According to Luther Epting, director of the Career Center at Mississippi State University, the average person of this generation will change careers six times in their lifetimes. Pair that information with the unstable job market due, in part, to the rise in those entering the job market and employees taking later retirement, you must work harder to convince interviewers you are the best for the job. Unless you have a guaranteed foot-in-the-door, then you must ensure that your interviewing skills are honed to perfection. This article offers to help you toward that goal.
First, the interviewer has formed her impression of you in the first thirty seconds of the interview, obversely; it takes twenty-nine good meetings to correct a bad first impression. Very few interviewees have the opportunity to correct that bad first impression. It is imperative that you take the interview process seriously and conservatively. For example, regardless of the age of the interviewer or how liberal the company seems, do not expose tattoos or wear multiple piercing. It is surprising how many interviewers are turned off by multiple piercings and tattoos. Women should limit earring wearing to the traditional pair in the ears, and men to a small, tasteful gold stud. If you feel that this compromises your personal identity then you may need to reconsider your employment choices. Of course, if you are interviewing for a tattooing artist position or a piercing specialist then displaying your abilities might be appropriate. The same is true regarding your choice of clothing.
All clothing should be clean and pressed. This shows the interviewer that you take pride in self as well as respecting the interview process. This is not the time to show neither your hip-and-happening style nor how gorgeous your figure is. If you are female that doesn?t mean that you have to be covered from neck to ankle to wrist but it does mean that you want to keep the interview on your professional qualifications, this is not the time nor place for anything tight, plunging, split, or high. Regarding make-up, less is better than more and some is better than none. The object of make-up is to enhance features not provide a mask. Daytime make-up is supposed to be light and, like your clothing, should not distract.
For the men you don?t have to show up in a three piece suit, unless that is the standard office attire, however, it should reflect a conservative air. No matter how clean they are, or how starched and pressed, jeans are never appropriate, the same is true with t-shirts. Men should think slacks and a dress shirt with matching belt and shoes. Color is another consideration, women should wear grey, tan, or navy, and black is seen as too harsh. You may wear other colors, of course, but keep to a subdued shade once again avoiding distracting from your goal. Men should consider black, navy, or brown. Find an outfit you like and feel comfortable in and use that as your interviewing outfit.
Secondly, this goes hand in hand, as it were, with the first: shake hands upon meeting the interviewer. It is amazing how powerful this simply act is. The correct handshake is very simple: the web, the skin between your forefinger and thumb, of your hand completely touches the web of the interviewers, wrap your fingers around the other hand, squeeze firmly (not tight enough to cause discomfort, this is an interview not a wrestling match), pump twice slightly (you aren?t pumping water), look the interviewer in the eyes and say, ?Hello, I?m , nice to meet you.? This sets an excellent tone for the interview and shows your willingness to take charge of a situation; initiative is a very desirable trait in all jobs. Women have developed a weak finger or half palm handshake that interprets as submissive and indecisive. Women can have firm handshakes and still appear feminine, or well mannered.
Next, research the company. You need to do this for two reasons: a) to see if the company fits your professional goals and style, b) by sharing your knowledge of the company with the interviewer you show that you, once again, to the initiative to research the company and come prepared. If possible, visit the company during work hours and get a feel of the working environment, how the employees relate to one another, or how they relate to customers. Which leads us to the fourth point, prepare for the interview.
Every interviewer wants to know what you can offer the company. Ask yourself, ?Why should they hire me??, then prepare, and practice the response. Compose a list of your strong suits, not just your qualifications. What are you bringing to the table? Remember you aren?t the only interview of the day, week, or month. In some cases, a job is held open until it?s filled; make sure the fill the position with you. Actively listen to the interview so that you can make sure your questions and concerns were addressed.
When asked about previous employment, do not get into boss-bashing or office gossip. Any negative comments can be construed as sour grapes and unprofessional since the person or persons can?t defend themselves. If you did leave your previous employ with bad feelings rehearse a neutral response, ?The company?s goals and mine were no longer in sync,? ?There were few opportunities for professional growth,? etc. The idea is to keep the focus on your positive attributes and not water cooler talk.
Most interviewers want to know if you have any questions, have some. Do not ask about pay scale or benefits until you have been offered the position. This is taboo and can end the interview. Do ask the interviewer how long they?ve been with the company, where did they start, and where do they see themselves in five years. This gives you an opportunity to find out how the company views long-term employees and if they promote from within. It also give the interviewer an opportunity to talk about herself, everyone loves to talk about themselves. Most importantly, it takes the pressure off you so that you can gather your thoughts. Ask the interviewer what she likes about her job and the company. Once again, this gives you a more personal insight into the company. It is proper to ask how and when you will be notified that the position has been filled.
If the interview involves a meal, do not drink alcohol even if the interviewer asks or if the interviewer has a drink. Often this is a test to see if you can control you?re drinking. If the interview is an entry-level executive position then often the executive will have to take a client out for a meal, companies do not like to be embarrassed by inappropriate behavior. If you are not familiar with eating etiquette then take the time to learn the basics: which utensil to use when, how to drape your napkin properly. Oh, and your mother was right, elbows off the table when eating. All libraries and bookstores have books on etiquette.
Be honest about availability dates and any scheduling concerns. If you are the perfect fit for a position then most companies will work with any scheduling problems, within reason. In addition, most companies understand that plans made before the interview can?t be changed, but few companies tolerate lying or orchestrated dishonesty and that includes saying, ?Technically, I didn?t lie,? failure to disclose is lying. If plans can be changed then change them but if you can?t then list, or tell, all conflicts and be willing to compromise.
Prepare a resume, even if you?ve filled out an application and if it only has a few entries, remember volunteer work shows leadership abilities and other real world experiences that translate well in the workplace. When the interviewer concludes the interview, present the resume saying, ?I?d like to leave my resume with you, it gives a more complete picture of my experience,? for example and conclude with a handshake.
Two days after the interview send the interviewer and thank you card. This shows your knowledge of etiquette, often needed in the professional world, and keeps your name in the forefront of the interviewers mind. It may be the one thing that separates you from another equally qualified applicant.
To summarize, you only have one chance to make a good impression, make it count: ?Dress appropriately and lean toward a more conservative look ?Develop a firm handshake. ?Research the company. ?Prepare answers to ?Why do you want to work here?? ?Why should we hire you?? ?List your strengths ?Do not ask about money, days off, or benefits before the job is offered. ?Do not engage in boss-bashing or office gossip. ?Prepare questions for the interviewer regarding advancement, opportunity. ?Brush up on dining etiquette if needed. ?Be honest about availability and any conflicts. ?Prepare a resume and leave it. ?Shake hands at the end. ?Send a thank you note.
AE Wise has been in education for over 20 years and is currently book department manager for a national chain. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Facsimile.Com/ which is a site for Fax Machines.
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