This is a bit off the process topic but since there are a lot of people out there at the moment feeling the pain of the financial crisis I thought I would share some tips on how to nail that interview (or CRUSHIT as Gary Vaynerchuk would say). Here's how:
Quality Not quantity
12 months ago, if you were 80% right for a position you'd probably have a good chance of getting it. Now, with the glut of candidates on the market employers can be ultra picky about what they want and can hand pick candidates that are 99% right for the position. The lesson is, go for positions that are very closely aligned with your skills and experience rather than those that are a loose fit. Otherwise you are just wasting your time.
Change your price
The market is paying 10-20% less than it was 12 months ago so make sure that your price expectations are not unrealistic. There are many people living in denial that are still trying to get the same rate they got 12 months ago. Again, as employers can afford to be picky they won't even look at you if your price is too high. Work out what is the lowest price you can afford to comfortably live on and go for that. Just get yourself employed - and stay employed.
Look the part
When you are going for an interview make sure you look a million dollars. Your old suit with the giant lapels from 1977 won't cut the mustard. Guys - Go out and buy a classy suit, a hot tie and shirt with cufflinks. Take someone female with you (we men are useless with clothes, and if you don't agree you are probably gay). Spend some money on it. Your suit you wear to work eavery day isn't good enough. Get a haircut. Shave (if you are a man, of course!) Do not smell BAD. Smelling good is a bonus, but don't overdo it. Girls, you are usually good at this stuff but be careful with the amount of cleavage. Try not to look like a high class...I won't say it. Aim for classy. Buy Trinny & Susannah's The Rules or get more tips here.
Be prepared
Print out all the address details and contact numbers for the interview. Take 3 copies of your resume with you to the interview. If someone has been called in at the last minute and you can hand them a resume they will be most impressed. Also, take along any documentation that you can use as examples (be sure to blank out company specific information). Prepare a list of questions to ask at the interview and provide a copy to each of the interviewers when they ask the ubiquitous "do you have any questions?" question. They will love it. If you would like to see my question list e-mail me.
Before you go in
Drink an espresso coffee with sugar 30 minutes before you go to the interview. This will be just enough to get your brain fireing without making you look like a crack whore who's just had a hit. Make sure your resume, notes and examples are all in a neat folder. Turn up early, but not too early. 10 minutes early is acceptable, anything more you will appear to be a paranoid schizophrenic. If you are early just sit in the foyer, relax, check your outfit is presentable and for god's sake please go to the toilet. A fart in an interview? - let's not go there.
Don't look like a puddle of Jelly
When you meet your interviewers give them a firm handshake. Firm - not a fishy little girl's handshake and not a bone crushing "I've got a bigger penis than you" handshake. Something in between. Look them in the eye with your shoulders back. Be confident. Repeat to yourself "I ROCK!!!" When you go into the interview wait to be offerred a seat. If they don't offer you a seat, sit down when they do. At all times, sit forward, use eye contact with ALL the interviewers and show interest by nodding and responding (Yes, I see, etc). As hard as it may be, try to enjoy the interview. Look at it is a learning experience.
It's a 2 way street
Don't think of an interview as you trying to impress them. They also have to impress you. An interview should be a two way process where you assess them. Don't be afraid to ping questions at them during the interview. It shows alertness. And balls. Not many people have balls.
If it isn't right, say so
If you think the position isn't for you, kill the interview. It isn't fair to waste your time or theirs. Poilitely say that you don't think the position is a good match and that you don't want to waste their time. Keep the door open by saying that you appreciate their time and that you would be more than happy to work for them if a suitable position arises.
Don't be a stalker
After the interview, under no circumstances should you harass the interviewers with multiple phone calls and e-mails. It smacks of desperation and makes you look like you are psychologically imbalanced and needy. Wait for them to come back to you. Give them a week and follow up with a polite e-mail or phone call.
Remember that above all, if you get to an interview, you have every chance to get the job. Just don't blow it!
Good luck!
TPN
