Setting Yourself Apart in an Interview

In today's market it takes more than past experience to land a career opportunity.  How do you set yourself apart to be that one special person the company wants to hire?

1.  Learn about the company.  Check out their website.  Google the company for recent articles on their managment team and organization.  If they are publicly traded, review their annual report.  Knowing a few things about the organization will allow you to confidently converse with the interviewer about the business, its goals, and how you could contribute to its success.

2.  Know where you're going.  Sounds simple.  MapQuest and bing!?  Wrong.  Take a trial run if you can.  Know how much time it will take and give yourself an extra ten to fifteen minutes.  You will not start the interview on the right foot running through the door totally stressed.

3.  Be professionally attired.  Yes, that means wear a conservative suit that fits with nicely polished shoes.  No cologne.  No cleavage.  Less is better in the jewelry category.  If possible, stop at the restroom for a last minute hair, teeth and makeup check.  *Tip:  Washing your hands with warm water keeps them from becoming sweaty for several mintues.

4.  Be prepared to discuss achievements in your career and how they may be applicable to the position for which you are applying.  Be concise unless an interviewer asks for more detail.

5.  Smile.  Sit up straight.  Don't fidget.  Leave your vibrating cell phone in the car.

6.  Let an interviewer know you are interested in the position before you leave and follow up with a hand written thank you note.

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When It's Time To Give Notice

You've accepted another position. Now what?

The first step is composing a letter to your current employer informing him/her of your intent to leave.  It should contain the following elements:

1.  State that you have accepted another position, and that this final decision was reached only after careful consideration.

2.  Thank him/her for the opportunity to work there, and say something positive about the experience.

3.  State when you'd like your last day to be, and volunteer to help train your replacement and to make yourself available by phone or e-mail, even after your last official day.

4.  Wish the company well in its future endeavors.

Walk into your supervisor's office and ask for a few minutes of his/her time when you can speak privately.  Verbally state what has been outlined in the letter, and hand the letter to your supervisor.  Try to be as accommodating and professional as possible in working out your notice.  (For example, it is NOT professional to give a two week notice, one of which you will be on vacation.)

Remember that this employer may be a reference for you in the future.  Let your last weeks with them reflect well on you.