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Early Job Interviews Most Productive August 2003 Looking for an edge over the competition in your job search? Think back to the old adage, "The early bird catches the worm." A recent survey from Accountemps found that job seekers who have early-morning interviews have an advantage in the hiring process. More than two-thirds (69 percent) of chief financial officers polled said the most productive time for meeting with applicants is between 9 and 11 a.m. Managers prefer to schedule interviews before working on their other responsibilities. After a full slate of meetings and regular activities, their energy level and focus may not be as strong as it was at the beginning of the day.
What’s the best way to land a morning interview? If given the choice, simply ask for one. If the afternoon is the only available option, don’t get discouraged -- remember, your performance is the most important factor in the meeting! Below are some other tips for a successful interview: Be prepared. Have a clear idea of what the company does and how you can contribute to it. Take time prior to the meeting to practice your responses to common questions. The more thoroughly you prepare, the higher your confidence level during the interview.
Arrive on time. Showing up late always creates a bad impression -- even if you have a good excuse. Find out in advance exactly how to get to the interview location, and, if you've never been there before, plan a trial run.
Wear appropriate attire. Typically, a suit or similar business wear should be worn. However, if the hiring manager asks you to dress more casually, follow that guidance. If you're unsure of what your wardrobe should be, politely ask.
Remember your manners. Greet everyone you meet warmly and respectfully, making sure to pronounce all names correctly. Offer a firm handshake and look people in the eyes when you speak with them.
Be confident. You've practiced and know all the answers. You look sharp, and you've made a good first impression. Now smile and go for the gold. Your faith in yourself will be contagious and compel the hiring manager to believe in you as well.
ACCOUNTEMPS is a specialized temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. Accountemps provides support throughout an accounting department. Headquartered in Menlo Park, CA, Accountemps and has more than 270 offices in North America, Europe and Australia. Accountemps' Career Counselor column, a SmartPros staple for over three years, is refreshed twice a month. |
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