The night before the interview you should think about their one-year and five-year goals. This plan should be written out in point form. Write out your goals and how they plan on achieving them. This plan should also include the performance of both candidate and company and how they must work together to achieve great success for both parties. The candidate should familiarize themselves with the target company. This process will help with developing questions for the upcoming interview. Compile five - seven questions. These questions should be conversation starters between the interviewer and the candidate.
Plan out your dress the night before. Make sure that the clothing is laundered and scent free. Scent-free is a must in today’s workplace. A large number of organizations today partake in a “no scent” policy due to severe allergies. Wearing clothes that have been sprayed with scent but not laundered yet is a common mistake. Hair should be washed and combed. A neat appearance is necessary to impress the interviewer. If it is not a specified dress code choose a suit. A suit implies responsibility and interest in impressing the interviewer.
Familiarize yourself with the interview area prior to the day. It is important to show up to the interview 15 minutes early. Knowing the area will prevent getting lost. It is important that the candidate has with them when they leave for the interview, the company location information and who they should be meeting once they are there.
When sitting with the interviewer(s) make sure to keep eye contact. Though this is important the candidate should make sure they are not staring or glaring, this action can make the interviewer(s) uncomfortable. When the interviewer speaks make sure to listen to the questions carefully and fully before answering. The candidate should always ask to clarify a statement if they do not understand. This will show confidence and interest in what the interviewer(s) and what they have to say. The candidate should ask their questions through out the interview as opposed to the end of the interview. This action will encourage conversation and connection between the candidate and potential employer(s).
When the interviewer(s) closes the meeting, remember to thank them for their time. Shake their hand, smile and eye contact again is crucial.
Send a thank you email or note the following day. The note should thank them for their time and for considering the candidate for the opportunity.
ASR consultants are always happy to provide guidance and advice on the interview process.