The economy is tough right now. There are more people looking for work than there are jobs. If you have landed yourself a job interview, congratulations! Now it’s time to put some preparation into it so that you can make the best first impression and get the job.
Dress Like a Professional
This seems like common sense, but you would be amazed at how many people do not take this simple step seriously. It does not matter what type of job you are interviewing for, it is extremely important to dress in a neat, clean professional manner. For most people this means wearing a suit. For men, it is a simple grey, blue or black suit with a white shirt and a simple colored tie. Now is not the time to make a fashion statement with the cartoon character ties. Shine your shoes, carry a portfolio or a briefcase, and by all means get a haircut prior to your interview.
For women, I think a matching skirt and blazer are very appropriate. Never wear short skirts above the knee, or low cut blouses. A few pieces of simple, classic jewelry will accent your outfit without drawing attention away from you. Always wear closed-toe shoes that are clean and polished: no flip flops, sandals, or tennis shoes. Do not carry a large fashion handbag, this is distracting and it takes away from the pulled together professional look you are trying to achieve. Carry a portfolio, folder or a briefcase and a small clutch for your keys, lipstick and a pen. Wear tasteful, yet conservative makeup, and no perfume; you aren't on a date.
What about if you are interviewing for a blue collar job, or one in which the people "never" wear suits? Wear a suit to your interview anyway. At the very least, wear a nice outfit with a jacket or blazer. It is much better to overdress for an interview than to underdress or wear casual everyday clothes. Once you land the job, then you can decide what to wear to work depending on what everyone else is wearing, based on the workplace guidelines.
Arrive Early to Your Job Interview
Allow yourself more time than you think you will need to arrive at the designated interview location. You never know if you might run into traffic, construction or have car trouble. If you are running late you will be stressed and harried and probably not do very well in the overall interview, not to mention the fact that by arriving late to your interview is a huge red flag for employers. They will very likely remove you from their list of potential hires based on that fact alone. Therefore, always arrive early and use your extra time to park, find your way to the appropriate office and mentally prepare for your interview. You will be calmer, more relaxed and I guarantee you will make a better impression than the "slide in at the last second" candidate.
Prepare for the Interview
It is important that you research and know about the company you are applying to. If there is a website, take some time to read it thoroughly. Find out as much information about the job you are interviewing for as you can. You will be better prepared for the interview itself and you will appear interested and capable.
It is also a good idea to rehearse your answers to commonly asked interview questions. Keep your answers relatively short and to the point. Do not go on and on about your personal life, or get side tracked in your answers. Have a well written, professional looking, one page resume ready to hand to your interviewer once you meet. Give a firm handshake and a smile when you first meet your interviewer and look him in the eye.
After the Interview
Once you have finished with your interview, be sure to thank the person for his time and ask when you might hear back. It is a nice touch to write a thank you note and send it after the meeting as well. This note can re-cap some of the highlights of your qualifications and it shows you are serious about wanting the job.
If you dress professionally, arrive early and you are well prepared for your job interview, you are bound to stand out from the pack. Keep a positive attitude and remain calm and pleasant no matter what the outcome. A job opportunity is surely right around the corner.
Karen Cross - Karen is an RN and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years experience in the medical field. She specializes in women's health, ...
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