Job interview tips are usually described by bullet points such as “be on-time”, “dress for the position”, and so on. What often times is lacking is the point of view from the hiring manager.

Having been in management for years in various industries, I thought I would attempt to highlight a couple job interview tips the hiring manager is looking for, as well as what you should stay away from during your next interview.

Beware, some of the job interview tips may sound unorthodox if you have never acted as a hiring manager.

What does it mean to get a job interview?

Often times I have been witness to individuals coming to the interview with an attitude of selling one self, and I guess this can be blamed on the numerous articles out there that preach this. DO NOT COME TO AN INTERVIEW SOUNDING LIKE A SALESMAN! Let me explain this job interview tip.

The time to sell yourself is through your cover letter, resume, and any other correspondence such as Email. If I have set up a job interview with you, it is because you have already demonstrated your qualifications match my needs. It is far more important for you to concentrate on building rapport, and demonstrating a genuine interest in the companies history, present, and how you fit in with its future.

Job Interview Tip: If I am sitting across from you in a job interview, I am actually looking for reasons to DISQUALIFY you, NOT the other way around.

What you need to know about rapport.

What exactly do I mean by building rapport? Simple, people naturally, and subconsciously, gravitate towards others they get along with. This is probably the most important misconception about business being taught by non-business people.

Job interview tips: If I get along with you, you will stand out among the other candidates, this is human nature, pure and simple. If you fail to build common ground during the interview, it becomes a much more difficult task for the hiring manager to convince themselves that you are the “right stuff”.

Preparing for the Interview.

There are actually two areas to focus on for the job interview. One being able to articulate your expertise and how you see yourself contributing to the companies goals and mission statement. The other, making sure you do not commit any subconscious faux pas, or missteps.

Communicating your case - The terminology used in your field, bringing to the forefront details of your experience, how you contributed to your previous employers and how you feel you will contribute now is paramount. This should be presented in a natural, conversational way. Do not just regurgitate what is listed on your resume. Remember rapport from earlier?

Job interview tips: A couple of the most basic questions you are sure to encounter is, “why do you want to work with…”, or “why should we hire you?” If you have done your homework, the answers to these and other related questions will be easily answered in your own words. If on the other hand you have not prepared yourself with understanding the company, you will sound unnatural, rehearsed, and tense.

Five job interview tips to consider:

1. Research the companies history, present, and future goals.
2. Determine how your skill set will benefit the companies mission statement.
3. Find out as much as you can about the hiring manager.
4. Be able to articulate why you are interested in working with the company. This could be you are attracted to their professional environment, their practiced business ethics, or that they are at the forefront of their chosen field. There really is no right or wrong answer, as long as you have one!
5. Present yourself in a natural, friendly and communicative manner, you do not want to be perceived as a job bot.

Common faux pas to be aware of – Common sense and professional courtesy is the rule of thumb here.

We all live in the real world, things happen. If you find yourself stuck in traffic and you know you will be late, phone and let them know. The hiring manager will be understanding and more than likely remember the fact you demonstrated professional courtesy. If on the other hand you show up ten or twenty minutes late complaining about the traffic, I guarantee you just gave yourself a 90% chance of not being hired.

Always present a positive attitude, no one likes negativity and this includes your potential boss. If all you do is complain about your past positions and companies, you will more than likely be thought of as someone who is unable or unwilling to work cohesively with others. You also risk being labeled as someone who needs “babysitting” which literally indicates you are not worth the trouble…no matter how qualified you are. Yes, babysitting is an actual term used by managers!

Dress for the part. Attire does make a difference, whether it is conscious or not. If you are unsure as to what is expected, a good rule of thumb would be to dress one level up.

Cell phones should be turned OFF. Nothing is more discourteous during an interview than showing the hiring manager that your incoming call takes precedence over the time that has been allotted for you.

Be sure to bring with you copies of your resume, references, and other supporting documents. Oh yea, also be sure to have a working pen (preferably black ink) with paper…not scratch paper, rather a simple planner will do.

Five job interview tips to consider:

1. Common sense and professional courtesy is the rule.
2. Approach the interview with a positive attitude.
3. Dress the part.
4. Turn off the cell phone.
5. Bring with you a pen, paper and supporting documents.

The job interview should be approached individually. Remember that the hiring manager is human, thus rapport along with common sense, professional courtesy, and preparation will go a long way to helping you not be disqualified during the face to face meeting.

Are you a hiring manager, or do you have a story to tell while on an interview? Let us know your job interview tips!

Tagged as: job interview