Tag Archive for: Interview

10 Tips to Relax and Be Yourself When Interviewing for a Job

Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming job interview? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! A lot of people feel anxious when they’re in front of a hiring manager. However, it’s important to remember that the interviewer is just a person too, and they want to see the real you; don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

In this blog post, we will give you 10 tips on how to relax and be yourself during your next job interview. Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to impress the hiring manager!

1. Don’t forget to breath

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time, don’t forget to take a deep breath and relax. It’s important to remember that the interviewer wants to get to know you, and they’re not looking to trip you up. They’re not looking to trip you up or catch you off guard. They want to see how you think on your feet and how you handle pressure. So, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. Trust that you have the skills and qualifications they’re looking for, and let your personality shine through.

2. Believe in your skills and abilities

It can be easy to doubt yourself when applying for a job, especially if you’re up against some stiff competition. But it’s important to remember that you are qualified for this position and have something unique to offer the company. So believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to show it! Confidence is an essential quality in any employee, and it will show through in your interactions with potential employers. So even if you’re feeling a bit nervous, try to project confidence in yourself and your abilities. It could make all the difference in landing the job of your dreams.

3. Prepare and do your homework

Going into an interview can be nerve-wracking, but there are some things you can do to prepare ahead of time and help ease your nerves. One of the best things you can do is research the company and the role you’re interviewing for. This way, you’ll know what the interviewer is likely to ask, and you can have some thoughtful answers prepared.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to practice your answers to common interview questions aloud. This will help you get more comfortable speaking about yourself and your qualifications. By taking some time to prepare ahead of time, you’ll be more confident and relaxed during your interview, which will increase your chances of impressing the interviewer and landing the job.

4. Be articulate

When you’re in an interview, the most important thing is to be clear and concise in your communication. The interviewer wants to understand what you’re saying, so make sure to speak slowly and clearly. Avoid using jargon or fancy words that the interviewer might not understand. Instead, focus on speaking clearly and confidently. This will help ensure that the interviewer understands what you’re saying and that you come across as a competent, capable candidate. And if you’re not sure if the interviewer understands what you’re saying, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

Remember, the goal is to make a good impression and land the job! So take your time, speak clearly, and be your best self.

5. Be an active listener

It’s important to remember that an interview is a two-way street. While you’re trying to impress the interviewer and sell yourself as the ideal candidate for the job, the interviewer is also trying to get to know you better and determine if you’re a good fit for their company. With that in mind, it’s important to listen to the interviewer and be engaged in the conversation. This is your chance to show that you’re interested in the position and that you’re a good listener. So, pay attention to what the interviewer is saying and ask follow-up questions if needed. By doing so, you’ll not only improve your chances of getting the job, but you’ll also make a good impression on the interviewer.

6. Be honest

In any interview, it is always best to answer questions truthfully. The interviewer isn’t looking for a perfect answer; they want to see how you think and how you would handle certain situations. So, don’t try to memorize a response ahead of time; be honest and authentic. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t try to make something up – instead, say that you don’t know, but you would be happy to research the answer and get back to the interviewer later. Be confident in your abilities and be humble and willing to learn. This will show the interviewer that you are both competent and coachable, which are both qualities they are looking for in a potential employee.

7. Don’t forget to ask questions

The question-asking phase of an interview is as vital as the answer phase. By asking questions, you demonstrate to the interviewer that you’re engaged and interested in the role. You can also use this time to know more about the company and see if it’s a good fit for you. When formulating your questions, try to avoid yes or no questions. Instead, ask open-ended questions that will give you more insight into the company culture and the day-to-day responsibilities of the role. This will impress the interviewer and help you determine if this is the right job for you.

8. Be positive

It’s crucial to have the right mindset before you even step foot into the interview room. After all, your state of mind will be evident in your body language and demeanor. This doesn’t mean that you should be fake or forced, but it does mean that you should try to put your best foot forward. The interviewer wants to see that you’re excited about the opportunity and would be a positive addition to the team.

So, take a deep breath and remind yourself to be positive and upbeat throughout the interview. Make sure to smile and exude confidence! Of course, it’s also essential to be prepared to answer questions thoughtfully and articulate why you’re the best candidate for the job. But if you can keep your head up and maintain a positive attitude, you’ll be well on your way to nailing the interview.

