Do you know what to say during an interview? The way you communicate can either make or break your perceived professionalism.
Here are 4 tips to assist you during an interview and 8 common mistakes that can be avoided in order to ensure a successful interview.
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INTERVIEW TIPS:
Tip 1: Speak in full sentences
“Yes, please” instead of “Yeah”. “No, thank you” instead of “No, thanks.” Avoid space fillers such as: “like”, “um”, and “ya know.” In other words, speak professionally.
Tip 2: Know your elevator speech
Be prepared to answer, “ Tell me about yourself.” Make it professional and succinct, and let them know what makes you special.
Tip 3: Tell the why
Highlight why you are the most qualified candidate for the position.
Tip 4: Stay positive
No hiring manager wants to hear how awful your last job was. Focus instead on what you accomplished in your last role, what you learned, and how that position gave you the experience you needed to move to your next opportunity.
INTERVIEW BLUNDERS:
Are you guilty of these 8 interview blunders? We all make mistakes, but luckily these ones are easy to avoid. Prefer to watch the video instead? Click here.
Mistake #1: Failing to confirm
Did you know you should always call or email a day in advance to confirm your interview? This is a professional courtesy.
Mistake #2: Tardiness
You should be exactly 5 minutes early for your interview. And as the saying goes, if you’re on time, you’re late! Avoid showing up more than five minutes early though, as it can be distracting.
Mistake #3: Sloppiness
If your interviewer offers you a cup of coffee or tea, politely decline. Why? If you spill on yourself, you’re in BIG trouble. A little bit of water, however, is always fine.
Mistake #4: Failing to follow up
You should send a handwritten thank you note immediately after your interview, if possible. It will make you stand out from other applicants. If not, a carefully worded email thanking your interviewer will suffice but avoid text messages. It’s important to keep it professional.
Mistake #5: A weak handshake
This might sound crazy, but your handshake conveys your confidence. Shake hands firmly, and always look people in the eye when you speak to them.
Mistake #6: Being unprepared
Always bring a portfolio with the following: three copies of your resume and cover letter, contact information for three or more professional references, a pad of paper, and a pen.
Mistake #7: Spelling Errors
Your resume is a reflection of you. Make it flawless. Poor formatting, grammatical mistakes, and spelling errors speak loudly about your ability to pay attention to detail.
Mistake #8: Dressing down
Like it or not, your appearance matters, especially in real estate! Research the culture of the office and dress a little bit nicer than they will expect you to dress on a daily basis. When in doubt, wear a suit. Make sure your hair is styled, your shoes are shined, and your nails are trimmed. Don’t overdo the perfume or cologne. If you smoke, hold off before the interview. Smelling nice is just as important as looking professional.
VANESSA ROSENBLUM
FOUNDER & CEO AT PRO REA STAFFING
Continue the conversation with her here to discuss more successful real estate team fundamentals.
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