Career Search

8 Tips for Nailing your Interview with TEWS Company and Our Clients

October 21, 2020

We can’t say it too many times: you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. This rule applies to many situations, but this rule hugely applies to the interview process when it comes to finding a job. Our recruiters spend a good amount of their day interviewing, so we understand how to make a great first impression. Below are eight tips for nailing your interview:

1) BE ON TIME! This is the cardinal rule when it comes to a good interview. It is hard to recover from tardiness. The recruiter or hiring manager may have multiple interviews in one day. If you are late, you may have a shortened interview, or there may not be availability for you to reschedule. Most importantly, being on time shows your ability to plan ahead and be prepared. If it is a virtual interview, test the link ahead of time to ensure your device is set up and ready for the interview time. If you are running late or…

2) If You Must Reschedule, Call Ahead of Time: If you have an extenuating circumstance where you must reschedule, call us as soon as you are aware of a conflict. Be as proactive as possible about rescheduling. Not calling until afterwards raises concerns about your priorities, ability to handle conflict, and communication skills. Our days are scheduled around your interview, and we expect you to value our time as we value yours.

3) Leave the Jeans at Home: After lax work from home and adjusted COVID dress codes, business attire may seem like a thing of the past. Although jeans are becoming more common, always dress professionally for an interview. Looking sharp and put together can get you big marks when it comes to impressing a recruiter or hiring manager. Even if you are interviewing virtually from home, dressing too casually is a deal breaker for many employers. Professional dress shows you are prepared and interested in the position.

4) Prepare, Prepare, Prepare: Every company and position is different. In your padfolio or notebook, write down:

  • The name of the company
  • Address of the interview
  • The name of who you are meeting
  • Time and date of the interview
  • Details about position(s)
  • Your research about the company
  • Any other information that you may find helpful on your way to, during, or after your interview

5) Put Your Phone Away: This should be obvious, but we see phones more often than you would expect. Unless you are using it for a virtual interview, keep it on “Do Not Disturb” and tucked away.

6) Sit Up Straight, Make Eye Contact, And Smile: Interviewing can be nerve-wracking, but take a deep breath and show us your best. The preparation and nerves will pay off if you get the offer!

7) Follow Up… But Be Patient: Not every position is going to be filled quickly. Don’t hesitate to follow up with a recruiter after an interview but be careful to not go overboard. Enthusiasm is great but following up too much can make a bad impression. We will follow up with you when we have an update. Depending on the position and where you are in the interview process, checking in once a week is usually sufficient.

8) Be Yourself: Show us your personality. TEWS strives to match the right candidate with the right company and position. Being yourself will help make sure we find you the best fit!

An interview is all about selling YOU! Our whole job is help clients find the best candidate for a position. Following these tips is a good way to showcase your experience and interest in a position.

Lacy Whitman, Office Administrator