Austin Communication Group is currently interviewing applicants for our sales and marketing team. We know many of you are upcoming college grads, and it is your first time interviewing, so we wanted to give you some friendly advice for interviewing with Austin Communication Group, or any other company! This infographic from CollegeAtlas.org is also a great tool.
1. Dress for the job you want: When you schedule your interview, ask detailed questions about what to wear. If you are not sure what a phrase like "Business Professional" means, ask! It is never a good thing to come to an interview underdressed.
2. Be mindful of your first impression:
- Be on time!
- Be polite and friendly to anyone you meet, whether it is the CEO, the administrator, an employee passing through, other interviewers, or even a maintenance man! Although the interview may not have begun, you are likely going to be judged based on how you are in the lobby as well.
- Do not talk on your cell phone or even text while you are waiting for your interview to begin.
- Smile, give a firm handshake, and keep eye contact during your interview.
3. Follow the company's lead: During the first interview, you should find out about the interview process and what to expect. If you know there will be multiple interviews, be patient. Don't ask about compensation or benefits until the interviewer brings it up (usually by the end of the 2nd interview in most companies).
4. Have questions prepared: At the end of the first interview, an employer will typically ask if you have any questions for him. Don't be a deer in the headlights! Here are some great questions to ask:
- What are the opportunities for advancement with this position?
- How long have you been with the company?/What do you enjoy about your position?
- What are the company goals for this year?
- How have employees in this position really stepped up, or even fallen short in their role in the past?
5. Follow up with a Thank You email! About 15-20 minutes after your interview, email a thank you note directly to the interviewer if you have their email. If not, just email the recruiter or generic HR email address for the business. This will set you apart from other candidates and show that you are truly interested in moving forward in the interview process.
We hope this has helped give you some good action items for your upcoming interview with Austin Communication Group or other companies that you will come in contact with!
Copyright Austin Communication Group, 2014