Career Reinvention &
Personal Brand Strategist

Ace An Interview: How to Stand Out in a Crowd

January 31, 2007
By: Randi Bussin-Career Coach, Personal Branding Specialist

 

By Neil Shifman and Lyn Kaplan

Although the unemployment rate is down in many industries, this doesn't mean that job hunters should assume that landing the perfect job is going to be easy. Preparation for that all-important interview, regardless of the position or its level, is essential.

 

The purpose of an interview is to determine whether a candidate has what it takes to contribute to a company's bottom line and will fit in with the corporate culture. With this in mind, prospective employees should consider the following practices for a successful interview:

 

• Timing is everything (appearance counts, too). Every interviewee knows that tardiness is inappropriate, but being too early has its own consequences. If you show up more than 10 minutes before your interview time, you could disturb the interviewer or the office manager's schedules. The best thing to do is to leave your house early and spend some time at a local coffee shop if you arrive ahead of schedule. In addition, wear a nice suit. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed and it shows that you take this interview seriously.

 

• Knowledge is power. Be sure to thoroughly study the company's Web site and learn about its mission, its services and clientele and its core purpose. Piggyback off that information when explaining why you are ideal for the organization's mission and why you would be an asset to the team. Make specific reference to past work successes so that the interviewer can better understand your related experience. Anecdotes help paint a picture of your experience.

 

• Actions speak louder than words. Of course, what you say and how you say it are important, but don't forget that interviewers are extremely receptive to body language. Make a good impression with a firm handshake, continuous eye contact and a relaxed yet attentive posture. Use hand gestures, but don't overdue it.

 

• But do speak up. In many situations, the questions a job candidate asks can reveal more than what he or she answers. Prepare questions ahead of time and prove to the interviewer that as a job seeker, it is important to you that a company's attitude meshes with your own. If you do not ask any questions, the interviewer will think that you are uninterested or unmotivated.  

 

• Acknowledge everyone. It is very important for employers to know that the next hire will be aligned with their company's culture and goals and be a good fit with existing workers. As a result, you should make it a point to introduce yourself to those you come across and maintain a smile to make a lasting impression.

 

• Don't forget to say thanks. An employer has just taken valuable time to meet with you. Show that you appreciate the opportunity to meet with him or her by writing a thank-you note. In addition to exhibiting good manners, this is a smart way to show you understand the importance of following up and are indeed interested in the position.

 

Neil Shifman is the district manager and Lyn Kaplan is a sales consultant in the Boston offices of Administaff.  Administaff (NYSE:  ASF) is  the nation's leading professional employer organization (PEO), serving as a full-service human resources department that provides small and medium-sized businesses with administrative relief, big-company benefits, reduced liabilities and a systematic way to improve productivity.  The company operates 41 sales offices in 22 major markets.  For more information about Administaff, call 800-465-3800 or visit www.administaff.com. 

©2012, Randi Bussin, Aspire!

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