It's the Little Things that Count

One of the hardest parts is over. You got the interview! That in itself deserves a congratulations and a pat on the back! Now, it’s time to impress the employer in person. If you have been following some of our other blogs on interviewing, you’ve already read our many tips on what wear, what to say, and so on. But guess what? There’s more to know!

When you are competing against many other applicants, every little detail counts. The best way to stand out from the rest is to be proactive and do the little things that will impress the interviewer. Here are some tips to consider for your next interview that just might allow you to get that job or internship over somebody else.

Have a good handshake.
A firm handshake shows confidence. This will be one of the first things that an employer will notice about you.

Be engaged.
You should not just look interested, you should be interested. Smile, show your passion, and be ready to share your own experiences, as well as ask about your interviewer’s experiences.

Have fun!
Interviews do not always have to be rigid and serious. Relax. Enjoy the conversation that you are having, and don’t be afraid to laugh.

Be proactive.
Being well prepared will impress your interviewer. Have an extra resume and a list of your references ready for each individual interviewing you. Also, if you have writing samples or other items that you want to give the interviewer, create a folder that he/she can keep that contains all of your work. This will help the interviewer remember you afterward too! If you have a portfolio, show it off during your interview. Showing what you are capable of is just as important as talking about it.

Ask insightful questions.
Ask questions that other candidates may not. Get to know the company, its goals, and its accomplishments, and ask about those. Showing that you really want to learn more about the company and the people that work there can really set you apart from the rest. Remember that even though the interviewer is evaluating whether you are a good fit for the company, you should be evaluating whether the company is a good fit for you.

Follow up.
You have heard it time and time again, but that is how important this really is. Write thank you notes! Do not wait too long after your interview either! Let all of your interviewers know how much you appreciated the invite to come in for the interview, and express your thanks for the time they took to sit down and talk with you. Tell them what you were impressed by, and reiterate your interest in the position. Both handwritten and email thank you notes are acceptable. Just make sure you do at least one or the other!