Don't Let the Small Things Blow Your Interview: Tips from a Hiring Manager

There are few things more discouraging than finally getting that interview with a company and then not getting the job. Hiring managers interview people constantly. Sometimes an interviewer must choose between applicants that have similar qualifications. It is important to leave your interviewer with a positive impression that will stay with them through interviews with other applicants, after your interview. Don't let these small things cost you a great job.

Decide what you are going to wear. Do dress up for the interview. It's much better to be a bit overdressed than to under dress for an interview. Dressing up tells the interviewer that you care whether you get the job or not.

First of all, be conscious of the interviewer's time. Do not be late but by the same token, do not be too early either. Arrive five to ten minutes prior to your interview. Showing up an hour before your interview unannounced demonstrates a complete lack of regard for the interviewer's time. In today's business world, managers are very busy people who usually have to manage their time very precisely. It can be a huge inconvenience to have a person arrive at nine a.m. for a ten a.m. interview.

Ensure that you have completed the application completely. Do not leave a blank space on any line. If it does not apply, note "NA" on the line. Look the application over front and back to make sure there are no mistakes or blank lines.

Be Prepared. Bring a pen to complete your application and necessary paperwork. Bring the names and addresses of your former employers and references with you. An interviewer should not have to wait for you to look up information that you should have brought with you in the first place Also, do bring two appropriate forms of identification in case you are hired. For most people this is a driver's license or state issued ID and a social security card. There are other forms acceptable but if using something else, research the acceptable alternatives and bring those with you.