While there’s no fool-proof formula to being a perfect interviewee, a few simple steps can go a long way in making you a memorable, favorable and generally likeable candidate.

1. Do your homework

If you are experienced and impressive enough on paper to land an interview, then you are also smart enough to spend some time researching your interviewer ahead of time. Asking questions and engaging with your interviewer is essential to becoming a memorable candidate. By learning more about the company culture and your interviewer’s background before interview day, you will be prepared to start a meaningful conversation that goes beyond typical small talk.

When given the opportunity, ask relevant questions about the role. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity and show the interviewer that you are impressed with their position in the firm and how they got there. The Internet provides numerous ways to get information about the company and the interviewer. When the interviewer sees that you are up on the latest company news, the technology platform they work on and have insights into the position they seek to fill, your candidacy will be treated more seriously.

Some questions that might catch an interviewer’s attention might include:

• What kind of project would I be involved in upon starting?
• What would be your first year goals or expectations for me in this role?
• What plans are in place to help this department grow or change over the next few years?

2. Be forthright

It is much easier for an  interviewer to justify hiring someone if they genuinely like the applicant. Being friendly and enthusiastic can do wonders in making up for any potential resume shortfalls. The idea behind an interview is for the interviewer to get a read on who you are, what you know, and what it would be like to work with you. If you did your homework you will be able to explain the parts of your experience and background that make you a good fit for the position. Do not give one-word answers. Most questions interviewers ask are meant to initiate a conversation where they can cull an understanding of how you approach your work, the methodologies you use and your general work ethic.

Let them know up front what technologies you have real experience with and what technologies they use that you do not know. Don’t try to cover up experience you do not have. Instead, explain that you are a fast learner, citing examples of similar situations in the past when you were quick to pick up a new methodology or technology. Be sure to tell the interviewer that if you were hired, you would do what you could to familiarize yourself with the technology stack before your start date, so you can shorten your learning curve once aboard.

3. Thank the interviewer

When the interview concludes and you are being led out, be sure to thank your interviewer for taking the time to interview you. If you are truly interested in working there, you should let him or her know that if you were to receive an offer from them, you would seriously consider it and could start quickly. Also, tell your interviewer to feel free to reach out to you or your agent if they have any additional questions about your background or experience.

When you get home, follow up with a brief thank you letter, outlining in a few lines, why you feel you can be an asset to them, and conclude letting them know that you are hopeful you will hear positive news from them soon. The thank you letter can also be an opportunity to mention or reemphasize things that you felt were not fully resolved in the interview. In just a few brief sentences, remind the interviewer why you are an ideal candidate and what unique qualities you can bring to the position.

Ready to schedule your next interview? Contact the IT staffing recruiters at Landover Associates today!