Searching for a job can be time consuming: identifying a position, tailoring your resume/cover letter and ultimately applying for the job. Now begins the waiting game. How do you increase the chances you will be called in for an interview? What's the best way to prepare? In this installment of SAVED BY THE BELL, we'll take a look at some of the do's and don'ts before, during and after your job interview. I was a hiring manager for more than 10 years and have seen applicants make big mistakes that cost them the job. SAVED BY THE BELL has 50 tips to help you through the interview process. (Names have been changed to protect the offenders!)
2015 HIRING OUTLOOK:
The outlook for hiring is improving, so acing that job interview is more important than ever! CareerBuilder's annual job forecast says more than one-third of employers expect to add full-time permanent employees this year. That's the best outlook from the survey since 2006! There's potentially more money up for grabs. 64% of employers plan to offer higher starting salaries for new employees - up from 49% last year. 45% percent of employers also expect to raise the minimum wage within their organizations in 2015.
1) WORK TO DO:
You applied to a
number of open positions and haven't been called in for an interview? Your efforts to land the job should not end after clicking "send" on the application. There's still work to do! Do you have contacts at the company? If so, let them know about your interest in the position. Find out if they can help you in any way. If you did your homework, you should have the hiring manager's contact info. If you do, reach out to him/her via email. Introduce yourself and indicate the job you are inquiring about. Highlight your experience and request a time to discuss your candidacy with him/her.
2) LAND OF CONFUSION:
Have you applied to numerous positions at the same company? A word of caution! Resumes are often filtered
through the same human resources representative. This means - even though you
are applying for different jobs, the same person may be looking at your
application over and over again. I once received an application from a man we will
call "Desperate Donnie." When I looked at Donnie's name in the
hiring system, I could see that he applied for more than 30 positions
at my company - all within two years! The numerous applications made him
look desperate and unfocused. Would you hire him?
3) PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT:
Practice a mock job
interview with a friend. Have him/her ask you questions without reviewing them beforehand. Your reaction needs to be natural, just like it would in a job interview. However, if there are specific questions you feel you may have trouble answering, have him/her ask you those. Your friend should evaluate your responses and body language. Ask him/her
to record you, so you can view yourself later.
4) IT'S A SMALL WORLD:
In certain industries, it's not uncommon to have worked with
or know practically everyone in the industry. Therefore, a good reputation is essential. Always be professional. Work hard and make sure you have a
good attitude. Chances are the hiring manager will ask colleagues if they have
an opinion of you or your work before asking you in for an interview.
5) HIT ME ON TWITTER:
There's no denying we
live in a social media world. Many hiring managers research applicants
online and view their social media accounts before choosing to bring them in for an interview. A
2014 CareerBuilder survey found that 51% of employers who research
job candidates on social media said they’ve found content that caused them to
not hire the candidate. That's up from 43% in 2013. Be careful what you post on your social media accounts! It could come back to haunt you.
6) I WANT YOU:
An updated social media profile is essential. It may help you land a job interview. Companies are increasingly using social media sites to recruit new employees. In fact, I've been contacted several times by recruiters through LinkedIn, even though I was not actively looking for a job. Make sure you have a robust profile: enter all applicable information on your work and educational history; upload examples of your work and ask colleagues to write recommendations or endorse your skills.
7) DON'T YOU WANT ME BABY?
I usually take about
30 seconds or less to look at a resume. That's all the time I need to determine if the applicant might be the right fit for the job. Some hiring managers take even less time to look at resumes. So how do you stand out? If you're a nurse, don't describe your day-to-day duties at your job; that's boring and unnecessary. I know what a nurse does. Prove your value to me. Emphasize your accomplishments. Quantify and measure your contributions. What sets you apart from other applicants?
8) BLACK AND WHITE:
Your resume should be two pages max - no wacky colors or weird paper. "Unique Ursula" sent me a resume that was printed on parchment paper. It was interesting to look at, but totally unnecessary. If you have an interview scheduled, don't forget to bring an updated copy of your resume. This is especially important if there are changes on your resume since you submitted the job application.
