1. Be on time. Sure, it’s understandable that life can often get in the way. Realistically, though, an employer is going to be immediately turned off by an applicant who can’t be bothered to show up when they’re scheduled. You may have had a horrible morning – the interviewer doesn’t want to hear it and doesn’t care. They have their own jobs to do, and your tardiness likely sets them behind schedule. So, leave extra early and wait in the parking lot if you have to, but make sure to arrive five to ten minutes before your interview is scheduled to start.
2. Come prepared. Although most employers will have your resume and sometimes even your references printed out from your application, it never hurts to bring extra copies. Also make sure to have any other paperwork or documentation they have asked for or that logic dictates you may need. They’ll be impressed that you’re thinking ahead.
3. Know about the company and job you’re interviewing for. Researching a job and a company ahead of time tells the employer that you were interested in their position, not just any position. It can also help you be better prepared for the questions that they might ask during the interview.
4. Don’t ask about money! While we all realize that money is obviously a key factor in whether or not a job is for you, it’s downright tacky to bring it up yourself. Either let them introduce the topic of payment or assume that it’s something that can be shared during a later interview.
5. Keep it friendly, but professional. Have a good attitude, make eye contact, and laugh at their jokes, but don’t go off on long winded personal tangents that have nothing to do with the position. Make sure the conversation stays focused on the position, the company, and how you fit their needs.

These five simple steps are a great building block for a fabulous first impression. Know them, live them, and you’ll be surprised at the opportunities coming your way.

Before The Interview

Create a plan about how you want to approach the issue of your felony. One important decision is whether to volunteer the information on your own, or wait until asked by the employer. It is probably better to volunteer the information, because it shows confidence, honesty, and lets you control the message more and put a positive spin on things.

In addition to planning your approach to the felony question, practice talking about it as much as you can. Ask friends to talk to play the role of interviewer and ask tough questions about your past. You will become more comfortable with each one. Also, research the employer and the industry of the job, and be able to show that you know and care about the field.

During The Interview

Take care to not give any physical red flags that might combine with your felony. Dress as well as you can, and groom yourself as clean-cut as possible. When speaking to the interviewer, especially when discussing your felony, maintain strong eye contact along with a confident attitude and body language.

Bring the conversation to points that show responsibility. When talking about your felony, include any jobs you maintained in prison or courses and other reading you completed. Mention volunteer work you might have recently done. Also, explain how hiring a felon can help the employer with things like the Federal Bonding program that insures the employer, and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

After The Interview

For felons, it is especially important to follow up within a few days after the interview. A quick thank you message the same day is effective, but also follow up after a few days by mail, email, or phone to check the status of your application.

These follow ups show a responsible person who is ready for honest work. With attention to certain details like this, the interviewer will get the message that you plan ahead and follow through on things, and those are characteristics any employer wants.

With so many others applying for the same job as you, how do you make yourself stand out in the interview, that you are the candidate that gets the callback?

The following tips will help you to cinch that all-important interview:

• Be prompt and have a firm handshake

When the hiring decision come down to two equally qualified candidates, a decision will be based on the little things, a firm hand shake, being prompt, a professional attitude.

• Dress for the interview

While a manufacturing interview does not require a suit, do dress to impress. Dress pants or khakis, a button down shirt tucked in and a belt. The assumption is that if you look neat and tidy, your work will also be neat and tidy.

• Be specific about your experience and what skills you have.

This is very important, especially in manufacturing. In manufacturing, experience is key. If you have experience for the exact job they are hiring for, that is good, but if you have a variety of experience, but less specific, you may still be a more valuable employee.

• Be enthusiastic and ask questions

Show them that you are truly interested in working for their company. Prepare some questions to ask, directly related to manufacturing, such as; “do you use lean manufacturing techniques?” or, “What is your safety record?” Remember to thank them for the interview.

Remember interviewers see numerous people with similar experience. Machine operators and assembly people are plentiful, so the decision on who to hire usually comes down to the details, which put some effort into the interview. The interview is your time to show them you are prepared, professional and that you are the employee that will go the extra mile.

Thank You Letter

Another reason why an interview thank you letter helps is it gives you the second chance to include everything you forgot to mention during the interview. Moreover, it will help you confirm your understanding of issues and topics discussed; thus, any misunderstanding later will be avoided.

You can send a thank you letter through email or FAX to make sure that it reaches the interviewer in minutes. Do not forget to ask for contact info or business cards during your interviews.

Do not forget to write your interview thank you letter professionally. It should be in a business letter format and should be personalized and tailored for each interviewer. Now that you know the reasons why an interview thank you letter helps, you should never forget it next time you are called for an interview.

Business Interview

So you have the interview of your life set up and you’re freaking out.  What are the best tips for a smooth interview?  An employer will make a decision about you in 60 seconds and either you will be called back, hired or never hear from them again.

Your appearance is the first thing a potential employer will assess.  Show up properly dressed, men in a clean and pressed suit and women in a solid color suit with coordinating blouse, jewelry and shoes.  Not the comfy, well worn heels used so often in your previous job, buy new ones if you need to.

Next they’re going to want to talk to you.  The best tips for a smooth interview, especially the talking part, are research, research and research.  Search the company, gain information, and be prepared to ask smart questions.  You care about this opportunity so you need to care about the company.  Be intelligent and thoughtful.  Most importantly be honest.

Be prepared to explain any extended absences from the workforce and how you can add value to their firm.  Be confident and poised.  If they offer to take you out for a meal, order a healthy meal, a salad or chicken dish.

Be sure to avoid an alcoholic beverage, even if your interviewer orders one.  Pay attention when they tell you about the company and the position, then paraphrase the information and repeat it to them.  This will show you have active listening skills.  First impressions are key, be prepared!

Doing your homework about a company before the interview can really make a difference. The more you already know about the company, the more relaxed you’ll feel during the job interview. Also, knowing more about the company upfront, you’ll be able to come up with good questions for the interviewer.

• Research and find out information about the company.
• Think of a couple follow-up questions you might ask at the end of the interview
• If you’re not familiar with the interview location, drive there before the interview to make sure you can find it ok and get an idea of how long it will take you to get there.
• Practice asking and answering questions
• Make sure you know how to pronounce the interviewers full name and title.

Day of the Job Interview Tips

• Show up early
• Dress Appropriately
• Stay Calm but engaging
• Be honest about weaknesses
• Maintain natural eye contact

Being let or not dressing appropriately can kill your chances for a job before the interview even begins. You should also be prepared on the day of the interview, as it will put you at ease a little more. This will help with the interviewer’s perception of you. Be natural and be yourself – you want to make sure that you’ll be happy in the job if you do end up getting it – don’t pretend to be something or someone you’re not.

After the Job Interview Tips

• Send a thank you note

This is another way you can stand out from the crowd and get a second round interview. Keep it short and sweet, but a nice little card saying you appreciate the interviewer taking time to look at your resume and speak with you will go very far in helping you get the job.