9. Follow up with a thank-you note

After you’ve taken the time to craft your resume and prepare for your interviews carefully, the hard work isn’t quite over yet. To make a lasting impression, it’s essential to take a few extra steps once the interview is over. First, send a thank-you note to each person who interviewed you. This is just a nice gesture that shows you appreciate the time they took to meet with you. Plus, it gives you one last chance to reiterate your interest in the position.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to follow up with the interviewer if you haven’t heard back from them within a week or two. This shows that you’re still interested in the role and that you’re willing to be persistent. Taking these extra steps can make the difference in landing your dream job.

10. Plan something for after

The interview is over, and you did great! But now what? While it may be tempting to go home and relax, it’s necessary to have something to look forward to on the same day. So plan something fun for after the interview—something you can look forward to, such as drinks with your friends or a marathon of your favorite show. This will help you stay positive and motivated and keep your mind off the waiting game. Plus, it’ll give you something to talk about with your friends or family when you debrief them about the interview. So go ahead and make plans for that post-interview celebration—you deserve it!

We hope these tips help you relax and be yourself during your next job interview! Just remember that the interviewer is just another person, and they want to see the real you. So take a deep breath, be confident, and show them what you’re made of. Good luck!

If you’re looking for a job that will allow you to relax and be yourself, Award Staffing is the perfect place for you! We specialize in finding the ideal match for both our clients and employees, so you can be confident that you’re making the right decision. Visit our current job openings to find your dream job!

How to Determine a Company’s Culture

Before accepting a job at any company, it’s a good idea to gage what the ambience of working there will be like. Especially if you would like it to be a long-term position that helps you grow in your career, you want to ensure that it will be an environment where you fit in well and feel confident that you can thrive. Employees today list company culture as one of their top values. They know that even if they are compensated well, if they aren’t comfortable in the environment or with the people they are working with, it is unlikely to last long.

If you flat out ask a hiring manger or recruiter what a company culture is like, they will likely just tell you want you want to hear. Of course, when they are in need of more employees and know that you are a good candidate, they’ll say whatever they have to in order to keep you. That is why you as a job seeker can (and should) ask discreet questions and pay attention to subtle signs that help you gain a better perspective on what a company’s culture is truly like. Here are some suggestions:

 

1. Show up Early to an Interview and Observe

Instead of looking through your materials or going over what you plan to say in your head, pay attention to how the employees are interacting. Did the receptionist greet you? Are the employees conversing with one another? Is the office atmosphere quiet because everyone is working independently? Notice things like the dress code and how the office is decorated. This can be a good indicator of if it is a place you would enjoy working.

Whatever you take note of in the office; it is up to you to decide if you truly envision yourself working there. Everyone is going to have a different preference for what type of company will be a good fit for them. Gaging a culture begins from the moment you walk in the door.

2. Ask: “How long have you been with the company?”

This doesn’t just go for the person interviewing you, ask as many people as you can. If everyone you speak with has had a short tenure with the company, you need to ask more questions, such as, ‘how long have the longest employees worked here.” In the chance that the company is new, this can be ok. However, if it’s an established company, this is likely a sign that a company needs improvement. Maybe people are expected to work too much or that they would benefit from changing management.

3. Ask: “Does anyone here ever transfer departments?”

If you’ve ever been in a position where you enjoyed your company, just not your department, but were denied every opportunity to make a lateral move; it can be tempting to overtly ask if transfers are allowed. Most of the time, companies claim that they have plenty of flexibility and career growth, but often when the time comes, they choose to keep you stagnant for their own benefit. There’s nothing that will tell you more than specific examples. If they introduce you to someone who has made a lateral move, even better. 

4. Ask about Lunch Breaks

While you don’t have to ask specific questions about lunch, get an idea of how most employees spend their breaks. If you find out that everyone takes lunch at their desk, it could mean that employees are too overworked to disengage- even just for half an hour. It could also imply that the majority of people who work there are introverted and that it isn’t an office with a lot of interaction. While some people may prefer this, others may rather work for a company with strong social connections and a lot of team work. Depending on your preference, this can tell you a lot.

5. Review the Company on Multiple Platforms

This can happen before or after you go in for an interview. Look at employee review sites such as Glassdoor to see how internal employees rate the company. Where are their strengths and where are they falling short?  Also, LinkedIn to see employee profiles. Take note of how long several of them have been working for the company and what they list as their interests and job history. This way you can infer whether or not it is a pleasant place to work and see if you have anything in common with current employees.

