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Many women say the job interview is the most intimidating part of the job search.  It certainly can feel nerve-wracking when you’re in the “hot seat” and need to perform at the top of your game. 

I’ve coached hundreds of professional women through this process.  Specifically, I help them build strategies to reduce anxiety so they can present themselves as a top-notch candidate in the face-to-face interview. 

I’m often asked what one should bring to the job interview.  In addition to extra copies of your resume and cover letter (on high quality paper), there are four things you should always bring with you:

• Letters of Recommendation
• Work Samples
• List of References 
• List of Questions

This week, let’s focus on letters of recommendation. 

I recommend you be proactive and provide your letters of recommendation to the hiring manager in the first interview.

You should always obtain a letter a recommendation from your current boss before you leave a job.  Often times, your manager will ask you to draft the letter for them.  This saves them time and allows you to craft the letter so that it focuses on the specific professional competencies you want highlighted. 

Here are some specific tips for formatting your letter:

• Have the letter printed on company letterhead.
• Address the letter:  “To Whom it May Concern.”  That way, you can use copies of the same letter over and over again.
• I recommend not placing a date at the top of the letter.  Without a date, the letter will seem much more relevant in the years to come as you share it with future hiring managers. 

Would you like a letter of recommendation from a former boss?  If so, contact that person this week.  Please take out your calendar right now and schedule an appointment with yourself to either call or email your former manager to request the letter.

Having your letters of reference ready to go will help you immensely during the job interview process.  It will also boost your self-confidence and make it easier for you to perform well in the moment even if you’re feeling nervous. 

In the next edition of my blog, which will be published next Monday, I’ll focus on the work samples you should bring to the interview.  Please check back this upcoming Monday, August 11th. 

Until next week - Here’s to your continued success,
Maret