presentation

10 Little Things to Do Before a Job Interview That Can Make a Big Impact

Paul Michael — Thu, 17 May 2018 09:00:27 +0000

You have an interview coming up. You've taken care of the big things. You have picked out your clothes, studied the company, reached out to contacts for information, and you updated your resume. But what small things can you do the day, or even a few minutes, before you walk into that all-important meeting to have a huge positive impact?

1. Talk yourself up

Even the most confident people get doubts before walking into an interview room. It's only natural; you're about to be grilled for 30 minutes and the outcome could have a massive impact on your life. But it's easy to let those doubts get out of hand, to the point that you couldn't imagine why you'd ever get the job.

Stop that kind of thinking in its tracks. Make a small but potent list of the reasons you are the ideal candidate. Keep it on a Post-it note, or on the home screen of your phone, and look at it before you walk into the room. Concentrate on those positives. This is the kind pep talk you are going to need to step into that room with confidence. Eliminate doubt, and remember: You are here because they want to talk to you. (See also: Use "Cognitive Crafting" to Ace Your Next Job Interview)

2. Check your appearance

You've taken care of the clothing, the shoes, the watch, and the overall presentation. But, little things can happen that can become a big distraction.

Find a quick moment to go to the bathroom and look at your appearance carefully. Is there anything stuck in your teeth? Is there a stain on your shirt? Is there a stray hair waving around, or an eyebrow hair descending into your view? How about your nails? Are they as clean as they can be (any kind of dirt under your nails is going to come across as unprofessional in most jobs you apply for). Make every effort to take care of the smallest details before you walk into the room.

3. Check your breath

Your breath can have an awfully big impact on a first impression. Even if it's due to something like a few too many cups of coffee or eating something that went heavy on the garlic at lunchtime, it can be off-putting and make you memorable for the wrong reasons.

Ideally, you will want to brush your teeth before you get into the interview room. Bring a small toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste, or better yet, a small disposable toothbrush that comes with its own built-in toothpaste. If that's not an option, mints or gum are a good alternative, but make sure neither of those are in your mouth when you're invited into the room.

4. Practice good posture and confident body language

All those times your teachers and parents said, "Don't slouch" are about to come in handy. You don't want to be so relaxed that you look sloppy, but you also don't want to be as stiff as a board. Sit up nice and straight, elevate your chin a little, and look your hiring manager in the eye.

Although folding your arms does not necessarily mean that you're closed off, many interviewers still think that it does; so, put your hands in your lap, and don't fidget. Don't have a cellphone at hand, as that is a distraction. And don't switch positions constantly through the interview. Your posture should ooze confidence without being noticeable. Plus, a good posture can also boost your own self esteem. (See also: 5 Things Never to Bring Up in a Job Interview)

5. Be aware of the latest news

You most likely have a smartphone, so use it. While you're in the waiting room, scan the news headlines. What's going on in the world? Is there anything that could have an impact on the company you're about to interview with?

Even if there isn't, being informed on the latest news shows that you're on top of things. The interviewer may well start off the interview with some chit chat about something that happened that day, or the night before, and if you're clueless about it, things can get awkward. You don't need to be an expert, just in the know.

6. Read through your resume one more time

You should know your resume like the back of your hand, but that shouldn't stop you from giving it another quick glance before you step into the interview room. Go over the details once again. Pick out the parts that you are most proud of, and concentrate on those in the interview. If possible, have extra copies of your resume printed out and ready to hand over to both the interviewer, and any other people he or she may have invited to sit in on the meeting. (See also: This Is What Your Resume Should Include in 2018)

7. Get a good night's rest

A good eight hours of rest the night before can do wonders for your mental state, and you should do whatever you can to make this happen.

Turn off any unnecessary lights or electronic devices, as the darker the room the better you'll rest. Turn down the heat, or turn up the A/C. Scientists recommend a temperature as low as 60 degrees for optimal sleep, but between 60 and 67 degrees is the given range. And make sure you have closed all windows and other possible means of distraction; a barking dog at 3 a.m. will not be welcomed. Also, don't use alcohol or medication to help you drift off. They may help you get to sleep, but they do not help you stay asleep.

8. Give yourself plenty of time to get there

Plan your route, and plan alternate routes just in case something happens. Most GPS systems will give you detour options if you hit a sudden jam, but even they can be a nightmare to negotiate, especially if it is miles to the nearest exit.

