Now, this passage should be read by everyone struggling with interviews. Seriously, don't just take my word for it! But if you want to hang in there to read my thoughts on it first, you're more than welcome to, and then please check it out for yourself.
Number one (and I loved this because I adore analogies; they help me understand things better and see things I'm struggling with in a different way): recognize that this is where the relationship with the company starts. This is the first date, and they know you are giving them your best self—they know! So make it as enjoyable as possible. If you just complain or speak negatively about previous employers, they take notice. If you are leaving your present workplace and feel that it is vital to convey that you are not happy there, that's cool. But they already know, or else why would you be there with them? Just relay this information differently. Talk about why you want their job, the things you would look forward to by being there.
Next, research, research, research... Don't just look them up online and stop there. Yes, of course, you want to get a feel for them when you read about them and what the job title would entail, but these are just summaries. If you've gotten the chance to get your foot in the door with an interview, that is the perfect chance to ask them questions. Going back to the date analogy, you aren't just going to want to know what hanging out or going on dates with this company will be like (if you're looking for long-term). You're going to want to know things like what it will be like to essentially "live" with them, what the conflicts may be, will their work progress impede my own or will they flow together, are they a place that pushes me/encourages me to learn on the job or only stay in my lane and stick to what I know? All important.
Then the follow-up. Many debate this: to follow-up or not to follow-up. Even if the reading had suggested against it, I was always taught to follow-up. Luckily, it agrees that we should follow-up, but this needs to go beyond the "hey, is the job still available?" or "I'm still here waiting". This is all about making connections; send them something that will not only get them to remember you but that will reconnect with them. Get them to remember that "first date" interview.
To form you're own thoughts you can find the full article here.
To form you're own thoughts you can find the full article here.
