From Unsuccessful Attempts to Unbelievable Success

No matter if you may be a recent college graduate just starting out or a spouse that has taken a few years off of work to focus on family, everyone must pass through the interview process more than once in their lifetime. Although we may bring a variety of strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments to the position that we are applying for, a good first impression will ultimately determine our status as a candidate to potential employers. Although this concept is heavily emphasized by potential recruiters and interviewers, candidates continue to make mistakes within the interview process that not only ruins their chances of making a good first impression, but ultimately takes away their opportunity of obtaining a rewarding career. Because of these common mistakes, the content of today's post will deal solely on how to properly conduct yourself through the entire interview process, as well as give you advice from a professional point of view on how you can give yourself a major advantage over your competitors.

1). Know your company

Although this is not initially part of the interview process, potential employers will be pleased to see your knowledge and understanding of the company and its functions in your interview. Therefore, it is important that you take notes on the history, mission statement, services, products, and accomplishments of the company in order to better project your interest in the position you are applying for. When you have knowledge of these specific aspects of the company, it is important to also see where your skills  pertain to the position and how your abilities will add something different than any other candidate applying for the job.

2). Knowing yourself

Think about your previous accomplishments you have made throughout your personal life, work life, and school life. Despite what you think might be minor, a potential employer may see this minor accomplishment as a huge step over all other candidates. Once you have an idea of your accomplishments, it is important to express how various accomplishments have taught you the necessary skills that will pertain to the working environment. These skills can include time-management skills, organizational skills, and team-building skills.

3). Coming prepared

Bring several copies of your resume to the interview. Make sure that all contact information on these resumes is easily understood and uses a professional email address. It is also important, if applicable, to bring a portfolio with a notepad in order to take notes during the interview and ask various questions. Although these are the most basic of elements to bring to an interview, nothing defines a candidate better than bringing a success booklet. A success booklet should contain copies of your diplomas, certificates, recognitions, and awards to fully represent your history and accomplishments. Regardless of how many accomplishments you have, the booklet should be no more than ten pages.

4). Listen carefully

Pay attention to everything that is being said! Based on the information referenced in hrpersonnelservices.com, it is important to apply the 50/50 rule, in which we do 50% of the talking, and 50% of listening. By being an active listener, you are able to ask better questions during the interview to gain a better understanding of the expectations of the position, as well as better represent your skills that are necessary for the job.

5). Following up

Always send a thank you letter at the end of your interview process. This letter should thank the interviewer about taking the time out of their day to interview you, as well as contain key points about possible expectations of the position. In order to keep within appropriate length, the document should be less than one page and should be mailed within twenty four hours.



So as you can see, it is easy for various candidates in the interview process to make a variety of unconscious mistakes due to the complexity of the interview process. I hope that after today's article, you will no longer miss out another opportunity for a career you are passionate about. If you have any further questions about interviewing or the process, feel free to visit www.hrpersonnelservices.com where the content of today's post has been referenced from. If you have any suggestions about anything I should add in the future, please feel free to comment in the box below!


  (photo courtesy of: www.collegegrad.com)

HR PersonnelServices. (n.d.). Job Interview Tips. Retrieved fromhttp://www.hrpersonnelservices.com/job-search-tips.html