Author: Charlotte
Weeks
It’s happened to all of us. You finally get an interview for the job you
want, you spend the drive over anticipating questions and rehearsing answers,
you give the interviewer your best handshake and then before you can answer the
second question, you get that feeling…you are not getting this job. Despite the
lengthy conversation ahead, most interviews either succeed or fail in the first
five minutes. Just like any other first meeting, first impressions are huge and
yours needs to be right. During a talent search, the hiring managers are
involved in a process a lot like speed dating. They advertize a need for someone
with specific characteristics and are then inundated with responses. Their goal
is to weed out as many people out as possible so they can narrow it down to a
few final candidates. Having your resume selected from the stack is a great
first step, but then you have to close the deal. How can you make sure you are a
success story? Keep the following in mind:
1) Show up 15 minutes early: if you’re much earlier than
that, you can appear desperate and make the interviewer uncomfortable. Later
than that, you’ll leave a bad impression and start the interview frazzled.
2) Dress appropriately: research the company culture. Your
best bet will be if you can talk to an employee who works there. Try the
assistant scheduling the interview or the receptionist. While you always need to
look professional by avoiding revealing or sloppy clothes, it’s also important
that you look like you belong. Your formal suit will stick out in a casual
office filled with jeans and khakis just as much as a t-shirt in a corporate
office.
3) Be polite to EVERYONE you meet: this includes security
guards, receptionists and the people you pass in the hall. Not only is it the
right thing to do, but everyone talks. Your interviewer will be aware if someone
is not impressed.
4) Follow directions: if you’ve been asked to bring your
resume, bring it. If you were told to fill out an application online, make sure
it’s been done. Pre-interview work is also a part of the interview and gives the
interviewer some insight into how you will complete tasks on the job.
5) Wow them by going above and beyond: people love seeing
their name in print and you will score major bonus points by bringing a resume
and cover letter packet addressed to the interviewer. Call ahead to find out who
you will be meeting with and make sure that you have one addressed o each person
in the interview. Your attention to detail will impress immediately and show
that you are excited about the opportunity.
These tips will let you put your best foot forward and differentiate your
self from the rest of the pack. Once you have their attention, make sure to be
friendly and positive regardless of how the interviewer behaves: you want them
to only be able to say good things about you. If you do realize in the interview
that they this company is not the right fit for you, don’t let it show. Even
interviews for the wrong jobs are a great opportunity to practice and build
relationships with people in your industry.
Job searches can be grueling and interviews can be nerve racking but a few
simple tricks will give you the confidence and skills to nail the interview in
the first five minutes giving you the floor to demonstrate your brilliance and
seal the deal.
Good luck and happy hunting.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/5-tips-to-nail-the-interview-in-the-first-5-minutes-1225195.html
About
the Author:
Charlotte Weeks is a Certified Career Management Coach and Certified
Professional Resume Writer. She specializes in helping mid to upper level
professionals get their dream jobs. For details and to get your FREE special
report “HOW TO ANSWER THE FIVE MOST DIFFICULT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS” visit www.weekscareerservices.com
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