Can't Get a Second Interview

Happy 2011 Everyone. I realized it has been some time since I last updated and to my followers, I apologize. I was reading the Business Section in the local newspaper and saw a great article about second interviews and why people don't get them. Some of the information I will be plagiarzing but alot of what I will say is what I have seen over the last 10 years.





Take inventory as this may or may not pertain to you:



First off, remember perception is everything and this is garnered in the first 30 seconds:





Clothing:

Regardless if this is a $10/hr Warehouse/Assembler position or a Management role, dress professionally. Slacks, dress shirt (tie optional but wouldn't hurt) or Blouse and jacket or sports coat. ***Make sure your outfit is ironed/pressed. *** If you don't care to spend 10 minutes to iron then chances are you really don't care about the job.

Jewelry:

Is it minimal?

Gents - watch is all you need!!

Ladies - Watch, perhaps a simple necklace and if you wear earrings, nothing dangling.



Cologne/Perfume:

Please do not bathe in your spray. You may just off allergies of the interviewer(s).

Smoker:

There are 2 types of smokers;

1- Someone that smokes 1 cigarette and you would never ever know they smoke

2- The same 1 cigarette smoker that smells like they just had a pack.



If you want the jobs, try not to smoke prior to the interview. If you must, try to air yourself out, 20-30 minutes before the interview.

Handshake:

Is it firm or do you lay your hand into someone else's?


Ok so you think that you have aced the above?



Let's analyze the interview:



Were your answers short and concise? There is nothing wrong with asking, can I elaborate or was that the answer you were looking for? Just don't do it after every question.

Not sure how to answer a question? Ask the interviewer to repeat the question to buy yourself a few seconds while you quickly scan your brain for the answer.



Were you able to give specific examples or accomplishments or how you achieved certain thing listed on your resume?



Here are a few examples:


1. Give me an example of when you went above and beyond? What specifically did you do? What was the outcome? Was it readily accepted?


2. Have you ever had to "sell" an idea to your boss/coworkers etc? How did you

3. What makes you an ideal candidate for this job.

Lastly, follow up with a Thank You email 48-72 hrs after the interview.


Something I haven't addressed? Email me at sschantz@cardalifesciences.com