Five Ways To Improve Your Interview

But, there are still plenty of ways that you can derail yourself from obtaining the position you want.  Here are five suggestions for optimizing your chances of obtaining a good offer.

Be Prompt With Scheduling: You may be interviewing with several firms at once and your mind is in a whirl. In addition, your current job keeps you hopping and is taking up tremendous amounts of your time.  However, once an employer contacts you to schedule an interview, be as prompt as you can with a response regarding your schedule.  Delaying your answer for a day or two won’t necessarily ruin your chances, but it can leave an “iffy” first impression.  If it comes down to you and another candidate, your perceived lack-of-enthusiasm can be just enough to tip the scales in the other person’s favor.

Research the Interviewing Firm: Please don’t show up for an interview and ask, “So, what do you guys do here?” Your BV job will undoubtedly require you to utilize exemplary research skills, so this is your chance to prove your mettle from the get-go. Make sure you set aside plenty of time to look up the company website and read as much material as you can about the company.

Ask Questions: An interview, much like a date, is a two-way process. You want to make sure that this company is the right fit for YOU, so you can make informed decisions for yourself. It is red flag to an employer if they provide you time to ask questions but you shrug and clam up. If you have done your research on the company and job, you should be able to come up with a thoughtful list of questions that show you are taking this opportunity seriously.

Have Clearly Stated Goals: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” Oh, the dreaded standby question! Let’s be honest, with many younger workers staying in each job for approximately 3 years, it can be tough to know exactly where you will be in a few years’ time. However, this is no excuse to not have some clearly set goals for yourself. You can respond that you plan to obtain a certain credential, progress into a leadership / management role, or develop your skill-set in other various ways. Whatever your answer is, it should be honest, and it should reflect that you consider it important to invest in yourself.

Turn Off Your Cellphone:  This last one may seem like a no-brainer, but I have seen it happen! Employers don’t like it if your cell phone goes off (especially multiple times) during an in-person interview, even if you don’t answer it.  Just turn it off.  It shows respect and consideration for the interviewer’s time.

When you get ready for your next BV interview, be sure to consult our website for additional tips on QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD BE ASKING IN AN INTERVIEW. And good luck!