Interviewing for a new company or just for a new position in your current job can be scary, nerve wracking and exciting all at the same time. While working for Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie I did all of the interviewing so I picked up a list of dos and don'ts that will be sure to help you get the job!
- Be either right on time or just a couple minutes early. I can't even tell you how many times the person that I was going to be interviewing would show up 20 or 30 minutes early. As the one giving the interview it would make me feel thrown off, rushed and feeling like I didn't have enough time to really think out what kind of questions I was going to ask. I understand wanting to get to an interview early to give yourself a little bit of time to relax but I would suggest waiting either in your car or at a near by coffee shop until it's time for you to go to your interview.
- Dress appropriate for the position and/or company that you're applying for. Nothing would throw me off more than someone interviewing for a sales associate position at Anthropologie dressed in black dress pants and a black blazer. That look just didn't make sense for the store and made me feel as if they knew nothing about the company. However, this look is totally appropriate if you're interviewing for a company that is more "business."
- RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH! Read through the company's website and know what they are all about. I would always be so impressed when someone that I was interviewing would drop some Urban Outfitters Inc knowledge on me.
- Have questions for the end of the interview ready. You are ALWAYS going to be asked, "Do you have any quesions for me?" And a simple "No." or "Ummmmmm..." would always make me feel as if that person was not invested in working with us.
- This one seems obvious but RELAX. Confidence is KEY. Make them feel as if they need to hire you and will be missing out on something amazing if they don't. It seems strange but the person who is interviewing you is nervous as well. Meeting someone new is never easy. The interview will go way more smooth if you can show them that you're relaxed and that they can be relaxed. Along with confident be smiley, energetic and bubbly. Show your personality!
Once you leave you think you're done with the interview process and it's time to sit back and wait for the phone to ring, right? WRONG. Here are a few things that you can do to keep yourself fresh in the hiring managers mind.
- Within 24 hours of your interview, send a thank you note. A simple: "It was so nice to meet you. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to interview with you!" goes a really long way.
- If a week goes by without hearing back, follow up with a phone call. Some people might think that this would make them seem pushy but really it just shows your committed interest in the position and keeps you relivant. If another week goes by, send an email. Short and sweet and to the point. Something like, "Just checking in on when I can expect to hear back about the position, hope you're having a great day!"
So what do you guys think? Are these tips helpful? Do you have any personal tips when it comes to interviews? Send em my way!
Alison xx