So, consider how long it usually takes to get from point A to point B, and leave early to make sure you are there on time. You don't want to be rushing, or frantic to the point of panic. It will show when you arrive, and you'll be known as the sweaty, flustered candidate that cannot get organized. It's better to be 20 minutes early than five minutes late. (See also: 10 Things You Should Never Do During a Job Interview)

9. Read over the job posting

Why bother? You already applied, your application was accepted, and you're about to step into an interview room. Well, the last thing you want to do is look unprepared. It may have been weeks, or even months, since you last read the job description and you don't want any questions to take you by surprise. In particular, look at the skills or duties required in the role to which you applied. Pick out the ones that align closest with your own skill set and be sure to bring them up in the interview.

10. Have questions ready to ask the interviewer

Remember, you're not just there to answer questions, but to ask them as well. In fact, some hiring managers place more emphasis on the questions you ask than how you answer the ones they shoot at you.

Your questions, if they're smart and probing, show the interviewer that you've done your homework, care about the role, and want to be as informed as possible when making your decision. This, in turn, says a lot about you as a candidate. Almost every interviewer will ask you if you have questions at some point, and if you look lost or mumble and stutter, you may well take yourself out of the running right then and there. (See also: 15 Questions You Should Always Ask at the End of a Job Interview)

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Using These 5 Words Will Help You Feel More Successful

Sarah Winfrey — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 15:00:09 +0000

You have the knowledge, the work ethic, and the passion. Now, it's just a matter of getting other people on board, and to do that, you have to sound successful.

And most of us don't always do that part well. While there's a lot that goes into inspiring confidence, like the way you hold yourself when you speak and your overall presentation, some of the most important factors are, yes, the actual words that come out of your mouth. With that in mind, here are five words and phrases that can help you sound as successful as you know you are.

1. "Challenge"

Instead of thinking in terms of problems and solutions, think in terms of challenges. In particular, make sure you use the word "challenge" in conversation. "Problem" is a word with negative connotations. A problem feels like a big, hard thing that you're going to have to work really hard to overcome.

A challenge, on the other hand, is kind of fun. Solving a challenge is an adventure. It's stimulating. And speaking about challenges rather than about problems makes you sound successful because it makes you sound confident. You aren't overwhelmed. You aren't scared or worried. You're just gearing up to overcome a challenge.

2. "Assist"

"Help" is another word with negative connotations. Asking for help makes you seem weak rather than successful, like you can't do what you are supposed to do or what you would need to do in order to get a task done.

Instead, use the word "assist." Asking for assistance comes across as asking someone to walk with you rather than to do your job for you. For instance, when people ask for help carrying something, they usually want the helper to do it for them. When they ask for assistance, it sounds like they want someone to carry one end while they carry another.

Offering to assist, rather than to help, empowers the people around you, too. Sure, they can do their jobs, they just need an assist now and then. This inspires them to see you as successful because you are lifting them up, not knocking them down.

3. "I Don't"

When you want to say "no," use "I don't" instead of "I can't." Studies show that people who say "I don't" are more likely to stick to their decisions than people who use "I can't."

If you say that you can't do something, it sounds like you are subject to the whim of forces stronger than you. You sound weak, like you don't make decisions based on your own convictions and beliefs.

When you say that you don't do something, it immediately comes across as a deliberate choice. You could do something, but you don't, and you have chosen that way of being in the world.

4. "Done"

Use the word "done" in written and oral communications, and you will both sound and become more successful. When you let people know that you have finished a task or have already taken care of some objection they are raising, you show them that you are on top of your game and, therefore, successful.

"Done" also helps you feel good about the work you are doing. It is similar to checking something off a list, except that "done" is even more powerful for helping you feel like you have accomplished something. You are a mover and a shaker because you are someone who sees things through — who gets them done.

5. "Commit"

No one really cares about what you are hoping for, what you want to see happen, or what you wish for. Nope. When it comes to success, they care about what you are committed to.

Telling people where your commitments lie will help them trust you, but it will also help them see you as successful. When you know what you value and why, and how that plays out in whatever endeavor you're discussing, you sound confident and competent.

"Commit" is a powerful word, and it makes you sound trustworthy, thoughtful, and intentional, all of which are characteristics that lend themselves to success.

Are there words you try to use when you want to sound more successful? What are they and how have they worked for you?

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: