10 Tips to Put You in the Top 10% of All Job Applicants


10 Things Anyone Can Do That Will Put You in the Top 10% of All Job Applicants

  • Remember the initial interview is about what you can do for the company, not what it can do for you. If you are asked why you want this job, a statement similar to the following is best; “I am excited to learn more about this position, but based on what I already know, it seems like an opportunity for me to use my skills and abilities to make a positive impact, and that is what I am looking for most of all.” Do not say “because I need benefits”, or “because I need the money”. Remember, it is not about you at this point.


  • Act Interested in the Job - Let the Interviewer know that you are interested. If possible, do some research on the company before you go. Act like you have some enthusiasm about interviewing for the job. Interview like you want the job. If it turns out later that you do not want the job for some reason you can decline the offer. Remember, they have not made you an offer yet. You cannot decline an offer that you do not have.


  • Speak Up - Don’t mumble. Speak clearly and do not use slang.


  • Body Language - Stand or Sit up straight. Don’t slouch or shuffle your feet when you walk. Make eye contact with our intereviewer.


  • Do not bring anyone with you. Do not bring kids, best friends, boyfriends or parents with you to an interview. This is not the time or place for an entourage.


  • Dress for the position - You do not always have to wear business attire, but ladies should wear at least a pair of black slacks and a nice shirt, and men should wear at least a pair of cotton slacks and a collared shirt. Make sure that your clothes have been ironed or pressed. This is true of any job. If you look neat when you go the interview this alone will put you in the top 25% of applicants. Do not wear baggy pants or hats.


  • Hygiene - Make sure your hair is neat, and that you look well groomed. Men, if you have a beard, make sure it is trimmed. Ladies if you have long hair, you do not necessarily have to pull it back, but make sure your appearance is neat.


  • Avoid asking about the pay or benefits unless it is at the end of the interview and the interviewer has failed to bring it up. If the interviewer asks what you are looking for, try to know what the job is paying and state that your understanding is that the position pays “x” and that you would be happy with that as a starting wage. If you do not know simply state that you would expect competitive pay based on the responsibilities of the job, and that based on the reputation of the company, you are confident that the offer would be fair.


  • Do not chew gum, or bring food of any kind with you to an interview.


  • Do not bring cell phones, ipods, mp3 players or anything else to the interview. Do not use them in the lobby. Put them on silent and leave them in your pocket. Remember that buildings have windows and you never know if your interviewer can see you outside or in the lobby. Remember that the interview began when you pulled into the parking lot, or walked up to the building .