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Interview Preparation Tips

imployee

Interview Preparation

 

An interview is a presentation to the client of yourself, your skills, your interests and how they will match with the particular position. Without preparation, it is challenging to give a convincing argument about why you are the best fit for the job. Research the company and position thoroughly on the internetResearch the skills required for the job descriptionWrite down the key points about you and how they contribute to the positionCreate a list of solid, engaging questionsPractice an interview with a friend or family to collect your thoughts and gain confidence in your presentationPlan your commute: Print directions, gauge the worst-case scenario commute time and plan to arrive 15 minutes early.Practice the commute a day or two before if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Interview Dress

 

It is important to dress in a way that matches the dress code of your potential employer or client site. Consult an company's dress code online or ask advice from a colleague or friend. Keep in mind that your goal in the interview should be to convey your strengths to the potential employer or client and learn more about the opportunity; distracting from your qualifications with your appearance is generally not advisable.

 

The following are some suggested interview attire guidelines with general applicability to all interviewees:

 

  • Wear a clean, well-fitted suit and as appropriate a clean, crisp button-down shirt and tie and pants or a knee-length hemline

  • Dress your hair in a simple fashion back off of your face with minimal hair products

  • Wear dark-colored, unscuffed, close-toed, no or low-heeled shoes

  • Do your makeup, if any, in a natural fashion with clear or neutral nail polish and little or no perfume, cologne, or aftershave

  • With a knee-length hemline, wear stockings or hose regardless of the weather

  • Keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum or at home altogether – less is more.

  • Clean and trim your fingernails

 

The above are general suggestions on professional attire based on industry experience. This should not be understood to discourage the use of any religiously or sincerely held belief required attire or accessories.

Resume Tips

 

Your resume sells you, your experience, your interests, and your skills to the client; it is their first impression of you. 

  • Proofread your resume and have others review it for grammar, spelling, and wording

  • Include your current contact information with a professional email address

  • Include explanations for gaps in your work history such as school

  • Do not embellish your experience, education or skills – honesty is the best policy

  • If you are a recent college graduate, include your education first and then work experience

  • Limit your resume to one page

  • Use power words to create short, results-oriented descriptions of your work responsibilities. 

Interview Etiquette

   

   It is important to maintain your professionalism and poise at all times in your potential employer's office. Acting professionally will ften have more of an impact on a lasting impression than what's on your resume.

 

  • Arrive on time, but no more than 15 minutes before your interview

  • Introduce yourself to everyone with confidence, respect and poise from the doorman to the receptionist. You want as many people as possible to put in a good word for you.

  • Greet your interviewer by standing up, making eye contact and extending a healthy handshake with a firm wrist.

  • Maintain your posture and eye contact throughout the interview

  • Speak positively and professionally of all situations and do not tell bad or personal stories even if your interviewer asks for dirt

  • Listen to each question and statement of the interviewer and stop before you answer to craft a thoughtful response

  • Review your questions and pick one geared towards your discussion or the work interests of your interviewer. Do not discuss salary and benefits - we'll have that information for you.

  • Ask for the business card of each interviewer and mentor so you remember their names for thank you notes

  • Close the interview with a thank you and express your interest in the opportunity and company

 

Interview Follow Up

 

Write thank you notes: Write thank you notes to each person with whom you interviewed regardless of your interest in the position. A good impression here may help you in the future. The person you meet or work with today may be a future boss or ally.

 

Thank them for their time, mention something positive you like about the company and express your interest in the position.

 

Maintain your professionalism and keep the note short and concise. Review the meeting and think of ways you can improve for the interview.

 

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