Going into an interview is all about being sharp. Like a fine knife, you can cut through the competition if you keep yourself sharp and ready for action. Don’t go unprepared. No one likes a dull knife. If you want to stand out from all the other applicants, you should leave no room for error, leave no fat untrimmed.
Well dressed, well informed, well on your way to getting the job.
Dress up, not down. Very rarely will anyone look at a well dressed person and think less of them. If they do, my only question for you is: why are you applying to a hip coffee shop for work? You are a professional, dressing well – and this is more than just putting on a suit – shows them that you are serious about what you do. You also signal that you take them seriously as well.
Be polite and charming but, when you answer questions, you can often do more harm than good by lingering on topics. Saying too much can often be more damaging than saying too little.
You did remember to bring your resume, didn’t you? Good. This stage should have been covered long before you got to the interview, but it is still vital. Your resume should guide your interviewer from question to question with ease. They should have very few questions, in fact, after they read it – only points to clarify about the methods and results of your previous projects.
Don’t be afraid to show how interested you are, in fact, be upfront with how much you’d like to work with the company.
If you can show these in a clear and concise manner, you will definitely stand out from the rest of the applicants, who may not have a clear message.
Sharpness attracts people, it is a sign of decisiveness and action. People trust others who know how to execute and achieve. Show them that is you.
