Interview/Job Application Tips

[asiren]

My company is in the process of hiring a web designer. We're a pretty small company, so all positions are for permanent, full-time employees (so far, anyway). Here are some interview tips in case you're looking for a job at the moment:

Show up for the interview on time.

I can't emphasize this enough. You'd be surprised how many candidates show up late, or heaven forbid, simply don't show up at all! (I remember one candidate who was a no-show and didn't even call us to let us know that she wasn't coming!)

If you're unfamiliar with the area, give yourself ample time to find parking. You may want to arrive at the general area 30-60 minutes early just in case you run into traffic or have trouble finding the office (this probably applies to smaller companies though).

Research the company you are applying for.

Try to figure out what their company culture is like, and see if you can see yourself fitting in well. This shows that you care about the company you are applying for.

Be ready to answer any questions regarding your resume.

This is especially true if there are obvious 'holes' in your resume. (Unemployed for a long period of time, moving from company to company within 1-2 years, etc.) If you have been invited for an interview, expect your resume (and cover letter if you send one) to be thoroughly analyzed. The interviewer will be making assumptions (good and bad) based on your resume and cover letter. It is your aim to confirm all the positive assumptions, and turn the negative assumptions into something positive.

Example: I take a little longer to finish a task, but I do this because I'm very detail-oriented and thorough. I try to minimize my mistakes before I finish my project.

Be prepared to ask questions about the company.

It will tell the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in the company.

Use your hobbies as a way to show your value as an employee.

Depending on the company, the interviewer may ask some personal questions (such as what you do in your free time outside of work) just to get to know you. Use this to your advantage by showing how these hobbies can benefit the company if they hire you.

Be prepared for any tests related to the job you are applying for.

For some positions (programmer, graphic designer, etc.) you may be 'tested' on your skills. If you are not tested on your skills during the interview, be ready to give examples of what you've done in past jobs that are relevant to the position you are applying to.

Didn't get the interview?

Don't give up! Here are some tips to help get your job application noticed the next time you apply for a job:

Make sure the position being offered fits you well.

If it isn't obvious why you applied for a job, you may not get an interview. If you do get an interview (in which case, congratulations!) make sure you're ready for any questions on why you applied for a job that may not fit your current skills.

Send a cover letter.

This may be optional since I've heard of companies discarding cover letters since they have too many applicants to screen. They're simply looking for a person who best fits the given job description. This is why it is best you research the company you are applying for so you can tell if a cover letter will help or hurt you.

You can also use your cover letter to explain why you are applying to a job that does not seem to fit your education and past employment history.

If you are sending a cover letter, make sure it compliments your resume.

Don't simply repeat what your resume says. Use your cover letter to demonstrate any proficiency that is not explicitly stated in your resume. You can also use it to explain any problems with your resume ahead of time.

Good luck! :)