How to Impress a Potential Employer

Though I am not currently an employee anywhere, I do have years and years of work experience under my belt. Seventeen jobs over a span of six years to be exact. I have done everything from cutting hair to telemarketing to waitressing to selling beads to working as a barista.

Though all the jobs were very different, there is one common denominator, I got each job on the first interview.  Through all these jobs I learned how to wow an employer, and have the confidence needed to ensure them that I was the one for the job.

I can’t tell you how many people I have seen go into a job wearing jeans, an application in hand, and a friend tagging along behind them. While I know there are people out there that would hire these folks, there are many, many more that would not. Not only does it look unprofessional, but it gives the employer the idea that you don’t take the job seriously.

Dressing to impress is very important, even if you are going for a job at Starbucks. As a rule of thumb I say no denim, and no sneakers. This is the first time you will be meeting this person, and you want to create a lasting image of professionalism. Find out what the dress code is for the job beforehand, and one up it. If the job lets you wear whatever you want, put on some nice slacks or skirt, and a simple blouse. If it is semi casual, put on a nice suit. Always make sure your hair and face look presentable.

Do your research into the company. Find out how long they have been around, any special awards they may have won, or how they hold an auction every Christmas and donate the proceeds to charity. Knowing a bit of history about the company and dropping that information into the conversation is one of the easiest ways to impress your potential employer.

During the interview make sure to maintain eye contact whenever you or the interviewer are speaking. Looking down at the floor, walls, or off into space while talking shows them that you are uncomfortable having an on the spot conversation, and may have a hard time talking with customers. On the same note, try not to fiddle with things, your hair, your pants, papers, etc. You want to exude confidence. Smile and be genuine while talking. Do not try and come across as someone that you are not, just to get the job.

Be prepared to answer the dreaded, “what are your good and bad qualities” questions. Plan these out ahead of time, and be honest. For your good qualities, make sure they relate to the job you are applying for. Definitely mention your extraordinary organizational skills, your incredible ability to maintain calm under extreme pressure, and how fast you catch on to new tasks. As for the bad qualities, saying something such as you have a habit of being quite the perfectionist, even when unnecessary just tickles the employer. Don’t ever say you don’t know what your bad qualities are, or that you don’t have any.

Make sure to ask questions, even if they covered everything you already want to know. Ask about the dress code, even if you already know, ask about benefits, ask what a typical day looks like, ask about anything they didn’t already cover. By asking questions you are showing the interviewer that you are very interested while letting them know that you are interviewing them as well, to make sure this is the right job for you. Employers love this.

When the interview is over thank them for their time, and if they haven’t already offered the job ask when you can expect to hear back from them. Ask them for a number you can reach them at if you have any more questions.

No matter what, always act confident, use eye contact, and show the interviewer what a kick ass employee you would make! Good luck!

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