After you attain your certification or diploma from National Training, you are going to be inundated
with interviews. That first impression means a lot! Here are a few tips to help you package all of that
knowledge and experience you’ve gained with National Training into a beautiful first impression
that’s guaranteed to land you the job.
1. Dress for the Job You Want…
… not the job you have. There are different levels and types of professional attire. Know
your industry and emulate what thought leaders in your field wear. And make sure you’re
comfortable! There’s no more telling body language than someone fidgeting because they’re
not used to wearing a certain fabric or style of shoe. Find a happy medium between dressing
for the job you’re interviewing for and comfort.
2. The Entire Company is Interviewing You
Be nice to the receptionist. Hold the door open for employees walking past. No man is an
island and this is, potentially, the team you’ll be working with. A lot of applicants impress the
hiring agent without stopping to consider the colleagues around them. Make a fantastic
impression on others in the building. It could be the difference between being short-listed
and getting the office.
3. Arrive on Time
Being even five minutes late can be disastrous for several reasons. First, sometimes the
hiring agent is running ahead of schedule. Second, the hiring agent knows that the interview
is likely to be a sample of you at your best. If you’re even a little late, what does that say
about your usual level of commitment? On the other hand, try not to be more than a half
hour early. This can make it look like you have nothing else going on outside of that
interview.
4. Ask Questions
There is almost always a section towards the end of the interview when you’re asked if you
have any questions. Hiring agents know that candidates with a genuine interest in the
industry and its inner workings are much more likely to be worthy investments for the
company. Do your research. Don’t just read up on the company’s home page. Read their
blogs and press releases so that these questions can spark conversation.
5. Thank You; Thank You; Thank You.
Thank the hiring agent with a firm handshake after the interview. Be polite to everyone you
meet on the way out. Follow-up with a thank you e-mail the next day. The e-mail is
particularly important, because it opens up a dialogue between yourself and the hiring agent
for clarifications on any points brought up in the interview. It also keeps you in the forefront
of the hiring agent’s mind.
Best of luck on your next interview!
