December 7- Be Gracious

#7- Too often, I hear feedback from employers that a candidate didn't seem like they needed this job. Which to me means, the interviewer didn't feel like their time was valuable to the person who was interviewing for the job. This image really baffles me because I help people who NEED or WANT a job. These interviews aren't for anyone's benefit but for the person who stands to get the great new job, salary bump, better work/life balance, or the end to the unemployment.  When you go meet a company, every single person you meet could have hiring influence, including the receptioist, so treat every person as if they are the gateway to your future. Thank them for speaking with you, smile at them, be engaged in what they are saying, and always always always send a thank you note after your meeting. There are different schools of thought on thank you notes- an email is ok if the interview process will be quick, but a handwritten note is always nice, even if they get the note after the process is over- so both is not a bad idea, especially if you go on a few interviews.