Good day Candidate,
This is a lengthy e-mail, best read on a laptop or desktop computer, if possible.
I’m loading you up here with interview tips. I’ve been through thousands of interview situations with many employers and candidates, as I close in on 41 years in recruiting. I always feel that if there is one minor suggestion I can relay which helps a candidate get an offer on a job he/she would like, then I’m doing whatever I can in using my background and experience.
Interview Reminders/Suggestions
Much of what’s included here are simple reminders about interviewing. Don’t take offense, as some of this information is really basic, although there may be something here that jogs your memory about interviewing.
One thing going for you is that there is limited competition - numbers-wise - for this opportunity. We always screen very tightly, and only try to present candidates whom we feel can match closely enough with an employer’s position. But it’s always good of course to think of there being strong competition.
As far as interview tips and suggestions, some below will apply, some will not. Some are probably a little humorous and are things you would take for granted. Many of these tips are things you no doubt have heard and/or experienced directly in interviews you’ve been on.
If you have interest in pursuing this position, like most employers, OMG is a company which appreciates a thank you/follow up e-mail as soon as you are able to put a good one together, and it does not have to be anything lengthy. I cannot stress this point enough. Just use your best judgment and of course, check spelling and grammar. The Hiring Manger may view your follow-up as an indication of how you would get back to a customer after a meeting.
The Managers usually dressed in “business casual” and wear khaki pants and possibly a shirt with company logo, but as you would expect, you would dress professionally. A basic coat and tie, or blazer and conservative dress, is fine, and it doesn’t need to be anything real fancy or special.
I’ve started off below with a few basic suggestions for things to say in closing out the meeting with an employer. If you are generally comfortable in interviewing situations, it’s best to let your feelings come out as you naturally would, and my suggestions are just if you’d like some more ideas.
Remember that you will need to tailor your comments toward what fits the interview.
“Thank you for the time you have spent with me today.”
If you feel positive about your interviewing experience, and would like to proceed to the next step:
”I am very interested in this opportunity to work for your company. ”
”I am excited about this opportunity, and look forward to hearing from you.”
You may want to add:
”I am confident that I could fit in very well with your team.” or “I feel good about working together.”
Basically, if you have interest in pursuing this opportunity, make sure you have planted that impression deep in the employer’s mind.
Be a good listener throughout the interview process. Along with that idea: Keep good eye contact at all times. Be as clear as you can be in your responses, and make sure you are responding to the questions asked without going off too far on a tangent. Also, make sure that your non-verbal signs of communication indicate to the employer your degree of interest.
Be prepared to provide your strengths,
and weaknesses or areas you can improve upon. Be prepared to provide the accomplishments you feel best about thus far in your career, and in your personal life.
Remember to stay positive throughout the interview, and not be too critical of any employment you’ve had, including tough to deal with former bosses, working atmosphere and/or environment. The interviewers had of course nothing to do with your former employers and any issues with them, and they do not want to hire someone with a “chip on their shoulder” or who might bring a negative attitude to their company.
Always keep in mind that the employers today look for TEAM PLAYERS, and people who can Multi-Task, and who will go the extra mile to get the job done. It’s good to let the Interviewer know that you are the kind of person who puts in the time necessary on a regular basis to complete a job, or as is commonly stated, “to get the job done.”
Any last minute website searching about the employer– even a Facebook page - may give you some questions to ask, which would help show your interest.
Sometimes I hear a candidate say, “To be completely honest with you…….” Just remember that if you say something like that, it may tell the person that you aren’t being totally up front and honest about other information you are providing. So keep that in mind, and think of another way of presenting what you have to say. It may not hurt to use that phrase once; just be careful of making a habit of it in an interview.
As stated above, if you have interest in pursuing this opportunity, make sure you have left no doubt with the interviewer.
Reminder about sending a follow-up/thank you e-mail if you have interest in pursuing the position. I can assure you that this company values the follow-up very much.