The job-hunting arena is full of well-qualified and keen applicants.
Make sure you stand out from the pack with both your résumé and interview skills. Here are some tips to take your first impression to the next level:
DO SOME RESEARCH
Read up on the the background of the company and how it operates, focusing particularly on the department in which you want to work. Get informed about the responsibilities of the positions you are applying for and think about how your past experience would help you in this particular role.
DON’T MAKE THEM WAIT
No one likes to be kept waiting, so do everything you can to make sure you are not late for the interview. Account for possible traffic delays, parking issues, and anything else that could hold you up. If you get there early, use the opportunity to check out the lie of the land. Being late will do you no favours, personally, either as you will arrive flustered and may find it hard to get back on track.
DRESS ACCORDINGLY
First impressions do count. Dress neatly whether the desired role is within an office, on a construction site, or on a charter boat. A clean-cut appearance could make all the difference if it is between you and an equally as qualified and personable applicant. Just like going out to an event, if you don’t know the dress code, err on the side of smarter.
ARE YOU SOCIAL OR ANTISOCIAL?
Nowadays companies are extremely likely to check social media profiles of potential candidates to get a feel for who they are interviewing. Check your Facebook, Instagram, X and Threads accounts to make sure there aren’t any publicly viewable posts or pictures which paint you in a negative light.
DO NOT BRING DISTRACTIONS
Buzzing phones or smartwatches will both distract you and annoy your interviewer. Your focus needs to be completely on listening to questions and being able to respond with relevant answers. So, turn your phone on silent (or off), and turn your smart watch notifications off for the interview.
CONFIDENCE IS KEY
Absolutely highlight all of your strengths and what you can bring to the job that you feel will benefit the business. Look interviewers in the eye and speak clearly. You are there to sell yourself.
PROMOTE YOUR WORK
Bring along any physical representation of your skills that you can to impress them. Visuals are always an excellent way to support the experience you’ve listed on your résumé. For example, graphic designers could show layouts, logos and campaigns they’ve created in printed or digital format, and writers could bring some articles as examples. Even if interviewers don’t have time to peruse during the interview, you can leave these with them to look at afterwards.
LASTING IMPRESSION
Be sure to send a follow-up thank you email after your interview. This shows good manners and reinforces your interest in the job. You can also use this opportunity to make it clear you are available for any follow-up questions and can send along any digital examples of your work.
This article appears in the 2024 Compass Media Careers Guide.
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