9) NO GIMMICKS:
Are you trying to separate yourself from the competition? No gimmicks please! CareerBuilder highlighted extreme steps some people took to get an interview. One job seeker visited the company every day for several weeks, each time asking to speak to a different company representative. She sat in the reception area for hours, waiting for that person. It came across as creepy and no one ended up meeting with her. Then there was the man who delivered his resume to a construction company in a gorilla costume and balloons! Gorilla Man sang about the qualifications he believed made him perfect for the job. The company's CEO was not amused - he promptly escorted Gorilla Man from the building.
10) LYING EYES:
Don't lie on your resume - it can come back to bite you in the you-know-what. I received a resume from "Lying Leon" touting his experience writing business news content. He should have thought twice before sending me his resume. My company had a business relationship with the television station he worked for, so I knew first hand that he didn't have the "experience" he claimed to have. Needless to say, Larry wasn't called in for an interview. There shouldn't be anything on your resume that's not true or that you can't speak on confidently.
11) MAKING CONNECTIONS:
Congratulations! You have a job interview coming up. Use your connections within the company before and after the interview. See if your contacts are willing to put in a good word for you. Ask them for any insight into the company or the job opening.
12) ALRIGHT WITH ME:
The interviewer may ask you for references. Speak the individuals you have selected for references before the interview date. Let them know you have an interview scheduled. This is especially important if you haven't spoken to them in a while. If your references are caught off guard and are not prepared, they may not be ready to present you in the best way to your potential employer.
13) I'M DIFFERENT:
Before the interview, take an inventory of your experience, skills and accomplishments. You will need to highlight them for your interview. Review the job requirements in and make note of all of your positive attributes. Be ready to sell yourself at the interview!
14) DRESSED TO KILL:
If you know me, you know I'm old school. I prefer men and women to dress up for interviews in suits. While a suit is not a requirement - my advice would be to dress appropriately. Research the company to find out what would be suitable to wear. I don't care how rainy, cold or hot it is outside - when in doubt, it's better to show up dressed up rather than underdressed. "Inappropriate Isabelle" came to an interview dressed way too casual. She wore a tank top that showed too much cleavage and a skirt that was much too short. Your clothes can influence your chances of landing a job, so take it seriously!
15) SUIT & TIE:
While I prefer men to wear suits, make sure it fits you properly! "Slimmed-Down Simon" came to the interview with a suit he used to wear before he lost a lot of weight. He began the interview apologizing for the ill-fitting suit and explaining how he lost 50 pounds. He could have easily worn a nice pair of slacks and a shirt for the interview, instead of the ill-fitting suit. If you are job hunting, make sure your attire is presentable. Not only should the clothing fit you, it should be cleaned and pressed.
16) I'M READY:
Ask the person arranging the interview if there is
anything specific you need to bring. Do you have a copy of your work as
requested? Are you ready for the competency test? You should
always bring at least five extra copies of your resume, just in case. Don't forget a small
notepad and at least two pens (in case one dies) to write notes. I don't mind
if an applicant takes notes during the interview, but let's not go overboard.
"Studious Sally" was so engrossed in taking notes; she barely
looked up at me during our discussion.
17) EAT IT:
Eat before your
interview. Throughout my meeting with "Hungry Harry," I could hear
his stomach growling. It was very distracting. If you're nervous, eat
something light before the interview. But make sure you eat something.
18) TAKE IT EASY:
Don't go heavy on the
cologne or perfume. In fact, it's best if you don't wear any. You don't want to
overwhelm your interviewer. "Perfume Patricia" came to the
interview wearing a lovely scent. While I didn't mind, another hiring manager
may not feel the same.
19) GETTING TO THE CHURCH ON TIME:
I hate it when people are late. If you're late for an interview, you start out on the wrong foot and it's very tough to recover. If your interview is taking place in neighborhood you aren't familiar with, travel to the area ahead of time to make sure you know where it is. If you're early on the day of the interview, go to a local coffee shop, a park or a department store to burn some time. Don't arrive early to your interview! Try telling that to "Early Enid." She arrived for her meeting with me about an hour before the scheduled time. Your interviewer has a specific time set aside to speak to you. Don't inconvenience them by arriving extra early. You should check in no more than 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time.
