It’s the little things that matter…in landing you the job

As a candidate, you may miss out on job offers simply because you don’t do a few little – but very important – things during the interview.  Let’s examine five of those little things that may make all the difference in you getting the job for which you're interviewing.

Tip Number One: A thank you note can be the tipping point if a manager is choosing between two qualified candidates. Ask the interviewer for their business card so you will have the street mailing address. Always send them a thank you email, followed by an actual handwritten thank you card.

Tip Number Two: The types of questions you ask at the end of the interview can demonstrate the additional thought you put into preparation. Most candidates are going to ask basic questions about culture, management style, etc. You can separate yourself by asking questions that get the interviewer to talk about themselves. For example, ask the interviewer, “What has been your path thus far, and what do you see in your future?”

Tip Number Three: Smile! Sometimes it’s not what you say, but in the manner in which you say it.  If a hiring manager is choosing between two equally qualified candidates, it may come down to “fit.” “Fit” is a catch-all for how the hiring manager feels you will do as a new team member. If you have an appropriate smile during the interview, it says to the hiring manager, “I am a person you would like to associate with.”

Tip Number Four: Study the company that you’re interviewing with. Sure, you can be like everyone else and do a Google search on the company. Yet that means to the hiring manager you have done zero homework on the company. Dig in for additional data from their annual report, articles written by key team members, etc. Additionally, use the language they value in your interview. For example, if a company states on their website certain phrases or word tracks that clearly mean something to their company culture, then use those words in your answers. 

Tip Number Five: Ask for the job! In a selling situation, you’re asking for someone to buy your product. In the case of an interview, you want them to buy the idea of having you work at their company. So, at the end of the interview, close the sale! There are many different ways you can ask for the job. The little thing to consider is tying how you ask for the job back to the skills, talents, and abilities you offer the interviewer. You can find the words that work best for you and the situation. Just make sure you ask for the job (after all, that’s why you are in the interview)!

Remember the little things...they really do make a big difference!