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KNOCKING THEIR SOCKS OFF: KEYS TO PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

Your Homework

First and foremost, the best way to sell yourself in an interview is to find out as much about the organization as possible before you go to the interview. It is suggested that you seek out every piece of information on print about them. Most larger organizations will have a variety of printed brochures and annual reports. These publications can often be obtained from the personnel or public relations department, or from the reference librarian at your local library.

Smaller organizations will often have something in print about what they do as well. Another good idea is to talk to everyone you know and ask about the organization, their work, their history, and the names of anyone who used to work there.

By taking the time to learn about the organization before your interview, you will stand out from the other job-hunters. Good research will provide you with the ability to anticipate potential interview questions, and to learn some of the technical terms used in the field. Always get more information than you will have to use. Even if you do not need it at all, it will pay off in the confidence you will bring with you to the interview.

Once you have developed a good knowledge of your target organization, you must determine how you will be a benefit to them. Assess your strengths and knowledge as shown by your experience, education, interactions and activities. Identify the responsibilities of the job you seek, and how your skills match these needs.

Dressing For Success

It has been said many times, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Research has shown that people make judgments about others in less than sixty seconds of meeting them. To people meeting you for the first time, the way you look is the way you are. That is where the interview begins. Your impression may improve or fall from that position, but probably not by very far.

Choose clothes to reflect your understanding of the job to which you are applying. Your best bet in selecting your wardrobe is to match what others within the organization are wearing. People tend to feel more comfortable with people who are similar to themselves, and when you leave an interview, you want the interviewer to remember you, not something you were wearing.

Here are some best bets for leaving a strong first impression:

Clothing

  • Wear clothes of the best quality that you can afford. Select fabrics that will not show wrinkles, ensuring that each item fits properly
  • Conservative is always a best bet. Most interviewers prefer a conservative approach to dressing for both men and women
  • The clothes you choose should make you feel good about yourself. The most visually appealing colors to interviewers are solid, dark colors (i.e., red, navy, green, purple, and black)
  • Clothes must be clean and well pressed. It is a good idea to have your clothes dry cleaned or washed just before wearing them to the interview
  • For women, your best interview outfit is a business suit with a tailored blouse. Avoid mini-skirts and blouses that are low-cut. For positions where a suit is not required, a skirt and blouse or a tailored dress are recommended
  • For men, a suit with a shirt and tie is your best option. Avoid ties with overwhelming patterns and colors. For positions where a suit is not required, a shirt and slacks with a sportcoat or a sweater are good alternative

Accessories

  • The key to success is moderation. Keep accessories to a minimum.
  • Shoes should always complement your outfit, be well polished and in good repair. Women should avoid wearing sandals, open-toed shoes, sneakers and stiletto heels
  • Wear simple, classic jewelry, avoiding more than one ring per hand and dangling bracelets. Too much jewelry can be distracting, and in interviews you want all the attention focused on you
  • Keep fragrances to a minimum. A light scent, lightly applied as aftershave lotion, cologne, toilet water, or perfume should not linger in the interview location after you have left
  • Handbags or briefcases should be businesslike and complement your outfit. If you do not have one, a plain manila envelope will be fine
  • Any materials or reference notes should be well organized and neatly packaged

Good Grooming

  • Hair should always be attractively cut, freshly washed, and neatly groomed. If applying for work in a traditional industry, a conservative haircut may be best. Any alternative styles may detract from your presentation
  • Efforts should be made to maintain good dental care. Make efforts to brush your teeth and use mouthwash before you leave for your interview. Avoid eating garlic and onions on the day of your interview as some people tend to retain these odors long after eating them. Try not to smoke before your interview as the smell will remain on your clothing. If you must indulge in one of the above activities on the interview day, use breath mints or gum before the interview, discarding it before you enter. Never chew gum during an interview.
  • Hands must be clean with manicured or trimmed fingernails. Women should select a neutral or pale-colored nail polish if they wish to paint their nails
  • Bathe or shower on the day of the interview. Use a deodorant. Ensure that you are freshly shaven. If you have a beard or mustache, take care to keep it neatly trimmed.

SUCCEEDING IN THE INTERVIEW

Before we discuss how you can impress your interviewer, it is important to discuss one small matter. Many people feel that interviews are stressful, and arrive with racing pulses and sweaty palms. Your interviewer will sense this and it may indicate that you deal with stress poorly. I would like you to view the interview from a different perspective, one that I am certain will help you overcome some of this stress, and will help you present yourself more effectively.

You are not visiting an employer in order to get him/her to do you a big favor,
but you are going to meet with this person so that you may both do a big favor for each other.

This is a big change from the way most job-hunters approach an employer. When you arrive confidently, knowing that you can offer skills that will assist an organization, most employers will be more receptive to your visit. The number one thing that employers look for is self-assuredness and confidence in their candidates. Keep in mind that you are not the only one being interviewed here -- You are interviewing your potential employer as well. Here are some suggestions to help you arrive with style:

  • Get a good night's rest before the interview. You will feel and look better, and think more clearly
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early. It is always a good idea to allow for unexpected traffic and difficulties finding the correct location. Arriving early also gives you time to observe the company and rehearse in your mind what you would like to say in the interview
  • Sit professionally while waiting, reviewing your prepared questions and interview notes
  • Be friendly to all persons you meet, including secretaries, administrative assistants, janitors, etc. Do not assume that you do not need to impress these people because they are not the ones interviewing you. The more people you impress in each organization, the better your employment chances will be