20) MR. TELEPHONE MAN:
Turn off your phone before you head into the interview. Completely off! Not just on vibrate, because I can hear that too. "Phone Call Patrick" received a call during our interview. He apologized for not turning off his phone. I would have overlooked the situation, except he started checking emails after he grabbed his phone. Are you for real Patrick?
21) CHECK YO SELF:
Right before you meet the hiring manager for the interview,
make sure you are presentable. Go to the bathroom and look at yourself in
the mirror. Fix your hair and clothing. Men: fix your ties. Ladies: touch up your makeup. Everyone - don't forget to pop a breath
mint. "Bad Breath Bobby" forgot to freshen his breath before we met. He left an impression - but not the impression I'm sure he wanted to leave.
22) NEVER AS GOOD AS THE FIRST TIME:
Some employers know within the first five minutes of an interview whether a candidate is a good or bad fit for the position. So it's important you make a good first impression. Smile when you greet the interviewer. Thank him/her for taking the time to meet with you. Shake his/her hand. Speaking of handshakes...
23) SHAKIN' HANDS:
Learn the art of the handshake! Don't shake hands with the tips of your fingers as the interviewer has cooties. A limp handshake also leaves a lot to be desired. A firm handshake is the way to go - but don't shake hands too strongly. "Overzealous Oscar" shook my hand so hard; it was sore for the whole interview. My hand is hurting right now just thinking about it!
24) GET UP, STAND UP:
Take your cues from the interviewer. Make sure you are listening to him/her for direction on where to go for the interview. Wait to sit down until you are offered
a seat. Don't sit down on your own.
25) PLEASE BABY PLEASE:
No matter how much you
need a job, don't appear desperate. "Pleading Paul" spent most of the
interview telling me about his financial problems and how much he needed the
job. This made me feel very uncomfortable and did not leave a good impression.
26) TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN:
While you may be
anxious to find how much the job pays, NEVER bring it up in the interview.
One of the first questions "Debbie Dollars" asked me was how much
I was going to pay her, as if she had already secured the job. If the interviewer
brings it up, that's a different story. Compensation discussions will typically
occur when you are presented with an offer. Wow them with your experience and
interviewing skills and hopefully you will get to that point. Are you are
concerned about focusing your attention on a job that doesn't meet your pay
expectations? Glassdoor.com is a possible resource. You can research some jobs at companies and find out the average pay before you apply.
27) DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY:
Be positive and
upbeat throughout your interview. It's absolutely important that you smile! "Monotone
Michael" did not smile at all during our interview. In fact, he didn't display any emotion at all! He also spoke in a monotone voice, which didn't help things. I'm ready to take a nap right now just thinking about him.
28) EYE TO EYE:
Look your interviewer in the eye when speaking to him/her and focus on every word. "Distracted Donnie" had a problem focusing on me during our interview. He kept looking outside the conference room at the people walking by. Are you being interviewed by more than one person? Make sure you respond to questions by alternating eye contact between the people interviewing you. It's important you keep them both engaged in the conversation.
29) BODY TALK:
Body language is just as important as verbal language. Don't speak with your arms crossed, as it may convey a lack of openness and honesty. If
you talk with your hands, be conscious of your movements - it could be distracting. When the interviewer is speaking, lean in and express interest at what he/she is saying. Keep what I call, a soft smile on your face at all times. Nod your head in approval when you hear something you agree with or to indicate that you understand.
30) MAN IN THE MIRROR:
Mirroring is a technique some people use during interviews. Within the first few minutes, observe the interviewer's body language such as their facial expressions and tone and apply it to your own. Review their body posture and make adjustments to yours to match. The idea is that the hiring manager will like you because you are similar to them. Be careful though! You don't want it to seem as if you are mimicking the interviewer; or he/she would be offended. Your mirroring must be very subtle.
31) IT'S SO HARD TO SAY
GOODBYE TO YESTERDAY:
"Tell me about
yourself?" Has an interviewer ever asked you this question?
"Talkative Tammy" didn't research the best way to respond. She began her answer with where she grew up as a child, where she went to elementary school, where she went to high school and so on.
