You have an interview. What are you going to do next?
Before the Interview
- Review interview questions and figure out how to answer them.
There are several places to get lists of interview questions.
https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-answer-the-31-most-common-interview-questions
https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/common-interview-questions/
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/100-potential-interview-questions
- You want to develop answers to the questions and be prepared but don’t memorize them. You want to look natural when asked these questions during the interview.
You also want to share stories that show your skills and successes.
- Include the ways your successes helped your company.
- Be yourself in the interview.
- Turn negatives into positives
Dress for Success
- When going to the interview, you want to look dressed up and professional.
Start by researching the company’s dress code.
Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident.
Use your best judgement and don’t overthink it.
Avoid revealing clothing.
Choose clothing accommodating to the climate and season.
Check for stains, snags, pet hairs and holes.
Ensure clothing is pressed and wrinkle free.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-dress-for-a-job-interview
**Dress One or Two Levels Up
“The rule of thumb is that you dress one or two levels higher than the job that you’re going for,” explains Kate Wendleton, president and founder of the Five O’Clock Club, a national career counseling and outplacement firm.
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/appropriate-interview-dress
After the interview
Send a thank you note.
It reminds them of who you are and thanks them for the interview.
Looks very Professional
When you get the job offer:
Here’s what to do when you get a job offer:
Use your manners.
Get the offer in writing. …
Don’t skip the benefits section. …
Determine what’s what. …
Understand objectives. …
Consider negotiating. …
Read everything. …
Take some time.
https://www.livecareer.com/resources/jobs/offers/job-offer
Once you have the offer in writing make sure you look over everything. You want to be able to make a good decision. (You don’t have to accept the job, just because it is offered.)
Evaluate everything making sure that it fits your needs and job desires.
Are you getting paid a fair wage for your experience and talents?
Make sure you understand everything. If you don’t ask. Don’t assume anything.
If the money is not right, are there other things you can negotiate with to give you what you need? IF it isn’t what you want come up with a counter offer. They may turn them down, but they may not, you never know until you ask.
Some perks you can negotiate with:
Health Insurance
Vacation/Paid Time Off
Performance Bonuses
Paid Sick Days
401(k), Retirement Plan and/or Pension
Flexible Schedule
Office Perks
Employee Development Programs
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Discounts
Gym Membership or Wellness Programs
Stock Options and/or Equity
Condensed work week. While not every organization can sustain this, a condensed work week is one of the most powerful perks you can offer your employees. …
Flexible schedules
Professional development. …
Transportation subsidies.
https://www.snacknation.com/blog/best-employee-perks/
https://risepeople.com/blog/9-affordable-employee-perks/
Handling declines
If you are declining the offer, you should do it nicely. Better not to burn any bridges in case you need to reapply for another job with the company in the future.
- Tell them immediately of your decision
- Show Your Appreciation
- Give a good but brief reason
- stay in touch
https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-decline-a-job-offer.html
https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-gracefully-turn-down-a-job-offer
Last but not least:
If you don’t get hired, don’t be afraid to reapply for the job again if you see it re-posted. Especially if you have gotten more training or education, or have more experience. It is always worth another look.