6. Ask about Internal Career Paths

Just like everything else, ask for specific examples of where someone started, where they are now, and what it took for them to get there. How long were they with the company before they got their first promotion? How did they get the promotion, were they offered it or did they have to apply for it? Asking the right questions here is important because you don’t want them to give you a generic answer. If professional growth is important to you, it’s important that you find a company that not only sees your value, but also wants to see you expand.

When searching for your next best opportunity, you’ll want to make sure that a company matches your expectations. The best way to ensure this happens is with observation, research, and asking the right questions.

If you are currently in search of a new job, check out our latest opportunities here.

 

How to Have a Successful In-Person Interview

When looking for a new job, hearing back from a company that wants to interview you can be quite the confidence booster. Clearly you nailed your résumé and cover letter, now the final step is to make the best impression you possibly can on the hiring manager to show that you are the right candidate for the position. This can feel intimidating as it puts a lot of pressure on you to do well. Luckily, there are techniques you can put to use to make your interview as successful as possible.

Dress to Fit the Culture

You are probably used to hearing the phrase “dress to impress” when it comes to an interview. While that concept still rings true, it doesn’t have the same meaning it once did. A few decades ago, nearly all companies had a professional dress code as they wanted to be seen as polished and prestigious. In today’s world, many companies take pride in their more casual and laid back atmosphere. When you show up to an interview, it’s important that you demonstrate your understanding of their culture by showing up in attire that matches their company values. Gone are the days of showing up to every interview in a business suit. As you’re dressing to impress, keep the aesthetic of their brand in mind. If you’re not sure what to wear, business casual is always a safe bet.

Arrive Early

When I was in college, one of the best pieces of advice I ever got was, “the secret to not being late is to be early”. I’ll seriously never forget that. When leaving for an interview, it’s best to leave around 20 minutes earlier than you need to. This way, in the case you get stuck behind an accident, caught in unexpected traffic, or accidentally make a wrong turn, you will be able to make up for the lost time without becoming stressed out. The stress of possibly not being on time will only put you in a negative headspace which could affect your performance during the interview.

Being early also makes you look together and well-prepared. If you arrive early, you will be able to observe the office/site a bit and gage the dynamic among future colleagues. You will also likely get to meet more people and will have the time to fill out paperwork if need be, without cutting into actual interview time.

 

Be Cordial

This begins before you even arrive at the office. Be sure that you greet everyone; including the person at the door, people in the elevator, and the people you pass on the way to the interview room. You never know who you’re talking to or what connection the people you encounter have to the person interviewing you. The interactions you have prior to the interview can make or break the entire process. Remember, the interview starts before you even say anything.

 

Pay Attention to Your Body Language

Communication extends beyond just the things you say. Eye contact, posture, and the gestures you make will all make you appear both confident and refined. The interviewer wants to see someone with self-pride and eagerness for the position. That is why it is essential that you present yourself as credible without coming off as too uptight. When in the interview, be sure you are facing the person you are speaking with, are sitting tall, and that your facial expressions emanate that of someone who is engaged in the conversation. Also, don’t forget to have a firm handshake.

 

Come Prepared

There are many different components to this. Even though you know they already have your résumé, be sure to bring at least two extra copies in case they ask for another one to look over during the interview. Also, bring your portfolio of past work and a notebook to write down key information that they may tell you during the interview. This will make you stand out, as not many interviewees’ do this. Additionally, do your research on the company prior to the interview. Know who the executives are and what the company does outside of (what would be) your department. Keep in mind – there is no such thing is being over prepared, especially not for a position that you really want.

Ask Questions

If the person interviewing you says something that you don’t quite understand, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or a little more detail. This shows that you are interested and will make the conversation more of a dialogue. At the end of the interview, when they ask if you have any questions; have at least a few questions you’re prepared to ask them. Ideally, these would be questions outside of when your start date would be or when you can expect to hear back from them. Ask a question about the company that isn’t stated on the website or something about the company culture. The company wants to hire someone who will be invested in them and their mission. Having questions at the end of the interview will indicate just that.

If you are currently in search of a new job, check out our opportunities here.

