Treat It Like A Date: 6 Tips To Acing That Big Job Interview

A lot of people don’t notice that handling a job interview is like handling a first date. Aside from the fact: “you don’t always get what you want”, there are a lot of other similarities. While the interviewer is out for someone who’s right for the job, your date is, well, come to think of it, looking for the same thing. Scoring with both means handling the situation right, so here are x tips to do what you need to do:

Prepare for anything and everything. As soon as you schedule a date or an interview, think of the things you need to get done; if needed, make a list. The key to job interview preparation is being organized. Once you have a list, you can cross-check that list every time you feel anxious about forgetting something. Getting there prepared shows that you’re dependable and responsible.

Get there on time. And if possible, at least 30 to 40 minutes later. Being set to arrive nearly an hour early puts you at an advantageous position: You’re sure not to forget anything since you’re not rushing yourself in preparation, and should you forget anything else, that’s what those 40 minutes are for. Arriving early shows that you’re eager to meet, greet, and settle things –a good show of character.

Speak diligently. In the same way a date won’t be impressed by your non-stop talking about your masters degree, so will an interviewer find it more arrogant and unbecoming of a potential employee.

Job interview answers shouldn’t consist of your lifting your own bench. If you truly are worth hiring (or a second date), then your own credentials should speak for yourself. You don’t have to keep repeating your own greatness, nobody likes that.

Dress appropriately. If you’re reserving your best clothes for the right occasion, now’s the time to break them in. Likewise, if the situation calls for a friendlier, less stiff look, then adapt. A date’s personality is determined by where they schedule the date, so will that determine the appropriate attire.

Likewise, you will know what to wear in an interview, depending on what the company does and how it operates. The best job interview skills will work for nothing if you’re the only one in the room wearing socks and sandals, or if you’re the only suit in the vicinity. Try to know beforehand the necessary info so you’ll know how to dress up.

Don’t be nervous. Just the fact that you’re in a date means you’re already in, you just have to seal the deal. It’s the same way in business, being interviewed means being qualified for the job.

It’s just up to you to convince them to give you the job and seal the deal, so to speak. So don’t be too nervous, it may just be an interview but if you play it right, it’s your ticket in.

You can’t just up and go: the only difference between a date and an interview. While you can leave if your date is a jerk, stinks, makes inappropriate comments, or is just plain boring, you have to finish an interview. Whatever happens, write back a job interview thank you letter to show that you’re a professional.