Management: Avoiding First Impressions

We've thought long and hard on how to master the first impression. Some of us still reign better than others. But while we're stressing out over our showing our future employers our best appearance, we stay blind to what it's like to be on the other side of the interview. First impressions influence the way we continue to view a person, but there are ways to push these initial thoughts aside.

(Source: Desired Haven)

• Stay open-minded: According to best-selling management author, Dr. Stephen P. Robbins, "think of any early impression as a working hypothesis that you're constantly testing for its accuracy." Instead of immediately deciding on whether or not you feel a job candidate fits, allow yourself more time to come to a conclusion. By leaving your mind open, you will be able to assess more accurately without the bias of your first impression.

• Do not judge a book by its cover: Appearances give us the unfortunate opportunity of judging a candidate off of their looks before hearing anything they have to say about their skills and traits. Though each candidate is preferred in business casual and presentable, their job qualifications need to have a major influence on your decision as a manager. When hiring, make sure to hear the interviewee out about their past experiences and qualifications along with their business appearance!

• Ignore bias: Studies show that positive first impressions lead interviewers to continue the interview in an agreeable manner, and negative first impressions in a negative manner. In some cases, a manager may even find him or herself asking less-stressful questions to the candidates they immediately resonated with. By ignoring your own bias, you will be able to identify which candidates are best for the position without any outside factors interfering.

Source: The Truth About Managing People (3rd Edition), Stephen P. Robbins, Ph.D.

What is Your Interview Body Language Saying?

Interviews can be a stressful ordeal. It feels like everything from the experience on your resume to your interview outfit are being scrutinized and evaluated. And often, interviewers really are looking at ever little detail. But one of the biggest communicators during an interview may be something that isn't said at all. Your body language often communicates much more than anything you may say. Check out these body language mistakes to see what message you might be communicating in an interview.

(Source)

• Posture. Your posture actually says quite a lot. Leaning forward comes off as aggressive while sitting back seems lazy or arrogant. Thankfully there is a happy middle, literally. Sitting up tall in a more neutral position, while it may not feel the most natural, is the ideal posture to impress your interviewer.
• Hands. Not knowing what to do with your hands is often people’s biggest downfalls in interviews. Refrain from leaving them in your pockets or behind your back, making you look stiff and unapproachable. Instead, gesture with them in a natural and conversational way to reinforce what you are actually saying.
• Eyes. Eye contact is particularly important but can be tricky. Distracted eye movements often make it seem like someone isn't being truthful but staring comes off as aggressive and uncomfortable. Instead, make natural eye contact and avoid quick shifts in eye movements like looking down or away suddenly.
• Hair. Playing with your hair is a common and unconscious thing that many women do. Whether it’s a nervous tick or a distraction, it often comes off as unprofessional. The best way to avoid this diversion is to simply wear your hair back for your interview.

A surefire way to know if you are making any of these mistakes is to practice! By video recording a mock interview and reviewing it, you can see how your body language is coming across. Don’t let the great things you’re saying be overshadowed by the messages your body language is conveying.

Tips For Tackling That Dreaded Interview Question

During job and internship interviews, hiring managers may ask about your greatest weakness to determine whether you are fit for the position. This is a tough question, but luckily you can come prepared to an interview with a solution. When you think about your weaknesses, keep in mind not to indicate any qualities that make you seem incapable for the job. You want to present yourself positively and effectively when you answer the question.

1.Know your weaknesses and pick the best one.

Everyone has his or her own strengths and weaknesses; be honest with yourself! Delve into those ideas and tasks that make you feel uneasy or nervous. It is important to recognize these concerns, and acknowledge them so you can confidently say you will perform the job properly. It is important to get the point across that this weakness does not negatively impact your work.

2.Don’t say you work too hard.

Employers do not want to hear that you are a perfectionist and that you work too hard.  This is a common and generic response that is dismissed by hiring managers.

This question is an opportunity to share a professional challenge you have experienced in your previous positions, and can prove you are skilled in problem solving. People want to know what mistakes you have encountered and how you handled those situations.

