Resume Reviver

The job interview: so exciting, so nerve-wracking. Will you impress? Will you be a fit? Will they impress you, be a fit for you? Don’t forget it goes both ways, and they need to play it right just as much as you do. You cannot control what the interviewers bring to the table, but you can anticipate and do a few things to start the job interview off right and bring things to a strong close.

1. Show up early, but not too early. 5 minutes early? Perfect. 10 minutes early? Pushing it. Anything more than 10 minutes early? Go sit in your car. Arriving too early can put pressure on the interviewers and score negative points before you even meet them.
2. Be nice and professional to everyone you meet. You are not above anyone in that office, so be cordial and respectful. If there is a receptionist, it’s not his or her job to entertain you while you wait, so keep small talk to a minimum and allow him or her to continue to work. Say good-bye to the receptionist when you leave.
3. Bring copies of your resume and references. It’s possible that someone didn’t make enough copies for everyone, or what printed off from the online application doesn’t present very well at all. It’s also helpful to have a copy for yourself to refer to when needed.
4. Bring a folder with something to write on. This way, the copies of your resume have a home until you need them, and you have a place to put any documents they might give you. They’re taking notes; it’s OK for you to take a few when they tell you something you want to remember.
5. They’re going to ask you, “What have you heard about our company?” Be prepared for this! Visit their website, look at their presence on LinkedIn, search for them in the local newspaper, etc. As you do your homework, make notes about what stood out to you in a positive way. Share with the interviewers what stood out to you.
6. They’re going to ask you, “Do you have any questions for us?” Again, be prepared for this! Have at least two questions prepared. It’s very disheartening for an interviewer to make it to this point in the interview, ask this question, and hear the applicant say, “Hmm… nope! Can’t think of anything!” You need to think of something before they ask you, so plan ahead and be ready.
7. Thank them for their time and the opportunity. Let them know you appreciate the chance to see if you would work well together.