I have written several blog posts, and have an entire section in my new book, based on the popular premise that “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Every person you meet may prove to be an important connection in advancing your career. Always be ready!
There is one important professional instance in which first impressions are crucial and for which you have time to prepare–the job interview. Your resume and references have proven to be enough to get you in the door, and now it’s time to seal the deal.
On the great blog Secrets of the Job Hunt, contributor Ramon Greenwood recently shared fourteen mistakes that job candidates can make when sitting down in front of their potential employers for an interview. All of the points are important, but here are three that really stood out to me along with my thoughts on each one:
1. Fail to gather information about the employer. Why is a business going to hire you if you have not shown an interest in what they do? You need to be educated about the place you hope to work and be prepared to ask intelligent questions. You need to be able to articulate your ROI in the employers terms, the same way you will once you are hired and are planning for your raise at the end of each year.
2. Bad mouth your former employer. Maybe your previous job situation was horrible. But, it does no good to focus on the negative. The people interviewing you will be left to wonder if maybe you were the poison in the office.
3. Fail to express appreciation for the opportunity. You need to thank everyone in the office, including the receptionist who offered you a glass of water while you waited. People talk and will compare their experiences with you. Be gracious from the moment you enter the building.
All of you have been interviewed for a job and many of you have been the one leading the interview. What advice would you offer? Serious or silly … we want to read them!
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I have to say as usual the timing of your blog is just what I needed. It is so wonderful! Thanks!
I’d add to this, not listening and trying to understand the intent of the question you are asked. Or taking the interview off onto a tangent of your own. People under pressure do tend to forget that a good interview is like a good conversation.
Hi Karalyn – I apologize for missing your comment earlier! It’s a great point that people must remember to control their nerves which often cause them to do unanticipated negative things. Best wishes and thanks for adding your insights! -Joe
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