Jul 28, 2017 | Interview Coaching
You aced the interview! You highlighted your fantastic skills, let your personality shine through, and now you just wait. After tons of practice and coaching, you’ve finally done it.
After all, you’ve done all you can so the rest is on your potential future employer.
Not so fast. While, yes, you should be proud of yourself for excelling at that interview, you’re not quite done yet.
One of the best ways to stand out to a company is by sending thank you notes after the interview. Believe it or not, failing to send a quick thank you may actually harm your chance of getting the job!
Don’t undo your hard work! keep reading for more info on why you need to send these notes, when to send them, and what to include.
Why Thank You Notes Still Matter
It’s understandable that you may have other interviews lined up, so writing a thank you letter may be the last thing on your mind. But don’t let business harm your chances of advancing your career!
The bottom line is that, yes, you absolutely should still send a follow-up. This shows the interviewer or interviewers that you’re thankful for their time.
Yet there’s a bit of a more psychological reason why we still send a follow-up.
Thank you notes have become a common practice. Thus, sending a note shows that you’re aware of the norms and expectations of the business world.
The right thank you note shows that you’re courteous and friendly — two huge assets any team is looking for.
It also gives you a fantastic way to show that you really are interested in the job! It shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile and do everything necessary to do a good job.
How Soon Should You Send Thank You Notes?
The general rule of thumb is to send a thank you note as soon as possible. Be it an e-mail, snail mail, or even a phone call, it’s important that you follow up here.
And fast.
You should aim to get your thank you note out to the interviewer(s) the same day of your interview. This means setting aside some time but think of it as in investment in your career.
There’s no such thing as too soon. As soon as you get home from your interview, start thinking about how you can craft the perfect thank you note.
What Should You Include?
You may have some trouble striking the right tone with your thank you notes. If you find yourself at the computer with a blank document, here are a few good tips you can follow.
- Always be specific. The more relevant information to the interview you can include, the more you’ll stand out. You don’t want your thank you note to sound canned or like it was hastily written.
- If it was a group interview, send a note to everyone you interviewed with. It doesn’t matter how much time it’ll take. You’re going to impress them if you can individualize your letters.
- Be sure to highlight your skills again. While this isn’t your cover letter, it still presents a great opportunity to remind them of why you’re the right person for the job.
Get Some Help Before Your Big Interview
If you’re having some trouble with your resume or could just use a few interview tips, get in touch! We’d love to help you craft the perfect resume and get ready for your interview. Get your free consultation and get your career on track!
And if you’ve already completed your interview, what are you waiting for? Follow up and show them that you’re the right candidate!
Jun 13, 2017 | Interview Coaching
Believe me, I know how stressful interviews can be.
It’s like convincing a jury to let you off the hook before giving you the job of your dreams.
I’ve already told you about the 5 major mistakes to avoid on your resume. But what are some of the things you should avoid when you finally get called for an in-person interview?
Well, you’re in luck.
Come along as I take you through the 5 interview mistakes you should avoid at all cost.
Be Genuine
Just be true to yourself!
Besides, that’s exactly why you were called in for an interview in the first place.
The company was impressed by your resume, so they want to see if they will be impressed with you in person.
So why would you want to be dishonest and give them a different impression than they already have?
You are almost there, now stick to the script!
Act and Look Professional
You don’t like it when people are rude to you in the real world. So why would an interviewer like it if you were rude to them in an interview?
Make sure you are as cordial and professional as possible during your interview.
After all, you only get one chance to make a great first impression.
Which brings me to my next point…
Have you ever heard someone say after an interview “I think that went well, but I wish I had dressed a little more casual?”
No!
There’s a reason why the saying “dress for the job you want” exists.
Take it from the Business Insider who found that within the first “7 to 17 seconds of meeting someone; 55% of a person’s opinion is determined by physical appearance.”
Unfortunately, time is not on your side. So it’s better to dazzle them with your looks before you can sell them in the interview.
Be Prepared!
Preparation will go a long way when it comes to meeting your prospecting new boss for an interview.
If you take the time to research the company you are interviewing with, it will show the interviewer how interested you are.
Take a little time the day before the interview to visit the company’s website and look over the job description so you know what to expect. Pro-tip: It will also go a long way if you pepper in some of the keywords in the job description while sharing your success stories.
As much as you research the position, you should also be mindful of some standard interview questions that you could be asked. If you are not prepared, these simple questions can trip you up if you are caught off guard.
Don’t Give off Negative Energy
When you are nervous or irritated, it may show more than you think.
Remember to remain positive because employers want employees who will bring energy and focus to their organizations.
The last thing you want to do is to make the interviewer uncomfortable with your discomfort.
Engage in conversation and exude confidence.
Take a deep breath.
You’ve got this!
Ask the Right Questions
This may be time for the interviewer to find out more about you before choosing to extend an offer. But why not find out more about the company for yourself?
By asking questions about day-to-day operations or current initiatives, you will demonstrate more interest than many of your peer competitors.