As you can imagine, it took her a long time to get to the present. Some candidates have a tough time figuring out how to answer this question. Here are some tips: highlight your most important accomplishments and how you can contribute to the company. Focus on the requirements of the position and how that relates to your background. Your most recent job is the best place to start. And keep it brief! You shouldn't recap every single detail of your resume and please don't start from the beginning of your life. We don't want you rambling on like Tammy.
32) DAYDREAM BELIEVER:
Everyone has goals. The hiring manager may ask you to share them with him/her. Before you share your lifelong dream of opening your own business, make sure it doesn't conflict with the job you are interviewing for. Would you hire someone that plans to leave in a few years? This could be a red flag to the employer.
33) ARROGANCE:
Surely you think you're the best person for the job, right? But make sure you don't come across as arrogant. A 2014 CareerBuilder survey said appearing arrogant was one of most common mistakes candidates made in interviews. If you are interviewing with other companies, don't brag about. If you think it will make you appear desirable, think again. It will immediately make them less interested in you.
34) TALK TO ME:
I've had my fair share of applicants who would not stop talking during the interview, but "Shy Sam" was the complete opposite. Sam gave
very short answers. I had to prod him to get any details. Eventually he told me why he thought he would be a good choice for the position, but by that time I was exhausted. You may also encounter a hiring manager who is not talkative. He/she may only ask questions that require yes or no answers. If he/she does, you should make up for their shortcomings by elaborating on the answer.
35) NOBODY'S PERFECT:
You may be asked about a challenging event in your life
or one of your negative attributes. You should be ready for this question. "I can't think of any" or "I don't have any weaknesses" are the worst responses you can give! Discuss with the interviewer ways you have improved or overcome a negative quality or a weakness. Don't pick a weakness that is a requirement of the job! That will hurt your chances of being hired. Make sure you keep your answers short!
36) QUESTION OF U:
A job interview is a two-way street. Not only are you interviewing for the position, but you should be "interviewing" the company as well. Is this job a perfect fit for you? Is this a place where you want to work? Near the tail end of the interview, the hiring manager may ask you if you have any questions. Have a few ready before the meeting. Some examples: "How would you describe the culture of the company?"
or "What are the qualities you are looking for in a candidate?" As the interviewer is responding to your question, you should listen closely to what he/she says and start crafting a follow up to his/her response. The idea is to piggyback off of his/her response and emphasize why you would be a perfect choice for the position. Make sure you ask some questions! If you don't, the hiring manager may think you are not interested in the company or the job.
37) GETTING TO KNOW YOU:
I can't stress this
enough - research the company you are interviewing with. My first year of college, I applied for an internship at
Conde Nast. I was so excited when they called me in for an interview! My big mistake? I didn't fully
research Conde Nast. I was interested in working at one of their fashion
magazines, specifically Vogue. The interviewer picked up on that. She
asked me: "What do you think about Bon
Appetit?" I was stumped. I knew a lot about Vogue, but not Conde Nast's non-fashion magazines. I wasn't adequately prepared and it cost me the internship.
38) TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT:
Just because you're thinking it, it doesn't mean you should say it. Why did you apply for the job? While
you may have many reasons, you should have strong responses
ready for the interviewer. Is it the reputation of the company? The diversity
of its staff? I asked "Wrong Answer Wendy" why she wanted to work for my company. I also asked her why she applied for the job. Wendy's response was
priceless. "I want to work here because it's convenient. I live a few blocks away, so it's close by." That's all she had to say. This
is an important question you should be prepared for.
39) EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE:
Do you know the name of your interviewer? If so, many experts advise applicants to research the person online and bring up details in the interview. I advise you to only bring up
specifics if it relates to your discussion. "Creepy
Carl" randomly brought up details about my professional background many
times during the interview. I found it odd, because it had nothing to do with what we were discussing. I think he was trying to impress me with how much he knew
about my work history. Instead
of impressing me, it creeped me out.
40) MY LIPS ARE SEALED:
When asked about a
previous job, focus on the positive. Was your boss a control freak? Were you
fired unfairly? Don't use the interview as an opportunity to berate your
previous employer. "Negative Norman" spent the better part of the interview
saying how horrible his boss was. He also brought up two people who worked at my company and proceeded to talk badly
about them. Norman's negative attitude sealed his fate.