3. Follow-up the weakness with how you conquered it.

After you provided the employer with the answer, you can demonstrate that you are constantly working on this weakness. A great candidate for any position is one that is always discovering new ways to learn and grow.  You can explain to the employer what initiatives you have taken to improve yourself. You can present your answer with the motivation to prove you can be the best at the job. This is how you can emphasize the positive when following-up the weakness.  

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Randi Nemeth.

Interview Moves (Like Jagger)

Winter break is quickly approaching and with it comes prime job hunting time.When it comes to the interview, we've had posts on how to land one, proper attire, and even informational interviews. However, we haven't given as much attention to the body language we use.

We know that body language speaks just as loudly as our verbal communication and we're aware of obvious movements we should not use...but what exactly should we do? A recent article on Mashable pinpointed several very useful tips to keep in the back of your mind while trying to score your dream job. The following are just a few that I personally found surprising and may help you as well.

• Don't make direct eye contact. "Um, excuse me?" I said the same thing. Although most of us have been taught to do this, too much direct eye contact can be a bit unsettling for the interviewer. Instead, opt for what the article calls "direct face contact." Choose several different points on the face to focus on for seconds at a time for a more natural gaze.
• Show your palms. Studies have shown that when your palms are facing up, it sends a signal to our limbic brain communicating honesty, engagement, and positivity. Patti Wood, a body language expert, says, "It’s one of the reasons we shake hands, to show the open palm. It’s so tied to survival instincts ... If we don’t see open palm gestures, it puts us on our guard."
• Plant your feet on the ground. This tip is also grounded (no pun intended) in science. Apparently keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground makes it easier to think quickly. It allows you to move between the limbic reptilian brain (creative thought) and the neocortex brain (rational thought) to answer highly complex questions more quickly. I suppose that's where we get the phrase "Think/quick on your feet."

For the complete list and even more tips to put you a step ahead of the rest during interview season, read the rest of the original article here. Best of luck!

Interview Etiquette

With PRowl hiring for the 2014-2015 school year, I believe a blog about proper interview etiquette would be helpful to all of our readers (but especially the prospective new hires that are looking at our site in preperation for the interview), which brings me to my first point. 

(google images)

1. Do your research 

ALWAYS research the company you are interviewing with.  Pay special attention to their mission statement, goals and client list.  It is better to be over prepared for an interview than not be able to answer a question.  Plus, researching allows you to better understand what the company is all about and helps you to figure out if you would be a good fit there.  Also, put together a portfolio of writing samples that the interviewer can keep.  As a PR major, make sure you are up to date on current events as well! 

 2. Dress to impress

It is always best to be overdressed than underdressed, especially for a formal interview.  Stick to the basics, but make sure your outfit also showcases your individual personality.  A simply statement necklace or fun tie can easily dress up a suit and also make you memorable to your interviewer.

3. Think before you speak

Remember that you prepared extensively for the interview so don’t let your nerves get the best of you.  Think carefully about your answer before you speak.  It is okay to take a few seconds to compose yourself as long as your stellar answer makes up for it.

4.Breathe, Stretch, Shake

Chances are your interviewer wants to talk to you considering he/she called you in for an interview.  So, own it! Stay confident and friendly.  Don’t let nerves and anxiety get the best of you.  Your interviewer has been in your position before so he/she knows exactly what you are going through!

PRowl interviews will be held this upcoming week! So if you are a public relations major looking to take the next step in the right directions, make sure you set up an interview! Hiring details can be found here: https://tackk.com/prowlishiring.  Best of luck to everyone, can’t wait to meet you all!  

This guest blog was written by PRowl staff member Kaylie Corallo. 

HR Insider: Interviewing Tips and Tricks

We’re all familiar with that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach right before an interview. Nervously waiting in an unfamiliar office while clutching your portfolio and trying to remember absolutely everything you can about the company you’re about to interview with. Well now you can relax thanks to some insider help! I sat down with Mara Sardella, Human Resources Coordinator at Brownstein Group, Philadelphia’s oldest independent brand communication firm to find out her best advice for nailing that interview.

