Get Ahead in the Interview Game with These 10 Basic Requirements

Nancy Anderson
Posted by in Career Advice


Have you been going on interview after interview but not hearing anything back from the hiring managers? If this is you, maybe it’s time to take a step back and try something new, like going back to basics.  Here are some basic interview requirements to consider.

Have Copies of Your Resume on Hand

Don’t just assume that your interviewers will have copies of your resume. Some might, but others might have been introduced at the last minute, or didn’t have time to print a copy. Always be prepared by bringing one copy for everyone you’ll be meeting with, plus a few extra. Even if you end up not needing them, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Dress for Success

Remember the old adage, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have”?  This is especially true when going for a job interview.  For the men, wear a dark suit with a dress shirt and tie or for a more casual office, try just a dress shirt with tie and tailored slacks.  For the women, wear a dark pant suit with a blouse, or a nice top with dress slacks or a skirt.  Don’t forget about grooming, too, such as clean hair and nails. The little things do matter.

Be on Time

Being late is not the best first impression to make on the hiring manager.  At least one day prior to your next interview, go through a checklist and make sure you have everything together so that you don’t have to rush around finding things.  Also, look up the company address to figure out how long it should take you to get there.  Don’t be too early: 10-15 minutes prior to your interview time is early enough. Earlier than that could put stress on the interviewer.

Do Your Due Diligence

What do you know about the company?  Have you checked out their website?  Have you maybe looked for them on LinkedIn or other social media sites? What about those who work there already?  How do they feel about the company?  Based upon your research, do you feel that this company and its culture is right for you?  Why even bother going on an interview to a company that is of no real interest to you?

It’s Not All About You

Remember that this interview is a two-way street.  You are interviewing the company at the same time they are interviewing you.  Ask them questions that are thoughtful, rather than just generic questions you found online. This is your opportunity to feel out not only the position, but the company culture as well. But, don’t forget to sell yourself, too. Tell the interviewer why you are the right person for this position by explaining what you could deliver to the company that no one else can.

Talk About Yourself

This is your chance to tell the interviewer about those coveted achievements.  Yes, it is hard to brag about yourself and many job seekers have issues with this.  But this is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Be sure to include numbers in your explanations. For example, if you grew the sales for your department, include by what percentage. Saying “I grew sales in my department b y 37%” is a lot more powerful than just “I grew sales in my department.”

Hold on to Those References

Make sure that you have a list of those references before you go on the interview.  Also give your references a heads up that they might be contacted by the company, this way they will be prepared for the phone call after the interview.

You Need to be All There

We all know life can be rough at times.  But, when you walk in for that interview, you need to be present both in mind and body. Take a deep breath and let the stressful things go for now.  Be there for that interviewer.  Remember, the interviewer put in the time to get ready for you and is all there, so you should be too.

Make Sure You Know Your Resume Forwards and Backwards

Some job seekers hire a professional to write their resume and end up not knowing what’s in it.  Make sure that you have a copy of your resume as well as supporting documents right there in front of you.  This way you will be able to answer questions with confidence.

Handle Salary Discussions with Confidence

The interview is winding down and you have killed it - but now the interviewer is asking questions about salary. This is where things can get awkward, but they don’t have to if you prepare. Make sure to do a ton of research before going into the interview. Review not only what a good salary range is for the position, but also what a good range is for you personally. Be sure you come up with a range you can stick to, without stressing over finances. And, since you may have to be flexible, decide on a bottom-line number ahead of time, so you know when it’s time to walk away.

Interviews can be tough, nerve racking even.  So much to do to prepare and then so much to remember once you are in the hot seat.  But if you take just a little bit of time prior to the interview, you will breeze through it with flying colors and be ready to negotiate for the coveted position. 

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  • Edwin E.
    Edwin E.

    Very informative and thank you...

  • Kristen F.
    Kristen F.

    Awesome information

  • Anita s.
    Anita s.

    great information!

  • SHEILA A.
    SHEILA A.

    Yes, Great info

  • Christine A.
    Christine A.

    great advice

  • Jonathan Snyder
    Jonathan Snyder

    Thanks Dude

  • Bettye T.
    Bettye T.

    Thank you. Reminders can be great!

  • Christiane T.
    Christiane T.

    Thank you

  • HEMANTA S.
    HEMANTA S.

    THANKS

  • ALBERT F.
    ALBERT F.

    EXCELLENT ADVICE

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