One of the biggest interview mistakes is asking too many questions about topics related to you (benefits, training, schedule, etc.) and not asking enough questions about the company.
Try to prepare some questions before you take a seat across from your interviewer.
It will go a long way for your confidence and make it easier for hiring managers to make a decision.
That’s It – The 5 Interview Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs – Now Go Get Your Dream Job!
We know how nerve-wracking and difficult interviewing can be.
But by avoiding these common mistakes, you will have a better shot at portraying the great employee you really are.
If you have any questions about other interview mistakes you should avoid, or have stories of your own, feel free to get in touch with us through our contact page or hit us up on Twitter and Facebook.
Jun 7, 2017 | Interview Coaching
The employment interview is one of the most important aspects of the hiring process.
This is why so many applicants stress out over interview preparation.
In fact, greater than 90% of Americans admit that at least one aspect of job interviews stresses them out.
So what’s the best way to ease the stress?
We pieced together a list of reasons why hiring an interview coach will improve chances of getting hired.
Keep reading to find out why you shouldn’t prepare for your next interview on your own!
1. Boost Your Confidence
Confidence is critical to the success of your job interview.
The interviewer will draw a conclusion about your intelligence and personality within 30 seconds of meeting you.
If you walk into the room with unconfident body language, your chances of landing the job will take a nosedive.
When you hire an interview coach, you gain knowledge and insight that will improve your confidence.
This will pay big dividends when it’s time to sit down with your potential employer.
Rather than being unsure of your skills, you will know exactly how to handle the situation.
2. Learn How to Sell Yourself
The purpose of an interview is to sell yourself.
This means that you have to find a way to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.
The problem is that most people don’t have much experience in selling themselves.
However, an interview coach specializes in this art. They can help you develop a value proposition that is hard to ignore.
This will separate you from the rest of the pack.
3. Find Out How to Improve
Maybe you’ve already been to several interviews and felt good about them, only to find out you weren’t chosen for the position.
A lot of people have been there before.
Most people learn how to improve their interview skills through trial and error. But maybe you don’t have the time to wait.
An interview coach can help you figure out what you’ve been doing wrong.
4. Prepare for Tough Questions
One of the biggest issues that many applicants face is answering difficult questions on the spot.
The reality is that certain tough questions can arise at any time.
For instance, the interviewer may ask about the gap in your resume. Also, they may ask what you can offer the company that nobody else can.
Unless you’re a master of improvisation, you’ll likely stumble over your words.
An interview coach can help you find ways to answer these questions in a way that’s both genuine and impactful.
Once you prepare for interview questions that you find challenging, the other questions will be easy.
5. Be Concise and Specific
If you’re someone who likes to talk a lot, you can find yourself rambling often.
While your friends and family may not mind, your potential employer certainly will.
An interview coach can help you focus on being concise and staying on topic.
Being talkative can be a great trait. However, instead of letting it impede your success in an interview, learn to use it to your advantage.
Final Thoughts on Hiring an Interview Coach
There is no better way to leave a great first impression than being well-prepared for employment interviews.
An interview coach can help to ensure that you have all of your bases covered. As a result, the rest of the process will seem like a breeze.
Acing your next interview will strengthen your chances of getting the job you want. Feel free to contact us today if you want to improve your job interview skills!
May 2, 2017 | Interview Coaching
Many job seekers are thrilled when they get called for a job interview. It means your resume caught the attention of the right people and they want to know more about you. Hopefully, it will also end with a job offer.
While receiving an invitation to interview is great, you’ll still need to walk into your meeting and wow the interviewer! To accomplish this, interview preparation is key, especially if you’re uncomfortable during interviews or need to polish your skills.
Here are seven interview questions everyone should be prepared to answer:
Why should I hire you? This is your time to shine! Take an inventory of your assets and skills that match the position requirements the employer is looking to fill. Also, be prepared to discuss the qualities that demonstrate you have what it takes to get the job done.
What are your weaknesses? It’s very easy to talk about positive things, including your strengths. It’s more difficult to talk about your weakness, but it can actually demonstrate self awareness and strength of character. Gather your thoughts before you respond because you don’t want to tell prospective employers why they shouldn’t hire you. Instead, share a weakness and the steps you take to overcome it.
Why are you dissatisfied with your current job? Or, what did you like least about your last job? Often employers ask this question to find out more about your weaknesses. For this reason, don’t speak negatively about your current job, boss, or the hours. Instead, dig deeper and figure out what was really bothering you. Is it possible that you were not challenged enough? Or, were you overwhelmed with the workload of three people?
Why have you been out of work? This is a question that most parents dislike, especially if they’ve taken some time off to raise their children. It can be difficult to re-enter the work force so it’s important to be honest with employers. They won’t hire someone else simply because you were busy raising your family. Instead, focus on the tasks that you did on a regular basis that can be an asset in your new assignment.
What is the best boss you’ve had as well as the worst? Keep your answers positive. During the interview, the employer is trying to determine if you would fit into the work environment. However, even the best employees don’t always get along with their managers so it’s important to learn the personality and leadership styles that you work well with as well as those that might be more challenging.
