When the job market gets tougher, every interview becomes more and more important. But how can you tell if you’re making the right impression? Take this quick Cutter Automotive Galleries quiz to figure out if you stand out at job interviews.
What do you wear to your interview?
- A jacket and tie (or blouse). I want to feel like I own the room.
- Whatever I’m comfortable in. I feel most confident in my favorite jeans.
- Something clean and presentable. Khakis are a true wardrobe workhorse.
What do you bring to your interview?
- A portfolio showcasing my latest and greatest projects.
- A smile and a handshake—and maybe some chewing gum.
- Extra copies of my resume and transcripts, just in case.
Do you practice for your interview ahead of time?
- Yes, I think of specific instances of successes in my professional career that I can use as examples of my qualifications, and I practice talking about them.
- No. There’s no telling what they’ll ask anyway, so why bother?
- Yes, I think about questions the interviewer might ask and ways I might answer.
How do you feel while you’re being interviewed?
- In control. I might have a few butterflies, but I know my qualifications well enough to feel confident in the room.
- Totally comfortable. I treat it like a chat with my friends.
- No matter how much I prepare, I always feel nervous.
When you talk about your skills, you:
- Outline specific events or accomplishments that exemplify your qualities. (I maintained communication with an entire department via email and memos to keep production on schedule.)
- Talk about your general qualities. (I have good communication skills).
- Explain why you can be expected to show a skill. (I’ve had training in business communication).
How do you follow up after your interview?
- I send a thank you letter the day after my interview.
- I wait for a call; there’s nothing else I can do.
- I call a week later to check on hiring progress.
Now it’s time to tally your score. Compare your answers with the results below:
Mostly 1’s: You are a candidate who knows how to make a good impression. Everything from your outfit to your answers says that you’re a serious professional candidate. Gestures like sending a thank-you letter after the interview show courtesy and respect, and really set you apart. If your qualifications and experience match your interview skills, chances are you’ll be getting that much-sought-after phone call sooner rather than later.
Mostly 2’s: You might stand out at your interview, but it’s not for the right reasons. Vague, generic answers and an inappropriate casual wardrobe give off the vibe that you aren’t especially prepared, and probably aren’t taking things as seriously as your competition.
Mostly 3’s: You are interviewing competently, and you have the potential to stand out. Your presentation and responses are appropriate, but they aren’t enough to set you apart yet. In short, you’re doing what you’re supposed to do, but haven’t taken things to the next level. With just a little more preparation, you could move up from the middle of the pack to the front runner.
No matter what your answers say about your interviewing skills, the most important thing is to recognize ways that you can continue to improve your performance in the interview room. When you present yourself professionally, prepare for the task at hand, and focus on specific answers that show off your individual skills and experiences, you put yourself in the best possible position to finally get the job.