 

3 Easy Ways to Make a Great Impression in a Interview

When you are trying to get a new job, making strong first impressions during a job interview is vital to your success. The first introduction you have with a hiring manager is going to impact every interaction you have after. You want to make sure that it goes well.

The challenge is trying to figure out how to make great first impressions. Most often, job seekers fall back on trial and error, adjusting their approach after each interview. But, there are three easy things you can do that will help you make a better first impression during a job interview. Here is what you need to do.

1. Assess Your Previous Interactions With Others-

If you want to improve how a hiring manager perceives you during the first critical moments of an interview, you need to reflect on how you have come off in past interviews.

The easiest way to do this is to ask yourself a series of questions – be sure to answer them honestly. For example, do you actively listen when a hiring manager speaks or do you just wait for your turn to talk? Are you respectful of the hiring manager’s personal space or do you tend to intrude? Did your introduction come off as confident or arrogant?

Yes, asking these questions can be difficult, but it’s necessary to improve. By doing this, you start to identify any potential shortcomings, allowing you a chance to fix them.

2. Know Your Strengths-

By knowing what you do well, you can adjust your interviewing style to play the areas where you are strong. Knowing your strengths can give you a nice confidence boost.

Actively knowing what your strengths allow you to recognize skills that don’t require improvement, which lessens the amount of work you have to put forth to make a better first impression.

3. Work on Your Weaknesses-

Almost everyone struggles in some manner when introducing themselves to a hiring manager. The key is to understand what your’s are so you can improve on them. For example, if you tend to stumble over the interview question, “Tell me about yourself,” you can focus on preparing a robust and straightforward response that touches on all the right points – doing this until it becomes second nature. Let’s say that you don’t have a firm handshake; you can ask for the help of a trusted friend to help you get more comfortable.

When you practice self-awareness, you begin to spot potential problems quickly and take steps to fix any issues that can harm your chances of getting a new job. As you continually work through your weakness, the quality of your first impressions will drastically improve, ultimately helping you manage interviews easier.

If you are interested in finding out how to make better first impressions or are searching for a new job opportunity, the hiring team at Award Staffing can help. Contact us today to speak with one of our team members to see how we can help you take the next level in your career.

How Minnesota Job Seekers Reduce Pre-Interview Jitters

Nervous before your job interview? Don’t worry; it’s normal. Reducing the appearance of your pre-interview jitters, however, will increase the possibility that the company will hire you. Try these tips.

Don’t Drink Coffee Before the Interview-

Most people are coffee drinkers, who tend to have one to two cups of coffee in the morning to jumpstart their day. We’re telling you: don’t do it. Caffeine exacerbates anxiety, and it’s one of the worst things you can consume if you’re trying to get yourself to calm down and not be nervous. If you do need something to wake you up on the morning of the interview, try going for a jog or sipping on an herbal beverage (like tea) that is low in caffeine. It might take a little getting used to, but you will find that your nerves will provide you with more than enough energy. Skip the caffeine!

Listen to Calming Music-

Studies reveal that music plays a significant role in our mood and emotions. In fact, upbeat music will get your heart beating a lot faster than your resting heart rate, which will be harder to deal with when you’re trying to calm down. If you want to walk into your interview with a calm demeanor, try listening to acoustic or classical music fifteen or twenty minutes before your interview. You will feel your heart rate slow down, which your chances of walking into the interview calm, collected, and ready to go.

Review Your Resume-

Interviews can be stressful because of the pressure associated with sitting across from another person who is grilling you about your accomplishments and skills. Even though you know what you’ve done and what skills you possess, you may find yourself tripping over your words if you’re nervous. One way to combat this is to review your resume right before going in the interview. If nothing else, it will give you a series of talking points to hit while answering questions so you can steer the conversation more toward where you want it to go.

Searching for a way to experience real-life interviews? Contact Award Staffing. We will not only help you secure job interviews but also help you adequately prepare for each one – no need for nerves! We will be able to help you find a job that is the perfect fit for you and your unique skill sets. Our team of hiring professional located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota are here to help you find you your next new job opportunity!

3 Steps to You Need to Always do After an Interview

Having a job interview for a company you are interested in can be a life-changing event. You are being given a chance to prove yourself as an employee and discuss what skills you can bring to the company. After you have completed your job interview, there are three steps you should take to increase your chances of being hired.