How can a student make the best first impression in an interview?

When they come prepared with questions to ask the interviewer as well.

When interviewing a candidate, what generally impresses you the most?

When you can tell they have done their research on the company they are interviewing with. Also, knowing our clients and work and telling me how they can contribute their skills to what we offer.

How important is it to follow up after an interview with something personal, like an email or thank you note?

An email or hand written thank you note is very important. The HR Director and I always share thank you notes we get from candidates, it lets us know they enjoyed their time with us.

What is the oddest thing someone has done to set themselves apart from other job applicants? And do those over the top gestures really work?

We have had someone make us a tank top with the BG logo stitched onto it, someone sent their resume over in a bottle that looked exactly like our Liberty Kvell April Fool’s Joke, someone made a parody video to the song of Backstreet Boys, “I want it that way”, and it was called “I want a job today” (they actually got offered a job with us). All the creative gesture submissions get noticed and will always get a response and most of the time a meeting, but in the end it matters what is on the resume and if that applicant is qualified for the job.

Do you have a great tip for interviewing? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!

4 Tips for Your Next Phone Interview

Some employers may make the decision to interview you over the phone before meeting with you for an in-person. In this case, it's important to prep the same as you would for an in-person interview - but with a emphasis on a few different things. By skipping all the preparations with appearance and transportation, you have more time to focus on studying your experience and the company itself!

(Source: The Macho Macho)

1. Do your research - Take the time to get to know the company/organization you are applying with. Visit their website and check out the mission, upcoming events, and blog or newsletter. As aspiring Communications professionals, your tasks as an intern or employee will most likely involve working these portions of the business. It'll be easy for you to relate your previous professional experiences to the company's events, writing, and promotions.

2. Find an appropriate place to take the call - Make sure you have an area where you can sit down and take the phone call for an extended amount of time without being interrupted or distracted. Being distracted by the things and people around you could alter the way you answer a question, or simply leave you forgetting something important you really wanted to mention to the employer. It's best to be alone when taking the phone call.

3. Listen - The heart of the interview is all about listening. Even though you are not sitting across from this employer at the moment, it's essential that you are still 100% invested in the conversation. If you do need the interviewer to a repeat a question though, do not be afraid to ask; it's better to have heard and understood the question correctly, then to answer it thinking it were a different question.

4. Articulate - Speak with the utmost interest and energy. Just as you are listening intently, the interviewer will be as well. It's possible that the connection could be bad or a surrounding sound could interfere with your conversation, so by articulating, you are already preparing to be heard clearly no matter what. Make sure to smile throughout the conversation - the interviewer will hear smiling in your voice!

Would you prefer being interviewed over the phone or in-person? Why? Let us know!

Three Tips for a Smooth Interview

We are all eventually going to be graduating and will have to face the nerve-wracking process of going on interviews. I figured, why not conquer the art of interviewing so this process will be a little less strenuous. Oh yeah, landing your dream job wouldn’t hurt either. During this blog, I will be discussing threetips that will make the interviewing process that much easier:dressing professionally, being confident, and do not eliminate yourself.

Dressing professionally seems like common sense, but it’s not. When going on an interview dress appropriately. A suit is preferable for any gender. It is always better to be overdressed then to be underdressed. Your clothing is a reflection of your character. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. So make it count!

Being confident is also key to the interviewing process. Even if you are not, appear to be confident. Make sure that your body language reflects your confident attitude. Shake hands firmly, make eye contact with the employer, and keep your posture upright. Be cautious of not coming off too confident.There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.

A lot of interviewees eliminate themselves by saying foolish things. Look at the interviewer as a media reporter. Anticipate what they will ask you the week before the interview and plan your answers in advance. This way your answers will be correct and make sense.

If you follow these three tips, your interview will run smoothly. Interviews are not meant to stress you out.  “Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.”– Napoleon Bonaparte

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Ransford Whaumbush. 

