Tips on how to be a rock star in an interview

After interviewing several grocery and retail store managers about their hiring experiences, many common themes emerged regarding the interview process. Several managers expressed disappointment in the interview skills among candidates seeking entry-level positions. After collecting your concerns and compiling a list, I decided to share some tips on how to interview like a rock star and land the job. Here are some important tips to follow:

Research the company. Google the company and learn about its history, how big it is, what products the company focuses on. If you know someone who works at the company, ask them about it. To be informed! Having knowledge of the company will impress the interviewer because it shows that you took the time to do your homework.

external appearance. Make sure you are professionally dressed. One manager told me that he has seen interviewees wearing shirts with holes, dirty clothing, and inappropriately revealing clothing. He stands out for not wearing: sagging pants, t-shirts, jeans, shorts, revealing tops or short skirts, flip flops or sneakers. For the interview, make sure you are dressed in an outfit that your grandmother would like to see you wear, or you could wear it to a very nice wedding. You want to make a good first impression and how you are dressed will make an impact in seconds.

Chewing gum or eating candy during the interview is not an option. First, this is rude. Second, eating interferes with talking and is very distracting.

Keep your cell phone hidden and turn it off before the interview. Never look at your phone while in the presence of the interviewer. If you do, you’re sending a non-verbal message that the phone is more important than the interview. Do not turn the phone back on until you are done with the interview and out of sight of the interviewer. Hiring managers say interviewees have responded to text messages during the interview and find it disrespectful and unacceptable.

Shake hands with the interviewer when you first meet them. A firm handshake and eye contact show a strong sense of trust. This is very important because hiring managers are looking to see how you perform.

Thank you- Always say thank you when the interview is over. Also, send a post interview thank you email reaffirming your interest in the job.

Ask questions. If you’ve done your research, chances are you have questions. Ask about hours, days available to work and training.

Summary – Bring a paper copy of your resume. Show that you are prepared. Offer the interviewer your copy. You want to be remembered and reminded that you were prepared.

Following these ROCK STAR tips will give you an edge over others who are unprepared. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so you want to impress the interviewer and be offered the job.