So, you just got the call back and you finally got an interview request. Well done! Getting your foot in the door can be the hardest part. However, now you only have ONE shot to impress your potential employer. There are a few interview do’s and don’ts that tend to get overlooked.
Majority Hunter compiled some quality advice for making an amazing impression and landing your next political gig.
Do: Be honest.
The person who is interviewing you is a human being just like you. Nobody is perfect, so don’t assume that you always have to have the perfect answer. Take a deep breath before your interview and try your best to be yourself. It’s better to come off as a natural than a robot. If you’re honest and genuine, it will be easier to see if you’re a good fit for the job and vice versa.
Don’t: Overshare.
Honesty is important, however, there’s no need to share all of the nitty gritty details that nobody needs to hear right off the bat. There is a time and a place for certain subjects to come up, but your first interview isn’t the place to talk about why you hated your last manager or how much personal time off you’re going to need in the future.
Do: Research and prepare.
Interviews are always somewhat nerve wracking, but you can make things easier on yourself by doing as much research as you can about the company and the position you’re applying for. If you know everything about the company’s brand, purpose, and mission, you’ll know what qualities the interviewer is looking for and you’ll be more confident when answering questions.
Don’t: Wing it.
A first interview is not the time to wing it and naively hope for the best. Unpreparedness and lack of enthusiasm comes off as being unappreciative and uninterested in the job. There is nothing worse than a manager interviewing a candidate who barely even knows what job they’re applying for or what the requirements and expectations are.
Do: Dress for success.
First impressions really are everything. Even if you’re unsure of what to wear to an interview, your best bet is to dress classy, professional, and modest. Take some extra time on your hair, nails, make-up, etc. You want to come off as somebody who cares about their hygiene and making a good impression. And you know what they say…look good, feel good!
Don’t: Take risks with your clothing choices.
Now is not the time to dress down or take chances. If you’re even remotely questioning if what you’re wearing is appropriate, don’t wear it. Play it safe and ask for second opinions from friends and family if you have any doubts. When it comes to job interviews, it’s better to look too formal than to look too casual or underdressed.
Do: Ask questions.
You should expect that the interviewer is going to ask you if you have any questions about the job. It’s important to be prepared with quality questions. Some good ones are “Are there opportunities for growth within the company?” or “How would you describe the office culture?” It proves that you’re genuinely interested and trying to see if the job is a good fit for YOU.
Don’t: Try to take control.
If your interviewer knows what they’re doing, they should have a plan about what questions they’re going to ask you and what they want to find out about you. There’s no need to try to take control of the interview or ask too many questions. Talking too much or drilling the interviewer with questions is just going to turn them off and make them think, “Next!”
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