Tips for a Successful Phone Interview

Phone interviews are often one of the first steps on the road to finding a job or internship. Sometimes the calls come from someone in human resources for the company you're applying to and sometimes they come right from the person in charge of the position. Phone interviews are generally scheduled ahead of time, but can also come unexpectedly after a resume with contact information is submitted. This is why it's important to target your job search and make sure you're always doing your research into the companies you're applying to.

Whether you're talking to a recruiter, HR manager or the person to whom you would report if you were hired, phone interviews are tricky. They can't see you so you don't have the advantage of using body language to convey your enthusiasm or sincerity. Often times, phone interviews are only slotted for a certain amount of time, so you may have to squeeze as much information as possible into that one phone call.  In order to have the most successful phone interview, use the following tips:

1. Have your elevator pitch ready
You're always going to be asked to "tell me a little bit about yourself" and you should be prepared to answer in a complete and concise way.

2. Write it all down
Employers are impressed when you have questions to ask them at the end of an interview. If you're writing down the things they're saying and questions that pop into your mind while you're talking, you'll have something insightful to ask at the end.

3. Stay calm and confident.
Your voice is your main tool during a phone interview. Keep a steady tone and speed when you speak and make sure the person on the other end can hear you at all times.

4. Follow up
If you don't already have their email, make sure you ask for it at the end of the conversation. Let them know you plan to follow up and offer to send them any supplemental material such as writing samples of portfolio pieces. They'll be impressed with your initiative.

Phone interviews are the gateway to in-person interviews so it's important to be your best. Do you have any more tips or tricks you use during these conversations? We'd love to hear from you.

Are You Fluent In Body Language?

Communication extends far beyond what we say in conversation with one another. Our posture, facial expressions and overall physical appearance sends messages that often speak louder than words. Not having a firm grasp on the language you subconsciously use everyday puts you at a huge disadvantage. While you may be communicating one thing verbally, your body may be sending a completely different message.

As public relations professionals, we may find ourselves preparing to speak in front of others on our client's behalf. On the contrary, we may find ourselves preparing our client to address the public or media. It is crucial that this preparation include mention of body language. The right words delivered in the wrong manner could just have easily gone unsaid.

PR Daily recently posted an article on 10 body language tips every speaker should know. Before you or your client deliver a message in front of as audience, consider these tips to brush up on your body language.

1. Making direct eye contact with the audience forces them to pay attention, and makes you seem more likable. Looking down or at a prepared speech can come off an inauthentic.

2. Vary your hand gestures to keep the audience's attention, especially if you are delivering a longer speech or presentation.

3. Positive gestures will reinforce a positive mood, and make the audience feel more positive as well! Smiling or showing a "thumbs up" after staying something good are positive gestures that the audience will respond well to.

4. Do not confine yourself to a podium or mic stand, make use of all of the space provided to you. Walking around and using space keeps the audience engaged by physically giving them something to follow: you!

All of these tips should be taken in context. Gauge your audience, determine how they are responding to you and make necessary adjustments. For the full list of tips, read PR Daily's Article featuring a downloadable infographic,

Why You Should Be Evaluating the Interviewer Too

The night-before jitters strike. Picking the perfect outfit and making sure you are well prepared for your interview are common behaviors. The moment you have been waiting for arrives and you’re ready to go. But what happens when your interviewer appears to fall short? Unfortunately, there are many components of a faulty interview. A meaningful understanding of the interview provides a foundation to determine your future working environment. Take into consideration the following telltale signs after your interview. 

1. “Tell me a little about yourself, I haven’t had a chance to look at your resume” - If that is the case, run. This is a negligent approach to an interview. It shows little thought and lack of interest of a prospective employee. After all, you’ve done your research on the company, so it is only fair that they reciprocate.
2. Easily Distracted - The interview has been scheduled for a specific time. Lunch and snacks should have been taken care of, and the utmost attention should be present by both the interviewer and interviewee. If the interviewer continues to look around, answer emails, or complete other tasks, then it is clear that they are inattentive.
3. “I’m not sure.”- The interview is reaching the end, and it is your turn to ask a few questions. The last response you want to hear is “I don’t know.”  If an interviewer or outside resource cannot give adequate answers to your questions, then it shows that there is a lack of familiarity and knowledge within the company.