Where do you see yourself in three to five years? Since the recession, many people have had to rethink this question. Nevertheless, before training new employees, employers want to make sure you are going to stay with them for a while.
How much should I pay you? Money is one of the most difficult things to talk about, even at job interviews. Let the employer initiate the salary discussion, enabling you to negotiate a better compensation package.
To make a great first impression, set aside some time to research the company, prepare success stories, and practice your responses. By focusing on common interview questions and having well-thought out answers, you’ll breeze through the interview and be on your way to a new and better career.
Contact us when you’re ready to pursue the career you always wanted.
Mar 20, 2017 | Interview Coaching
Your ability to make a great first impression on a potential employer hinges in great part upon your degree of preparation for the interview process. Being well-prepared for an interview can elevate your resume move to the top of the stack and increase your chances of securing a job. Below are 15 interview preparation tips to help you land your dream job.
1) Carefully review the employer’s website. Taking time to review an employer’s website shows initiative on your part. Familiarize yourself with top products and services and know who the key stakeholders and managers are within the organization.
2) Confirm the time and location on the day prior to your interview. Some employers have multiple locations and forget to specify the address where your interview will be conducted. You can avoid the embarrassment of showing up at the wrong location by confirming the address and time in advance.
3) Get plenty of sleep the night before your interview. You only have one chance to shine in an interview. Make sure that you are well rested on the day of your interview and eat a small bit of familiar food in the hours leading up to your interview.
4) Arrive early. One of the worst mistakes you can make with a potential employer is arriving late for your interview. The best way to avoid this is to allow plenty of time for delays and unexpected snags. Plan to walk in the door for your interview 15-30 minutes before the scheduled time.
5) Enter the interview process armed with thoughtful questions. Employers seek candidates who are curious and interested in their business and operations. Make sure that you have two or three good questions prepared to ask during your interview.
6) Bring several extra copies of your resume. Sometimes you will be interviewed by multiple people during the interview process. Plan ahead for this possibility and bring several extra copies of your resume with you to your interview.
7) Limit your use of perfume and cologne. Heavy colognes, perfumes and scented body lotions may be offensive or trigger allergies among some interviewers. It is better to leave the house without your favorite perfume than risk offending your potential boss.
8) Resist the urge to interrupt. The interview process is an exciting time for some interviewees. Sometimes people display their enthusiasm by interrupting or finishing the sentences of an interviewer. Always wait until you are certain your interviewer is finished speaking before responding.
9) Be aware of any recent awards or industry achievements earned by the employer. Hiring managers are usually impressed by interviewees who are aware of recent accolades and awards. You can usually find this information on the company’s website or social media sites.
10) Display your active listening skills. Treat the interview process like a valuable learning opportunity. Make it your mission to listen carefully so you can learn as much as possible about how the company operates. Try to remain focused on the conversation and do not let your eyes wander during the interview.
11) Do not be afraid to showcase your special skills and credentials. Even if you have listed your special skills and certifications on your resume, there is a good chance the hiring manager may not know about them. Make sure you find a natural way to tie your special skills to the job duties under discussion.
12) Wear clothing that is tasteful and appropriate for the work environment for that employer. Avoid clothing that is dirty, too tight, or too casual. Women should not wear dresses with a low-cut neckline or more than an inch or two above the knee. If your interview is in a warehouse setting, make sure to wear the appropriate shoes and safety gear.
13) Contact the interviewer to thank him or her right away. Set yourself apart from other interviewees by sending a written note of thanks to each person who interviewed you. Regardless of whether you choose to use e-mail or a paper and pen, remember to use correct spelling!
14) Follow up with the hiring manager. Just before the interview comes to a close, ask the interviewer if he or she knows when the hiring decision will be finalized, and whether candidates will be notified once the decision is made. Then plan to follow up with the hiring manager until a decision is made. Do not let weeks pass living under the assumption that the hiring manager will reach out to you. Be proactive!
15) Take note of any feedback or constructive criticism offered to you. Sometimes interviewers will give you unsolicited feedback about your resume or job experience. This feedback can be instrumental in highlighting adjustments that you should make to increase your chances of being hired.
Bonus Tip: Seek the guidance of a certified employment interview professional. The best way to bolster your interview success rate is to enlist the support of an experienced industry professional. We invite you to contact Elite Resume Writing Services to learn more about the benefits of professional employment interview coaching. With a success rate that exceeds 95%, the interview preparation specialists at Elite Resume Writing Services will make sure that you are thoroughly prepared to meet potential employers.
Feb 24, 2016 | Interview Coaching
When you’re looking for a new career opportunity, you’ll most likely be invited to one or more interviews as part of the candidate selection process. To make a great first impression, it’s a good idea to prepare in order to have a better chance of convincing hiring managers and recruiters that you’re the best candidate for the job. As you launch your new career search campaign, consider the following tips on “How to Prepare for an Interview”: (more…)
