This is the second in a series on the final phase of job hunting, the on-site personal interview. Here are four additional tips for success:
1. Bring copies of your resume
You would be surprised how many recruiters and hiring managers walk into the interview room with nothing but a cup of coffee and their cell phone. No pen, no business card, and most importantly, no resume. Do not depend on the person interviewing you to have a copy of your resume that you sent them a week or two ago. You always need to bring several extra copies of your resume. I don’t think you need the high-priced paper with the watermark – that is an old-fashioned thing. But you do need a few good clean copies that are easy to read and printed on a high quality laser printer.
2. Bring copies of your certificates and transcript
If you have a certification such as MCSD or MCSE, show it off. Bring the official Microsoft certificate as well as the official Microsoft transcript. If you don’t have a copy of your transcript, you can print it from the MCP member area on the Microsoft web site. If you have completion certificates for other courses – whether technical courses or soft skill courses (Leadership, Teamwork, etc.) bring those certificates as well.
3. Be confident
Walk in with a purpose. Answer confidently. If you hit a snag and need to backtrack, make sure you handle the situation confidently. Even if you don’t know the answer, confidently tell the recruiter what you would do to research and find the answer. Confidence reflects competence. Employers want to hire confident and competent people.
4. Be careful with your body language
Experienced interviewers are well-versed in reading body language, and they will be looking for hints about your personality from the way you act, talk, and move. You need to be true to your normal body language, but make sure that it communicates friendliness, openness, and honesty.
For example, keep your palms open and avoid crossing your legs or your arms. Try to make eye contact while speaking, but do not stare or come across as intimidating. Also, try to relax and enjoy the interview. Try to view the interview in a positive way as a learning experience and the opportunity to meet new people. Instead of in a negative way – “I better not screw up again.” Having a positive attitude will go a long way to making sure that your body language sends the right message.
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