Reflect and evaluate your first encounter with your potential employer as soon as you leave an interview. If you do not feel comfortable or satisfied, write a pro and con list to assist you before reaching a decision. The internal communication and culture of an organization or company is ultimately the most influential component in cultivating your future productivity, teamwork, and overall happiness. 

Share your favorite interview story with us!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Caitlin Kummeth.

How To: Dress For A Summer Interview

With the temperature rising as we continue into the summer season, dressing for summer interviews gets a bit tricky. Summer is the season of bright colors, short-shorts, light tank tops and airy sundresses. Interviews call for dark hues, stiff blazers, long pants and stuffy button-down shirts.

The best advice I have ever received in regards to interview wardrobes was "Dress to impress," Even if you are interviewing with a company that tends to dress a little more casual, always stick to a business casual approach.

Although the summer weather may make dressing in a suit or blazer uncomfortable, it is always important to dress up instead of dressing down. You should always look well-groomed and neatly dressed for an interview, no matter what season. 

Here are three essentials of a summer interview outfit:

Blazer: Summer calls for blazers, which are more casual than suit jackets but are still professional. Try to choose a neutral color, perhaps a light color. 

Button Down Shirt: A white, cotton button down is key for any summer interview outfit.

Dress Pants: Pants should also be a neutral color. Khakis are key for summer interviews. Women can substitute pants with cropped pants or ankle-length skirts.  

The Importance of Interview Questions

As aspiring PR professionals, we have learned that being prepared with questions to ask the interviewer during an interview can make or break whether or not you will get hired for the position. However, I’m sure that at least once when we were asked “Do you have any questions for me,” we may have replied with a disappointing “I don’t think so.” This is not something that we want to do. Here are some key reasons why asking questions in an interview is important:

Shows you are genuinely interested in the position:

If you come into the interview and have done your research on the company or person performing the interview, asking questions will let them know that you care about the company and aren’t just looking for any old job.

Questions leave a good impression:

Being prepared with great questions for the interview will set you apart from other candidates who did not ask informed questions. This will leave the interviewer impressed and they are more likely to want to hire you.

Helps you make a decision about the company or position:

An interview is not just for the company to decide if they want to hire you; it is also for you to decide if you would like to work for the company! Asking questions is your chance to find out whether the position will be a right fit for you.

Now that we have reviewed why asking questions during an interview are so important, what are some good questions to ask? Check out this article I found on PR Daily titled“6 interview questions that will make any employer want to hire you” with some great question ideas to prepare you for your next interview! http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/14122.aspx

What are some questions you find are important to ask during an interview? Share them with us!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Kaitlyn Mashack.

Interview Question Don'ts

March means the start of interviewing for those much-wanted summer internships, and for some of us, the start of a real career search. By now, you’ve been informed of some of the types of questions you should ask after an interview, but what about the ones you need to  stay away from? PRDaily writer Denise Zimmerman breaks these questions into three main categories:

The Obvious – These questions are the ones that you could have easily researched and found on your own, but you didn’t take the time to.  You never want to ask questions such as “who are your clients?” or “when were you founded?” when that information is readily available on the company website. These types of questions show the interviewer that you did not take the time to look into his or her company, and therefore, aren’t serious about the position. 

The all-about-me – Things such as summer vacations, salary, hours etc. are all types of questions that fall into this category.  When interviewing, you need to remember that this is a mutually beneficial deal. Great interview questions are focused more on what the job role entails or what is expected of someone in that role instead of individualized needs and wants. Employers want people who are interested in the success of the company, not someone who is just focused on his or herself.

No questions at all – Although this is not quite a question, recruiters and Human Resources managers agree that this may be even worse than asking some of the questions listed above. Asking well-thought out questions reinforces the interest and commitment into the position and the importance of it being a right fit for you. Yes, you may be there looking for an opportunity of any kind, but you want to make sure that you are aware of what to expect from the role you will play in the organization. 