Send a Thank You Card-

The most important step to take after an interview is to send a thank you card. This will let the interviewer know you appreciated their time and were interested in learning about the position. The interviewer will be impressed by your manners as well as your thoughtfulness and respect.

Follow Up in One Week-

If you are interested in the job, but haven’t heard back from your interviewer within a week, it’s time for you to follow up. This can be done via e-mail or over the phone and can be phrased in the following way: “Hi, I’m still very interested in the position I interviewed for with you last Friday. I was wondering when I could expect to hear from you.” This will remind the interviewer that you are still very interested in the job and let him or her know that you’re persistent and motivated. Plus, you will stand out compared to other interviewees who don’t take the time to follow up and just let the job slip away.

Mentally Prepare Yourself-

After your interview, it’s essential to mentally prepare yourself for all the factors that surround this particular job. Are you ready for this kind of commitment? What steps will you need to take to get prepared if you are hired quickly? Will you need to speak to your family about the job? Whatever factors you’re dealing with, make sure to sort through them after the interview, so you are prepared to give a definite “yes” or “no” answer when your interviewer contacts you.

If you want to be interviewed by great companies for various jobs opportunities, contact Award Staffing. We will set you up with interviews for companies that are well suited to your needs. When you are finished interviewing, keep these tips in mind to increase your chances for success.

5 Reasons Why You Don’t Hear Back After an Interview

It’s a typical scenario in the job searching process; once the interview is over, it feels like complete silence on the part of the hiring manager, and silence is the last thing you ever want to hear. Sometimes a lack of feedback doesn’t necessarily mean that you didn’t get the job. Here are five typical reasons you don’t hear back after an interview:

1. Other Candidates are Being Interviewed –

Depending on the scheduling, the interviewing process might not be done in a single day, or even in a week. If that job you are interviewing for requires multiple interviews, it can take even longer. In most scenarios, individuals aren’t informed of the results of an interview until all of the interviews are complete, no matter of how well it went.

2. Multiple People Are Involved In Make The Decision-

If you have ever interviewed with a group or had numerous one-on-one interviews, then the hiring decision is most likely made by a group of people, not a single hiring manager. That means that every person interviewing has to provide feedback on each candidate to come to a group consensus. Depending on the number of interviews, and the schedules of every interviewer, this process might take weeks before a final candidate is selected.

3. Work Delays Their Decision –

Most hiring managers also have regular job responsibilities and duties that they must complete in their day-to-day roles. If something urgent happens after your interview is complete, they most likely will turn their attention to that issue – delaying the hiring process.

4. More than One Qualified Candidate –

Sometimes a hiring manager’s decision comes down to more than one qualified candidate, and selecting between more than one great candidate isn’t always easy. If either person could perform the job, fit into the company culture, and provide long-term value – this makes the decision much more challenging.

The hiring and onboarding process is costly to businesses; this puts hiring managers under pressure to make the right decision. When two job candidates seem to be an ideal fit, getting to a point where a confident hiring decision can be made can take longer than most people realize.

5. You Are Not a Final Candidate –

Not every company notifies job candidates that were not selected for a job. While this is often frustrating, it is common practice. Don’t let this keep you down, take some time to reflect on what went well with your interview and then continue your job search.

If you are looking for a new job opportunity in Minnesota, and want the Twin Cities top staffing professionals to help you with your job search, Award Staffing is here to help. Contact us today and see what current job openings we have open today!

The Minnesota Way to Dress For a Job Interview

If you dress well for an interview, no matter what type of job it is, you are more likely to be hired. Here are some of our tips on how to dress for an interview.

Dress For Success-

When you go in for an interview, you want to make the best first impression possible.  In other words, what you wear matters!  Choose professional clothing that doesn’t show too much skin. Men can’t go wrong with some nice slacks and a button-down shirt. Women can’t go wrong with a cute business skirt or slacks and blouse combination. Before you go into your interview, iron your clothes or have them dry-cleaned to make sure they’re not wrinkled

Be Mindful of Tattoos and Piercings-

If you have a lot of visible tattoos and piercings, it’s a good idea to remove them before the interview. Regardless of whether or not it is fair, some companies will make judgments and associate tattoos and piercings with being irresponsible or reckless. Even if this is not the case, you want to make sure you remove them so the interviewer can get to know the real you and not fixate on your tattoos and piercings. Furthermore, in light industrial jobs, excessive piercings can sometimes create a safety hazard.

