Getting an interview can sometimes be a difficult task when looking for a job. So, when you get one, it is important to make sure that you are prepared and ready for what lies ahead. Getting an interview is not a one step process. There are certain things you need to do in order to “get” an interview. This includes everything from turning in an application to making sure you know when and where to go for the interview.
Here are four steps to getting the interview:
- Submit an Application
- Take a Call From an Employer
- Set Up the Interview Appointment
- Figure Out Details of the Interview
Submit an Application
After you learn about a company and find a job that interests you, you need to fill out a job application. It is important that you fill the application out correctly. You will need to fill out personal information including your name, address, phone number and social security number. You will also be asked about your criminal background, education and employment history. Here are some tips to prepare yourself for submitting an application:
- Have a list of reference ready. Good references are people who know you and who can say whether or not you are responsible and a hard worker. Make sure that you ask your references if you may use them on your job application so they are prepared to answer questions about you when contacted.
- Consider your job availability. On the application, you will be asked your job availability or the days and hours you are available to work, as well as the date you can start working.
- Look over the application for mistakes in grammar or other errors. Ask a person whom you trust to look over your application for mistakes. He or she may catch an error that you did not see.
- Make sure you follow any directions that the employer may give you on how to submit the application. Check the job listing or the actual application for directions.
Take the Call From an Employer
After you submit your job application, be prepared for a call from the organization at any time. The call will most likely happen during work hours (8am-5pm) as it is most likely the hiring manager will be working then. Make sure that you are available at the phone number you gave on your job application.
Some employers may call the very next day, while others may wait a week or two. Be patient. If you do not receive a call from the company within two weeks of applying, you may call the organization and ask about the status of your application. Following up shows that you mean business and are serious about the job. However, make sure you only call once, as you do not want to bother the interviewer.
When you make the phone call, you will want to state your name and the position for which you applied. You may also want to restate your interest in the job and say that you hope to hear from the company about scheduling an interview. You do not want to say that you are calling to schedule an interview. It is not polite to assume that you will receive one.
Set up the Appointment
The interviewer will most likely ask when you are available to come in for the interview. Be flexible with your schedule, and prepared to answer with a few dates and times that will work for you. You should prepare for this ahead of time, and have some dates and times set aside that will work. It will also show the interviewer that you are organized.
After setting up a date and time, make sure you ask the interviewer where the interview will take place. You will be told when and where to meet on the day of the interview. You may also want to ask who will be interviewing you and who else will be present in the interview. The more information you have before the interview, the better prepared you can be!
Figure Out Details of the Interview
Now that the interview is set up with the date, time and location, it is your task to figure out details of how you will get to the interview. If you do not know where the interview location is, now is the time to look it up or go to the location to make sure you know how to find it. This will help you know where you are going on the day of your interview.
It is also time to figure out how you will get there. What kind of transportation will you use? You may have a reliable vehicle you can take or someone who can give you a ride. You may consider public transportation. Whatever the case, think it through and decide what works best for you. If someone will give you a ride, contact them ahead of time and make sure you can count on a ride at the correct time. If you are taking a bus, look up the best bus route and make sure you will arrive in plenty of time for your interview.
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