a suit or conservative dress or pantsuit for women, proper nude or black hosiery, dressy but conservative heels and a well brushed hair style that does not hang down into the eye area.
Have a List of Intelligent Questions Ready for the Interviewer
When the interviewer has finished with his questions, this is the time to take out a list of ten to twenty prepared questions that demonstrate some research and forethought to the interview process. Here is the opportunity to impress the hiring manager with some smart thoughts, observations and ideas. However, no more than thirty minutes of time should be allocated to this part of the interview, so as not to interfere with his schedule.
Good Manners is Common Courtesy in the Interview
Do not interrupt the other person, but say what needs to be said. Sometimes this is difficult, particularly when faced with an inexperienced interviewer who talks too much. Before leaving the interview, have a speech prepared on key points of qualifications and credentials that rolls off the lips easily.
Listen Carefully and Answer the Interviewer's Questions
Though this sounds obvious, people get nervous and off track very easily in the interview setting. Focus on the question, get clarification as needed and answer it completely. Ask a follow up question to ensure that his question was successfully addressed by the response.
Heed this advise for a successful interview, which is one critical step in the process of getting the job offer. Be confident, articulate and ready for any question.
 |
