On the heels of our last blog topic dealing with the importance of the resume, I feel that it is now important to address the topic of the ever present, nerve-creating interview.
The interview is the climax, the turning point, the pivotal moment of the plot line that is the quest for your perfect job. Relax in knowing that you have done all of your prep work, because if you hadn't you wouldn't have been asked to come in. With there being an influx of applicants, most employers have taken to screening resumes first, as to not waste their valuable time with mediocre potentials. Knowing this can give you peace; you can be secure in the fact that they already think you are good.
Even so, interviews can be nerve rattling. With our economy where it is, there is quite a lot riding on your employment status. However, letting that get to you is the first mistake. Employers are aware that you are unemployed and are in need of income, you don't need to express desperation. You also shouldn't go to the other extreme and fain indifference. Rather exude excitement for a new place, a new opportunity, and a new beginning.
Something to focus on in the interview: the interview is really not about you. It is in fact what you can do for the company, not what they can do for you. You need to make yourself invaluable, and demonstrate in a confident and professional matter that they need you, not that you need them. The interviewer is aware that you need them, or you wouldn't have submitted your resume. The reason they want to see you is to hear if they can get their money's worth out of you: If you are the one diamond in the ruff that they cannot live without.
Here are some shocking statistics for you. 2% of Chief Financial Officers polled said that candidates are most likely to make mistakes in the interviewing process as apposed to any other facet of the application stages. To avoid these mistakes, you must remember that they want you to be what they are looking for; it will make their work load that much lighter if they can fill an open position. More work can get done, and more revenue can be brought in. It is in their best interest to like you. Do not let your biggest mistakes be in the interview room and not after you have already landed the job.
After you have left the interview, whether you think it went well or not, always follow up with a thank you card. It speaks volumes to your character if you can take the time to thank someone else for simply taking moments from their day to meet with you. Another statistic states that other job application areas in which people make mistakes include: Reference checks (10%), Interview Follow-up (9%), and Cover Letters (8%).
Always remember, the job market needs you just as much as you need it! Lori Lane Personnel Services, Inc is always delighted to help you in any manner that we can, and we look forward to doing business with you!