Keep Hygiene in Mind-

When you’re trying to make a good first impression, you always want to keep hygiene in mind. Part of good hygiene includes brushing your hair, showering, washing your face, and brushing your teeth. You wouldn’t want your interviewer to have a wrong impression of you based merely on how you look or smell. Spend a few minutes before you have to leave for your interview focusing on hygiene, and your interviewer will be able to focus on what you’re saying.

Add Tasteful Accessories-

Wearing tasteful accessories to an interview can accentuate your overall appearance and presentation. An example of an elegant accessory for a man would be a nice watch. An example of an elegant accessory for a woman would be a necklace or some earrings. Adding an exquisite accessory, without overdoing, tells your interviewer that you care enough to take that additional step and are responsible enough to find a balance. If you have an interview, you are seriously being considered for a job. You can increase your chances of being hired if you dress well and present yourself positively for your first interview.

If you need help finding job interviews, contact Award Staffing.  We will be able to help you find a job that is the perfect fit for you and your unique skill sets. Our team of hiring professional located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota are here to help you find you your next new job opportunity!

Don’t Think Details Matter in an Interview? Think Again

If you’re interviewing for jobs, you likely have been told the “correct” answers you should give so as not to mess anything up for yourself. However, you might want to rethink some of that advice if you want to stand out in your interviewer’s mind. Here’s how to avoid giving vague interview answers:

Disguising a Strength as a Weakness-

Everyone knows that they’re “supposed to” disguise a strength as a weakness. However, everyone does this, so this answer is no longer relevant! To stand out, try giving a weakness you used to have; you can combat the negative stigma by telling them how you overcame it. This will show that you are honest, self-aware, and willing to try hard to fix your mistakes.

Not Being Specific about the Company-

If you aren’t specific enough about why you want to work at that company, you are hurting yourself in your interview. It’s easy enough to go into an interview and tell the interviewer that you want to work at that job because you want to make the world a better place. It’s harder (but much more impressive) to tell the interviewer that you want to work at that job because you admire the C.E.O. for the work she did while in Africa two years ago. Being specific about the job shows that you care.

Selling Yourself Short-

Don’t be vague about your skills, interests, or work history. Doing so means that you are selling yourself short, which is never good in an interview. You want to be specific with examples about what you are good at, because you may find that your interviewer is interested in using you for multiple skills.

If you are looking for a new job opportunity, whether short-term or long-term, contact Award Staffing. Our team of hiring professional located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota are here to help you find you your next new job!

5 Interview Mistakes That We See All The Time

So, you have a job interview – congratulations! Hopefully, you’re prepared and have your resume ready to go. But, what are some interview mistakes that could end up costing you the job? Here are five common errors.

You Were Late to Your Interview-

First impressions matter and one of the biggest impressions you can give someone is whether or not you can be punctual. It’s important to account for any factors that could make you late (traffic, construction, phone dying). Your interviewer doesn’t want to hear excuses; your interviewer wants to meet you!

You Brought a Friend-

Bringing a friend to your interview makes you look unprofessional and immature. If the friend needs to be with you for some reason, ask him or her to wait in the car or outside. It’s essential that your interviewer’s first impression of you is of you alone.

You Were Underdressed-

Don’t show up to your interview in jeans. Even if the job you’re interviewing for is casual, showing up in nice clothes symbolizes respect and a commitment to the job. If you don’t have nice clothes, see if you can borrow some from a friend for the interview.

You Got a Phone Call During the Interview-

If you must bring your cell phone into the interview, don’t forget to turn it on silent. Even vibrate isn’t good enough because that can still be heard. If your phone starts ringing or loudly vibrating while you’re talking, it’s likely that your interviewer will lose his or her train of thought and not be able to focus on what you’re saying.

You Didn’t Shake Hands-

Always shake hands with your interviewer when you first meet them, and when you’re about to walk out the door. This shows your interviewer that you respect them. It also shows that you’re mature and aren’t afraid of eye contact. If you’re aware of these common interview pitfalls, hopefully, you can avoid them so you can increase your chances of being hired.

Need some help?  Contact Award Staffing. We will be able to match you up with interviews in your area so you can get the job opportunity you want. We have offices located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota to help you with your job search today! Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.