41) FOCUS:
Focus
on the interview and don't get distracted by your surroundings! Not only will you be
judged by what you say, but what you do. "Freebie Freeda" marveled at all of the snacks in my company's food
court. "Is this all free?" she asked. I told her yes. She began putting some snacks in her bag and then started gushing over the peanut butter maker. "I love organic peanut butter!" she said as she herself meal of peanut butter with crackers. Freeda - the snacks
are free, but it's not a free for all!
42) THE RIGHT STUFF:
"Qualified Quincy" made all the right moves in his interview. He was friendly and personable. Quincy emphasized his qualifications and how he would perform in the role. He asked thoughtful questions about the company and the position. He had a bubbly personality and smiled throughout the interview. I knew within a few minutes that I wanted to hire him. Your goal is to make a good impression just like Quincy!
43) CALL ME:
Many companies schedule preliminary phone interviews before meeting in person. Companies use this tactic to weed out bad applicants. Prepare for the phone interview the same way you would prepare for one face-to-face. Make sure you are in a quiet room. If it's a video interview, present yourself as you would in person. And most importantly: speak clearly and don't interrupt the interviewer. "
Rude Rhonda" constantly interrupted me throughout our discussion on the phone. Needless to say, I did not ask her to come in for an in-person interview.
44) SOMEBODY'S WATCHING ME:
If you think the interview
is over after you step out of the conference room, think again! You are being evaluated from the moment you
step into the building until the moment you leave. After our interview, I sent "Distracted Diana" to take
a writing test.
Diana has been in the news business for many years and knew a lot of people at
my company. Every time Diana would see someone she knew; she would stop taking
the writing test to say hello. Was that the reason she didn't finish the writing test in time? I don't know. But Diana was so focused on reconnecting with colleagues, that she left a bad impression.
45) BEAT IT:
Know when it's time to
go. If your interviewer is indicating the interview is over, be prepared
for your exit. While you should ask questions, let's not go overboard! "Chatty Cathy" would not stop talking
during the interview. The questions were coming a mile a minute and I could
barely get a word in edgewise. Even when I thanked her for her time - she was talking. Even when I told her the
interview was over - she was still talking. Even when I stood up to escort her
out - she was still talking. Even when I shook her hand goodbye - she was still
talking. I was so exhausted after interviewing her.
46) WHO ARE YOU?
At the end of the
interview ask for business cards from everyone who interviewed you. If they don't have business cards with them, ask for their name, title, email address and phone number. Confirm the spelling of their name and write all of the information in your notebook.
47) I WANT TO THANK YOU:
Send a thank you
letter to everyone who interviewed you. Don't wait any longer than 24 hours. An email is fine, but a handwritten note is a nice touch - who writes letters anymore? Thank the interviewer for his/her time and express your continued
interest in the job. Briefly highlight your experience and skills. Keep
it short.
48) DO IT OVER:
Did you flub an answer
to a question during the interview? While the interviewer may have already made up
his/her mind about your candidacy, all is not lost. Follow up with the
interviewer via email or a phone call. Thank them for the interview and clarify
your position on the question you flubbed.
49) DON'T LOSE MY NUMBER:
Don't expect to hear
something about your candidacy right away. After the interview, hiring managers
may still be looking at resumes and interviewing other applicants.
He/she may also be reviewing the budget for the position - something which takes
some time. Periodically reach out to the hiring manager via phone or
email, expressing your continued interest in the role and hang tight.
50) ALMOST
DOESN'T COUNT:
You reached out to the
hiring manager after the interview and still no word about the job? If some
time has passed, it's ok to reach out again to him/her. Unfortunately, it's possible that the position has been filled. Some companies do a good job of letting applicants know when someone has been hired for the position. Some don't. Don't obsess over this job. Keep your options open and explore other opportunities.
SIMPLY THE BEST!
You aced the job interview and finally got the phone call you were waiting for. You just received a job offer! Congratulations! You can thank SAVED BY THE BELL for getting you to this point. In a future installment of SAVED BY THE BELL, we'll take a look at the right things to do after you get a job offer. But for now, celebrate your accomplishment!
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