Author: KORIE CANTOR
Your qualifications and work experience will undoubtedly help you ace an interview. However, recruiters aren’t looking out for candidates that only meet the basic requirements; if you want to seal the deal, there are plenty of other boxes you need to tick as well!
If you have been wondering why your seemingly great interviews didn’t end with you being selected for the jobs you applied for, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few things apart from your resume that interviewers take note of.
Or lack of it! Arriving late when you’re trying to make a good first impression can be disastrous, so reach the venue on time. If the venue is someplace you’ve never been to before, drive down there a day or so in advance so you don’t waste time looking for it on the day of the interview.
Being sure of the venue will also help you gauge the amount of time it takes to get there and plan an alternate route. Give yourself some buffer time so that you have no reason to panic- aim to reach the venue at least ten minutes early. Don’t be too early or you’ll make the interviewer feel rushed.
If you do get late, call in advance to give the interviewer a heads up. If you’re going to get late by more than an hour, ask the interviewer if it’s fine or offer to reschedule the interview. Don’t forget to apologize for being late!
What you wear matters immensely when you’re trying to make a good first impression on someone. And when it comes to dressing up for an interview, wearing the right clothes can mean half the battle won!
Firstly, find out if the company you’re interviewing with has a dress code to follow. If so, dress accordingly for the interview. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to wear a suit unless you’re interviewing for a top managerial position.
If there’s no dress code or if the company allows employees to come in casual wear, don’t assume that shorts and flip-flops are permissible! Opt for business casuals and you’ll be fine.
Most importantly, ensure that all your clothes fit you well. Clothes- especially suits for men and women- that fit perfectly can be tough to find when you’re buying off the rack. Get clothes tailored or altered as per your preference to help you look sharp.
Additionally, check all your clothes and make sure that there are no missing buttons and loose threads. Also check clothes for stains and launder and iron as required.
Wearing well-fitting and stain-free clothes alone won’t do the trick; you’ll also have to be well-groomed to make your mark! Here are a few tips to help:
Being in a positive frame of mind can help you when you’re appearing for an interview. On the other hand, being bitter about your previous employer or not being enthusiastic about the company you’re interviewing with can be deal breakers. All the same, being overly optimistic or faking interest in the company can affect your score negatively, so be genuine!
Respect the interviewer’s time and refrain from answering calls during the interview. Turn your mobile phone off before the interview begins to be on the safe side. In case you forget and the phone rings during the interview, turn it off and apologize to the interviewer.
Remember to be on your best behavior with not just the interviewer but everyone you encounter at the company.
Being prepared for an interview will help you feel confident and will also earn you brownie points from the interviewer. Practice answering commonly asked interview questions so you’re not fumbling for words during the interview. If you’re not sure of your answers, use the Internet to frame better replies.
Go through the company website and research all that you can. Being aware of the company’s vision and values will show that you’ve done your homework!
Having the perfect resume isn’t the only thing important when you’re keen on cracking an interview. With the information provided here, you now know that acing an interview has much more to it. So get started on improving yourself and you’re sure to sail through your future interviews!
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