Whether you have been looking for a job for several months or you have just started your search, preparing to make a good impression during your interview is an important step in getting the job. As you prepare for your next interview, it is important to remember these three c’s of job interviewing.

Clean

Part of creating a good impression during an interview is to dress professionally. Make sure your clothes are clean and appropriate for your desired work environment. When you are unsure about the level of professional dress, it is best to err on the side of more versus less. Everything you decide to wear should be in good condition. This does not mean you have to go buy a new outfit, but rather opt for items that are not too worn. If you are wearing older shoes for example, you may need to polish them, shine them, wipe off scuffs or clean them before your interview. 

Additionally, if you are coming from an activity where you have gotten sweaty or dirty, clean-up as much as possible before arriving for your interview. However, avoid overdoing your cologne or perfume as some people can be allergic and you don’t want to give your interviewer a negative reaction.

Courteous

One of the first steps in courtesy is to be respectful of your interviewer’s time. You should arrive 15 minutes prior to your interview slot. Anything less could reflect negatively on your timeliness and anything more could severely inconvenience your interviewer. If you have arrived too early, it is usually best to wait in your car or walk around the area. Furthermore, it is important to remember your interview starts when you walk in the door, so treat everyone you see with grace.

Once in the interview itself, shaking the interviewer’s hand, using polite language, and thanking everyone for the opportunity and their time are all great examples of couteousness. Be sure to listen and respond appropriately to avoid interrupting your interviewer. Once you are back home, it is thoughtful to send a Thank You card and can even help leave a lasting positive impression of you.

Company Curious

Take the time to get to know a little about the company, particularly if it is lesser known. This demonstrates your seriousness about getting the job. At the end of the interview, you will generally get an opportunity to ask your own questions. Use this time to show that you are curious about learning more both about the role and the company as a whole. It is a good idea to have a few questions in mind before you go in, but you may also think of more throughout the interview process. Asking questions that show you have taken the time to learn about the company will prove you are determined to get the job.

Of course, these are not the only things you need to do to increase your chances of getting the job. Contact us to learn more!