You Look Good On Paper... Now Back It Up! - January 4, 2008

You just received a called from a Fortune 500 company in regards to scheduling an interview. Congratulations, they were obviously impressed with your resume and cover letter. However, let's not celebrate too much, too fast. The resume and cover letter was only the first (important) step. Now you have to be even more impressive in person than you are on paper; because let's face it, you are attempting to portray their perfect employee.

Last week, in our discussion on resumes and cover letters, we used the example of introducing yourself to that attractive person you have been checking out all night. Well, let's say you have met him or her; you got his/her phone number, and set up a date. Now, you have to "back up your game." If this is a person you really want to get to know, you are not going to show up for a date late, in clothes you should have been cleaning the garage in, with your hair not done or not brushed. But. . . If that is how you do it, your dates have probably been ending a bit prematurely, perhaps before you get to say hello. However, if you show up on time, with your car clean (whether it is a 1989 Camry or a 2006 Zephyr), looking clean and well dressed, with good conversation, then I can pretty much guarantee you will be seeing this man or woman again.

The same premise applies to your interview. There are certain things you need to do to help ensure yourself a follow up interview for example:

1. Be prepared. Have some knowledge about the company you will interview with.
2. Be early. If you are on time for an interview, then you are late. Always be at least 15 minutes early.
3. Be well dressed and groomed. For men, nice hair cuts, fresh shaves, a well pressed dark suit (or nice pair of slacks, shirt, and tie), and polished shoes. For women, a neat conservative hair-styles, nice pressed dark suit (or slacks and blouse), and do not wear a lot of jewelry.
4. Take your time. Do not rush through questions, answer them thoroughly, and be excited.
5. Always have questions. At every interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. It would be wise to prepare some in advance.
6. Follow up with thank you letters. Because, they could have spent their time interviewing someone else.These are just some of the rules you need to follow in order to help guarantee a follow up interview, or the position you are after.

Good Luck!