Regardless of how qualified you are for a job, saying or doing the wrong thing in an interview can easily hurt your chances.
Welch tells CNBC Make It that there are three things you should make sure to do before, during and after an interview — as well as one mistake you should make absolutely sure to avoid:
1. Dress appropriately for the environment:
While a suit and tie or high heels and a skirt may no longer be the traditional interview uniform, Welch says that doesn't mean you can totally relax your attire.
She suggests asking someone you know about the dress code at the company or doing a simple Google search to find images of current employees. Then, she says, you should pick out an appropriate outfit for the occasion that's comfortable, but not too flashy.
"At the end of the day, and interview, you want people talking about your ideas after you leave, not your outfit," says Welch. "Keep that front of mind, and you'll look just fine."
She suggests asking someone you know about the dress code at the company or doing a simple Google search to find images of current employees. Then, she says, you should pick out an appropriate outfit for the occasion that's comfortable, but not too flashy.
2. Be direct: Say you want the job
After you've discussed your background and accomplishments, Welch says you should end the meeting by telling the employer one thing: "I really want this job."
Doing this, she says, won't make you sound desperate. It will show hiring managers your sincerity, courage and humility.
"The person hearing it knows it's difficult to say," explains Welch. "They know it takes moxie, and they'll remember that."
She says that in the end, you must remember that your goal in an interview is to "make your case" and "give it your all."
3. Follow up promptly
Doing this, she says, won't make you sound desperate. It will show hiring managers your sincerity, courage and humility.
"The person hearing it knows it's difficult to say," explains Welch. "They know it takes moxie, and they'll remember that."
She says that in the end, you must remember that your goal in an interview is to "make your case" and "give it your all."
3. Follow up promptly
Performing well during the interview is only half the battle. According to Welch, it's what you do after an interview that can "make or break your chances of getting an offer."
In addition to writing a personalized thank-you note that expands on at least one point of discussion from the interview, Welch says you should edit your social media accounts and connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn.
"After your interview, post intelligent tweets about your industry or the economy," she advises, "and please, avoid stupid Instagram pics."
She also warns that when sending a LinkedIn request you don't want to "just click a button." Instead, she says, "say something about how much you enjoyed meeting and discussing x, y or z."
In addition to writing a personalized thank-you note that expands on at least one point of discussion from the interview, Welch says you should edit your social media accounts and connect with your interviewer on LinkedIn.
"After your interview, post intelligent tweets about your industry or the economy," she advises, "and please, avoid stupid Instagram pics."
She also warns that when sending a LinkedIn request you don't want to "just click a button." Instead, she says, "say something about how much you enjoyed meeting and discussing x, y or z."
And one mistake to make sure you avoid
According to Welch, acting too casual or relaxed during a job interview is one of the biggest blunders you can make.
She recalls the time when she made this error as a recent Harvard University graduate who was interviewing for a reporting job with the Kansas City Times.
While riding to lunch with a group of editors from the paper she says she remembers asking, "So, what kinda food we getting?" as if they were old friends. She recalls meeting with the editor-in-chief later that day and asking him where he lived, as if she was scouting local real estate.
The next morning, she says, she got a call letting her know that she didn't get the job because she didn't "fit in." "The editor didn't have to explain himself," she says. "I was dumb, but not so dumb that I didn't know I had overstepped."
"Even if you think you're perfect for the job," she warns, you need to always remember, "they are the buyer, you are the seller."
"Do not," Welch says, "let down your guard."
She recalls the time when she made this error as a recent Harvard University graduate who was interviewing for a reporting job with the Kansas City Times.
While riding to lunch with a group of editors from the paper she says she remembers asking, "So, what kinda food we getting?" as if they were old friends. She recalls meeting with the editor-in-chief later that day and asking him where he lived, as if she was scouting local real estate.
The next morning, she says, she got a call letting her know that she didn't get the job because she didn't "fit in." "The editor didn't have to explain himself," she says. "I was dumb, but not so dumb that I didn't know I had overstepped."
"Even if you think you're perfect for the job," she warns, you need to always remember, "they are the buyer, you are the seller."
"Do not," Welch says, "let down your guard."
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