How to Behave with a Prospective Employer

When you are applying for a job, a lot of effort is put into a resume and cover letter. You compile a list of references, apply for several positions, and wait to hear back. When you finally do hear back, do you know what to do next? This article will serve as a cheat sheet for how to ace the interview and obtain the job you want.

When responding to the company that is requesting an interview, do not do it from your current place of employment. Step outside and use your cell phone, or wait until you get home. It is unwise to alert your current employer to your willingness to leave your situation. In case the interview does not pan out, you need to keep working. Also, do not tell your coworkers about any interviews that you may have. No matter what size the office, word travels fast.

When setting up the interview time with your prospective employer, try to agree to the times that they offer. Obviously, if you have to arrange transportation or childcare, these are things that need to be worked around. Blurting out "I can't meet you in the middle of the day, I work," should be avoided. Showing your potential new company that they are a priority for you will only help you in the end. Often it is worth taking the day off from your current job, as your future employer will recognize that you did this to meet with them, showing them they are a priority for you.

If for any reason you have to cancel the interview, give your interviewer as much notice as possible, and reschedule in the same phone call. Stating, "I'm sorry, my car broke down and I won't be able to make it in, but I'm really interested in this position and I'm wondering if we can reschedule for a time next week," shows that you are conscientious. Emailing that you cannot make the appointed time does not. Forgetting to let them know takes you out of the running for the job entirely.

Now that you have scheduled an interview, please dress appropriately. When I was fresh out of college, I worked as a hiring manager, and I cannot count the number of times someone showed up for an interview in ripped jeans or a stained shirt. Make sure you shower, and comb your hair. Make sure you brush your teeth. Make sure you wear deodorant. Don't chew gum during the interview, and don't under any circumstances ask to go outside for a cigarette break, no matter how long the interview runs.

The best advice I ever received was to treat an interview as if it were a first date, and make the best impression possible. Interviewing for a management position? Wear a suit. It doesn't matter if you know for a fact that the company has a fairly lax dress code. You need to show them that you're a professional from the moment you put your foot in the door. Your choice of attire speaks volumes about you before you open your mouth. It may be unfortunate, but interviewers only have a short amount of time to gauge if you are the right person for their position. Inappropriate clothing will enter into that decision. Also, turn your cell phone and/or pager off. They have no place in an interview. Unless you are a medical professional, or your spouse is expecting a child, the sound of your ringing phone will ruin your interview.

You will be asked questions such as, "What are your best qualities," and, "What are your weaknesses?" For your best qualities, extol your virtues. The purpose of this interview is to sell you. Discuss the awards you've won with your work, or the extensive background you can bring to the company. Discuss the changes you could make that would help the company. Discuss why what you can bring to the table makes you unique. Do not discuss or ask questions about the other applicants. Do not question the interviewer about his personal life.

For your weaknesses, it is important to be honest, but not to a fault. If you are not a people person, it is acceptable to say that (unless you are interviewing for a customer service position). The key is to state it in a way that it doesn't sound as harmful to you. Stating, "When there's a lot of work to be done, I have difficulty being social," is very different then stating, "I can't stand working with other people." My personal weakness is that I'm a perfectionist, and it tends to drive people that work for me a little crazy. I state that upfront, so everybody knows ahead of time. There is nothing like a little friendly warning. You want to take this opportunity to let them know about a shortcoming, but one that will not slow down your job productivity. You do not use this opportunity to discuss your compulsive email checking habits, your love of instant messaging, or the fact that you are currently in trouble with your present employer for making too many long distance phone calls. There is such a thing as too much information.

Another standard question asked is "Why are you leaving your current job?" Tread carefully. This question is a loaded one, used to judge your level of professionalism while probing your current situation. Do not, under any circumstances, let loose a tirade about your boss, your job or your coworkers. Before the interview, practice an answer that is both honest and answers the question without divulging too much information. It is far better to say "I don't feel that my skills are being utilized," or "I'm looking for a job opportunity with my growth," than it is to state that "I went to college to be an accountant but I feel like a glorified secretary," or, "My boss won't promote me because I'm female." The aforementioned phrases are far more eloquent. Remember, you do not want to appear disgruntled, even if you are.

If you've made it through all parts of the interview and it looks like things are going well, seal the deal by asking a question about the company. Use the Internet to research the company, and ask a question about something you saw on the website, or just ask a question about something that came up in the interview. This will show your interest in the business, and tip them off to the fact that you've done your homework.

At the conclusion of the interview, make sure to thank your interviewer(s), and ask about a time line for their hiring process. Some companies take months and have several interviews, some only days. It is better to know upfront, so that you are not agonizing for weeks without having heard back from them. Ask for your interviewer's business card.

When you get home, use the business card to write a thank-you note for the interview. Typed or handwritten letters are best, though email has become a more accepted substitution. Should you email, write the email as if you would a business letter. Use formal language, not text messaging slang. Telling a future employer "thx u!" is as good as kissing the job goodbye. Make sure to include your contact information in the letter.

By following these steps, you are that much closer to landing the job you want. Good luck!