We've got everything you need to ace your one-on-ones with hiring managers, whether it's your first time or you just want to be better prepared. Check out our top suggestions for conducting effective virtual one-on-one interviews and how to present yourself in the best light while meeting with employers.

What is the best way for me to acquire referrals?

By simply asking individuals you know to suggest you, you can make it easier to connect with top employers or locate your dream job. We understand that it's easier said than done, but you'll be getting referrals by the bucketload if you follow these guidelines.

Begin with friends, relatives, university alumni, or people you've met through sports clubs, schools, or other activities.
Attend job fairs and networking events to make professional connections with employers, fellow students or recent graduates, and more.
Keep in touch with your business contacts. Just because they aren't aware of any current employment openings does not mean they won't be in the future. Check-in every now and then to make sure you're not just saying hello when you're in need of something.

Referrals can come from anyone, so don't dismiss someone simply because they don't know anyone at your top company or can't help you get work right away.

What should I do to prepare for my one-on-one meeting?

You only have 10 minutes to make a good first impression when meeting with an employer, so you'll want to prepare ahead of time. Having an updated resume, preparing a detailed cover letter, practicing answering questions with a friend, researching the employer, and more are all part of this process.

When you meet with an employer for a one-on-one, make sure to clear up your workspace or utilize a virtual background to keep the focus on you rather than that distracting artwork. Even if these virtual meetings aren't formal, you should show the employer that you're serious about them.

It's also a good idea to practice your elevator pitch. It doesn't have to be awkward to talk about oneself. Highlight your accomplishments and provide a quick introduction to yourself. Oh, and Practice, Practice, Practice.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions. You want to get to know your employers as much as they want to get to know you. What is their way of life like? What does a typical day in the life of a specific role entail? Check out our collection of example questions if you're not sure what else to ask.

I got my one-on-one time. So, what's next?

After your encounter, you must send a thank you note to the recruiter, hiring manager, or employee you spoke with. Here are a few ideas for making your thank you notes stand out.

Send your note as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of our conversation.
Make it unique. You want to make sure the employer you met with remembers you because they are likely to meet with other prospects. Add any personal information from your encounter that can help you with this. Did you and the recruiter, for example, discover that you both hail from the same town?
Remind them of why you're the best applicant for the job. You don't want to repeat your experience, but you do want to remind them why you're a good fit for the job.
Keep it brief. Don't compose a page-long email because our inboxes are all full. They don't have enough time to read everything. Say what has to be said, get your point through fast, and send!
Don't forget to think about the next stages. If you discuss next steps in the meeting, tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them; if you don't, tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them regarding the next steps. Let them know that they can contact you if they have any further questions.
Don't forget to double-check your spelling. To ensure that your email is free of typos and grammatical problems, copy and paste it into a word document. Also, double-check that the interviewer's name is spelled correctly.

Ready? Let's get started!

ITPathfinder prepares you for everything you need to prepare for your one-on-one interview, be confident during the meeting, and impress your interviewer afterward. Contact us today to get started.