No matter what kind of job you are applying for, there are two things that never go unnoticed – manners and a good attitude.
Not only does the recruiter want to see your knowledge, skills and experience for the position, they also want to make sure you will work well in their current team and will integrate easily. Make sure to set the following points as standard at your next job interview:
- Introduce yourself well. Make eye contact as you introduce yourself, speak at a good calm pace and don’t forget to consider your handshake, make it a good one.
- Be polite to everyone you speak to. “Please” and “Thank You” are important and never out-dated. Always thank the employer for their time at the end of the interview. For an extra way to make your application stand out, you can even write a thank you letter to send after the interview.
- Don’t interrupt. If you begin speaking before the other person has properly finished, even when it’s because you are excited, it makes the recruiter feel like you didn’t really listen to what they were saying because you were busy thinking about what you wanted to say. Be a good listener and wait until they have completely finished before speaking.
- Enthusiastic body language. If you’re feeling nervous, it’s likely to show up in your body language, although it doesn’t have to. Sitting up straight with your head up and making eye contact with the recruiter when communicating gives a far better impression than fidgeting, looking down frequently, or slouching.
- Switch your phone to silent mode. You want recruiters to feel like you are present and prepared for the interview, so turning your phone on silent beforehand saves you from any embarrassing calls that can alter an employer’s perception of you. Such a small detail can have a big impact.
These simple behaviors help the interviewer see that you will be an asset to the company, a pleasant person to work with, and an employee with a huge potential upside. Try them at your next interview, and you can let us know how you did! To gain more detailed feedback about your interview skills, you can schedule a session with a certified career coach of your choice.
