If you are in consideration for a salaried position, here are some tips—some dos and don’ts—that you should know before heading into that final interview.
TIP #1: DO Negotiate!
You probably have some kind of inherent understanding of this but it is very rare that a company expects you to take the first offer in a salary negotiation. As a matter of fact, most recruiters have a “salary band” for the position they might offer you. This is a small salary range they are willing to pay a qualified applicant, including the wage as well as benefits (vacation/sick days, flex time, hours, and other packages) and they very rarely start at the top of this band. So you can usually negotiate your salary.
TIP #2: DON’T Exaggerate
From resume to cover letter to every interview, it is important to demonstrate that your knowledge on the industry as well as your confidence in your abilities, but you have to be tactful. Essentially, you want to speak the right vernacular but avoid too many “buzzwords” that will distract from your intelligence and experience. Most of these buzzwords (and phrases) are different for every industry but here are a few that they share:
- Synergy
- Collaboration
- Expert
- ROI
- Outside the box
- Excellent communicator
TIP #3: DO Make A Good First Impression
Unfortunately, the old adage that “you never get a second chance to make a good first impression” is very true. The frustrating reality is that most recruiters cannot get past a poor first impression. From not returning phone calls to clumsy interview behavior to bad manners in the waiting area, everything you say and do from the moment you apply for a job will start to form an opinion of you in the recruiter/employer’s mind. To avoid making a bad first impression simply smile and make clear, concise statements. Have a firm handshake that is not too tight and also stand up (and sit) straight. Show that you are teachable and cordial and it will go a long way (especially if your resume might be less impressive than another candidate).
TIP #4: DON’T Forget About Your LinkedIn Profile
For two reasons: If an employer finds a severely outdated profile, they will probably get a bad first impression (see Tip #3). More importantly, this is one way that Renaudexec recruiters find and contact references and past employers. Be sure that the information on your LinkedIn profile is a) up-to-date and b) relevant to the positions you are trying to find and c) conducive to the persona you are trying to market for the job.
