The interview is the last obstacle between you and the career of your dreams. When you present yourself well on paper and in person, the right opportunities will be yours. But between making ends meet and scheduling interviews, preparation can be difficult.

Synergy Staffing recruiters know the fine details that can get you hired or passed over. We’ve got you covered every step of the way and can prepare you in ways most employment seekers never consider. The following interviewing necessities might seem basic, but what they really are is fundamental. Address the following point so make sure your value shines through during your next interview.

PREPARATION:

• Do your research on the company before the interview. Look for Websites, newspapers, and trade magazines.
• Develop a list of questions and information points for discussion. This helps a company understand your level of interest and that you’ve done your homework.
• If necessary, take a test drive to the location the night before your interview to become familiar with the commute and ease interview-day stress.
• Try to arrive 10 minutes early.
• Review your resume. (Know yourself).
• Review your qualifications. (Know your work history).
• Practice the interview with a friend or family member.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE:

• Business professional dress attire. Men should wear a dark suit, tie, and polished dress shoes. For women, blouses, modest dresses, business suits, slacks, and dress shoes are appropriate.
• Make sure you’re well groomed. Please have hair, facial and head, combed, trimmed, shaved, and/or styled in a professional manner. All visible tattoos should be hidden.
• Jewelry should be limited to one necklace, ring, bracelet, or wristwatch. Too much is a distraction.
• All piercings should be removed and/or limited to one earring in each ear. All tongue or facial piercings should be removed.

THE INTERVIEW:

• Bring extra resumes, a notebook, a pen, and the job description.
• Consider bringing your portfolio. It’s optional, but it might better exemplify your work.
• Turn off all cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices before the interview begins.
• Do not chew gum or smoke during the interview.
• Extend your right hand first for greeting, shake hands firmly, and make eye contact.
• Stand and wait for your interviewer(s) to ask you to take a seat to get the interview started.
• Sit attentively with good posture during the interview. Act interested, not desperate.
• Answer questions clearly and concisely, using proper English.
• Do not discuss compensation prematurely. Many interviewers look at this action as a negative.  In addition, Synergy will handle or assist in all compensation negotiations.
• Leave all personal issues at the door. Nothing, other than business and job description, should be discussed.
• Don’t be afraid to politely ask for the position if you like what you hear. Often this action separates candidates and makes “the one candidate” stand out.
• Make sure to take the interviewer’s business card(s).
• Thank the interviewer(s) when leaving. At your first opportunity, email and send a written “Thank you” to the interviewer(s).
• Call or email your Synergy recruiter promptly after the interview to discuss. We often get immediate follow-up responses and decisions from client companies.
• Most importantly, relax, take a deep breath, and be yourself…professionally speaking!