The current economy is causing many people to brush up on their job interview skills. As you know, in a competitive marketplace, you're lucky to even land an interview. If you do, you certainly want to make a strong, positive impression. Here are five interview tips from my appearance on WKYC's Good Company (watch video).
1. Be consistent. Know how you want to come across and communicate that message consistently in every aspect of your communication. Consider your online social networking, how you answer the phone, voice mail message, ring tone, email signature, and of course how you communicate in person. You are always "on." Your job may not come from the interview, but from someone who you meet socially. Project a professional image in all circumstances.
2. Develop a five-point agenda. Based on the needs of the position, develop five strong talking points that you can support with specific examples that clearly illustrate why you are a good match. If you're going for a sales position, scan your personal history for examples of working with tough customers or winning over big sales. Supporting your strengths with a story makes you memorable and demonstrates proof of your skills.
3. Tell your story in 60-seconds or less. Be able to tell the above agenda points briefly! Attention-span is short and you must be compelling. Practice delivering your stories out loud. The last thing you want to do is ramble.
4. Focus on benefits. How will you benefit this company? People often make the mistake of saying why the job would be good for them, not the other way around. If you can't say how you could benefit the company or organization, don't bother interviewing.
5. Send a handwritten thank you note. Want to really stand out? Send an "old-fashioned" handwritten thank you note to the interviewer and the receptionist. Offer specific details from the conversation and recap. Why the receptionist? Because that person's opinion of you matters a great deal. If you were rude or unprofessional with him or her, then turned it on with the interviewer, the receptionist will often share this observation. Of course, check the spelling of names. One misspelling can ruin the whole effect!
Find more tips in my booklet, Positive First Impressions: 83 Ways to Establish Confidence, Competence, and Trust.
