Contributing writer
Congratulations! Spending days, weeks, or possibly months of
looking for the right job has finally paid off and you've been asked to
come in for an interview. Then comes the biggest question of all, now
what? You will only have 15 to 20 minutes to sell your experiences,
attitude, and skills to the employer - most likely without knowing what
the employer wants to hear from you. There are articles upon articles of
advice on interviewing, from how to answer certain questions to how to
dress - right down to the color of your socks! It can seem overwhelming,
but remembering a few key points can help make your interview
successful.
1. Research.
Find out a little bit about the company you want to work for. Visit the
location in person if it is a store or building open to the general
public. Visit the company’s Website and talk to anyone you might know
who works there.
What kinds of products or services does the company make or sell? What
types of people work there? What are the typical hours this position
requires? What are some of the day-to-day tasks that the job involves?
Make notes of things you want more information about and ask the
employer about them at the end of your interview (it’s always a good
idea to have a few questions to ask the employer, anyway!). Researching a
company and the position make you stand out in an interview. It shows
that you are really interested in working there. For more information on
how and why to research a company before you interview,
click here.
2. Practice
It sounds funny – and it looks even funnier – but practicing out loud
for your interview will help you sound more polished and concise and
less nervous in the actual interview. List a few key things you want the
employer to know about you, and review common interview questions.
Formulate answers to those questions and answer them out loud while
looking at yourself in the mirror. This exercise prevents you from
rambling in the interview and sounding unpolished and unsure. It also
helps you discover what really does make you the best candidate for the
job!
3.Dress to Make a Good First Impression.
In an interview, first impressions do matter. The best way to ensure a
good first impression is to dress smart. If you are interviewing for a
job in an office, it is usually best to wear a dark-colored,
conservative suit (for both men and women). If you are interviewing for a
job where the dress code is more casual (at a factory or a construction
site, for example), nice slacks and a collared button-down shirt with a
tie for men and a nice dress or blouse and slacks or skirt for women
are usually appropriate. You should avoid wearing excessive jewelry,
perfume, and flamboyant clothes. Good personal hygiene is also
important.
If you are unsure what to wear, you should always go with the most
conservative, professional option. Most experts agree it is better to be
overdressed than dressed too casually. What you are wearing tells
employers a lot about how serious you are about getting the job. Find
out more about how to dress for an interview
here.
4. Be Conscious of Good Interview Etiquette.
This list could go on forever – there is literally an endless array of
“dos” and “don’ts” for an interview – and not everyone agrees on every
aspect of that list. There are, however, some basic “interview
etiquette” tips that are important to remember. (For a more
comprehensive list,
click here).
Be on time for your interview. This is, perhaps, the most important.
Employers expect employees to arrive on time to work. They may see a
person who is late to an interview, when he or she is supposed to be
showing his or her best side, as someone who will have difficulty
arriving on time to work or meeting deadlines if hired.
Be aware of your body language. When shaking hands, make sure your grip
is firm and confident. Have good posture, but avoid appearing like
you’re as stiff as a cardboard cutout. Even the most experienced
professionals get nervous in an interview – it’s normal. However, if you
appear too nervous, the interviewer might draw the wrong conclusions
about your ability to do the job – especially if it involves interacting
with people! Conversely, make sure you don’t slouch – this could give
the impression that you are lazy or uninterested in the position.
Maintain eye contact with your interviewer to convey confidence. When
speaking, be polite and professional and avoid using slang and
profanities. The more confident and polished you appear the more likely
you are to leave the interviewer with a positive impression of you.
Keep the interview positive. Avoid making negative remarks about any
previous jobs or employers. Also, refrain from complaining about any
job-related tasks or responsibilities you were given in a previous
position. Employers want to hire someone who is positive, enthusiastic,
and able to meet and deal with challenges.
5. Be Prepared to Ask the Interviewer Questions.
This is where your research comes in. Employers want to know if you’re
truly interested in the position. They also want to know that you have
all the information you need to make a decision, if offered the job. It
isn’t a good idea to turn the tables and “interview” the interviewer,
but it is a good idea to go into the interview with a few questions in
mind. This is your chance to ask additional questions about the
business, the position, the requirements, and the expectations of the
person who will fill the position.