By being well informed of the types of questions you shouldn’t ask, you can better prepare yourself with the ones you should to land that dream internship or job you are looking for. Great questions help show the interviewer you want to make sure to make the best decision for you and the employer. Interviews are much more successful when there is two-way communication, not just a standard one-sided question and answer format.  So go out there and show those employers how prepared you are and land that dream internship you have been waiting for!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Jessica Ross.

5 Tips for Virtual Interviews

In the digital world we live it, it is no surprised that even interviews have gone virtual. Virtual interviews allow for more of a personal feel than the common phone interview. Instead of just feeling out vocals, virtual interviews give the interviewer and the interviewee a chance to read each other's body language. Although convenient, virtual interviews can easily seem awkward and nerve wracking. Here are 5 tips that are sure to make your next virtual interview a piece of cake:

1. Look the part: Just because you aren't meeting someone in person doesn't mean you should dress down! Put on something that makes you feel confident and convinced. Doing so will help keep you focused on the task at hand.

2. Test your technology: Be sure to do a test run before you are supposed to connect. Make sure your camera and lighting settings are all correct, and that you have sound. Before the interview, be sure to confirm with your interviewer which program you will be connecting with (Skype, Oovoo, ect.). Also, be sure you have a secure and stable internet connection.

3. Clear the set: Be sure to tell your roommates or housemates that they should keep noise levels down and stay out of the room. You don't want any unnecessary motion in the background while you try to tell the interviewer about yourself. Make sure the room the neat and well lit.

4. Be natural: During the interview, focus on the camera and speak in a natural tone and pace. Try to make the interview as conversational as possible. Try not to move around too much to avoid motion freezing on the screen, and be aware of any delay in technology while you're interviewing.

5. Be prepared: One of the greatest advantages of virtual interviews is that you have all of your resources at your fingertips. Have any notes or points you want to bring up open in a separate window on the screen. This will avoid you having to shuffle around lose papers and cause unwanted background noise.

Have you ever conducted or had a virtual interview? Let us know how it went for you!

Body Language Basics

When you first meet someone, whether they are a colleague, acquaintance, or potential friend, body language plays a huge role. When you first shake someone's hand or observe their stance, you instantly judge them. Limp handshake? Shy. No eye contact? Not confident. In under a second, you can earn yourself an assumption without even saying "hi." Below are some common body language mistakes to avoid and how to fix them:

No eye contact: Many people make this mistake when speaking to someone. Not being able to maintain steady eye contact signifies uneasiness and projects a feeling of untrustworthiness to others. Good eye contact means that you are interested, engaged and reliable.

Arm crossing: Crossing your arms can come across as defensive or not open to new ideas. Uncrossing your arms will make you seem more open and inviting to acquaintances.

Dressing messy: In the professional arena in general, dressing untidily isn't recommended by any means. Dressing messily comes across as careless and can be an indicator of how you are as a professional.

Looking at your smartphone: This is a hard one, but glaringly challenging as we as a society become more and more dependent on technology. Checking out your phone while you're talking to someone is rude and can make someone feel like their conversation is uninteresting.

Clock watching: This is a bad habit of mine. Glancing at the clock every two seconds is distracting and can make people feel as though you are itching to leave and that you have more important places to be.

Are you guilty of any of these? Do you have any more to add? Let us know!

3 Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview

Whether you are a student looking to secure an internship for next semester or a recent graduate still on the hunt for a job, you are probably have been real familiar with the interview process. 

During the past couple of months, I have been both an interviewee and interview. As redundant as the interview process can get, I have found that the most interesting part of the actual interview is the end. Although it is important to provide a great first impression to a potential employer, as well as acing the basics of a typical job interview, closing the interview strong is just as important.

Here are three essential questions you should ask you're interviewer at the end of your interview to finish strong and leave a lasting impression to help establish yourself at a top candidate:

1. What Made You Want To Interview Me?
Learning specifically what is in your resume that attracted the interviewers's interest gives you a sense of how the organization, and other potential employers, view your talents. 

2. What Excites You About Coming Into Work? 
People love the opportunity to talk about themselves, so this question provides an excellent chance to learn about the hiring manager and find ways to establish common ground.

