It’s that time of year when we start to review our lives, and careers. Are we challenged enough? Are we satisfied enough? Are we currently the best we can be? If the answer is no, then it’s time to take a step back and look at how to turn the answers into ‘yes’ with a new job. The first and main hurdle to that new job is, of course, the first interview. The first interview is your primary opportunity to make a positive first impression and express competency for the job. Time and effort spent preparing can be the deciding factor in whether you are successful in getting to the next stage of the hiring process.
Be conversational with the receptionist or administrative assistant.
Might not seem like a big deal, but in some ways, the administrative assistant will be the most important person you meet at that interview. Later in the day, the hiring manager will walk by the front desk and ask the assistant what he or she thought of you–make sure what he/she says is overwhelmingly positive.
Follow up…with resources
You’ll be ahead of half the competition if you follow up after the interview. You’ll be ahead of 99.9 % of the competition if you follow up with resources. What do I mean? As a final piece to your follow-up note, send the hiring manager an interesting article you read in the last week around a topic you discussed. A recent case study that’s relevant to their business. A new social media tool you think might be of interest based on your conversation. That useful information you pass along will stand out. You’ll position yourself as a resourceful employee–and someone who takes initiative.
Ask your own questions–about the interviewer
Based on another insider tip: Always make a list of questions to ask the interviewer (another thing I’m always surprised more people don’t do in an interview setting). But, I’d take it one step further. You want to develop questions to ask the interviewer about the role and company–sure. But, add a few about the interviewer himself/herself. Personalize them. Research the interviewer online before you meet–and tailor questions to their specific interests. They’ll be surprised how detailed your research obviously was.
Make sure you talk about one client campaign
Especially at an agency, make sure you work one client campaign into the discussion. It will show you know their client roster–and it will demonstrate you can talk intelligently about their work in a pressure-packed environment.
Use interactive media to your advantage
Do you have video editing experience (huge skill for younger pros, by the way)? Why not show your clip in the interview on an iPad or your iPhone. Use technology to your advantage.
Show confidence and humility
Employers definitely want confident, young people. But, they also want people who are humble. And, who know how to work well with others. Be confident–but don’t be afraid to show a little humility.
Write a post for the company blog
Might seem a little aggressive, but if you really want to separate yourself from the competition, consider writing a post for the company blog. Pick a topic. If it’s an agency, maybe it’s a post about a recent social media trend. It it’s a corporate blog, what about a re-tread of a topic they’ve written about in the past–from your perspective. Writing a post for the company blog will demonstrate initiative, creativity and critical thinking. All qualities they’re most likely looking for in an ideal candidate.
Make sure your leave-behind is memorable
Lastly, make sure whatever it is you leave behind after the interview sticks in that hiring manager’s memory. If it’s your resume, make sure it stands out. Maybe it’s a one-pager with screen grabs of clips? Be sure to have it professionally designed. Whatever the case, your leave behind is a big opportunity to you to carve out real estate in that hiring manager’s brain. Take advantage.