3. How Would You Describe Your Best Employees?
This is a subtle way of determining company values!

Impress Employers by Asking All the Right Questions

“Do you have any questions for me?” is something that nearly every employer asks at the end of an interview.  My response is usually something along the lines of “nope, I think you pretty much covered everything,” and then there is a rather uncomfortable silence where I know I should have asked something, anything.  I have always been told that asking questions impresses employers and shows that you are very interested in the position and eager to get to know the company.  However when the time comes, my mind just draws a blank.  I recently read an article (http://m.inc.com/?incid=43654) that has officially alleviated that problem and has given me great questions to ask during an interview.  These questions are:

1. What do you expect me to accomplish in the first 60 to 90 days?
2. What are the common attributes of your top performers?
3. What are a few things that really drive results for the company?
4. What do employees do in their spare time?
5. How do you plan to deal with major challenges?

These questions show the employer that you are eager to get to know the company.  They also show that you want to meet the company’s expectations right from the start.  By asking what employees do in their free time you get a sense of what kind of relationship people within the company have with each other.  All of these questions give the interviewee a sense of what the company is like and how they will fit in.  Asking questions also show the potential employer that you are really invested in the job and you want to know as much as possible to have a high potential for success.  Employers will appreciate that you are curious about their company and they will be impressed that you actually have questions to ask them.

What questions do you ask potential employers after an interview? Let us know!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member London Faust

Questions That Will Help you Ace the End of the Interview

So you’ve made it over the first hurdle, you secured yourself an interview, did all of your research and aced all of the questions your interviewer had. Now, it’s your turn. At the end of the interview, there is always the dreaded “do you have any questions?” question that many applicants walk in unprepared for. This moment is just as important as the questions the interviewer asks because it is your chance to make sure they are a great fit for you, not just you for them. Here is a list of questions that give the interviewer the chance to really breakdown the organization to you: 

1.Can you give me some examples of what a typical day would look like in this position? 

Asking this question can get you truly prepared for what is to come. The worst feelings is arriving at a new job and realizing you are in over your head, or that you are walking into a position you won’t utilize all yours skills.

2.Where do you think the company is headed in the next 5 years?

This question not only shows that you are interested in the well-being of the company long-term, but also that you can compare your goals to where this job may progress to. 

3.What do you like best about working for this company?

This helps decipher the kind of atmosphere you are about to get into. For instance, if the interviewer were to respond that they love the laidback vibe all the managers give and you are someone who needs an authoritarian figure, this may not be the place for you.

4.What are the opportunities for growth and career advancement?

This question serves two purposes. One- It helps you to understand where the job may 

lead and the skills you might acquire. Two-it also signals that you are ambitious and thinking ahead.

5.Why did you come to work here? What keeps you here?
When you ask questions directly about the interviewer, they remember that you care about them as a person, not just the potential paycheck that could come from meeting them.

The saying goes that if you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life. These questions can give you insight into more than just a job description. They benefit both parties involved. You can see if this is somewhere you would want to work, as well as show the interviewer you are a strong candidate for the position they are trying to fill. 

Don’t just be another interviewee: the importance of a post-interview follow-up

Sending a thank you email after an interview is an important part of the job search process. Whether you are interviewing for a permanent position, a paid internship, or an unpaid internship, do not consider the interview to be over until you have sent the thank you note.

Within 24 hours of your interview, send an email to each person you met. (Remember to ask for their business card so you have their contact information and correct spelling of their name). Thank them for their time, how nice it was to meet them, reiterate your interest in the position and highlight your top qualifications, and that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

Short, simple, QUICK, but key to landing that job.

When a follow-up is handled correctly, you will differentiate yourself from the other candidates and help sway the decision in your favor. By following up, you show many qualities that employers are looking for, such as dedication, ability to properly communicate, and a true interest in the position.

As always, make sure you have double and triple checked your spelling and grammar, especially their name and company name. The little details make a big difference!

Have you ever followed-up and received positive feedback? Have any special tips to share, let us know!

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Brianna Rooney.