Young people who can be academically brilliant, are sometimes not relaxed when
interviewing for that important first job.

First thing to do is dress conservatively, hide tatoo's, take off
dangling earings, modest hair style etc.
Reason is, you just do not know what your
interviewer is like, so play safe.

For a guy:
Slacks a crisp shirt (white, blue, gray, beige is safe). A modest tie is nice, and a jacket or blazer, (unless the job is construction or labor intensive). If you don't have a lot of money? Try a thrift store for an interviewing outfit, a blazer or slacks can make a difference. Wear socks and neat clean shoes. Forget the tee shirt, and definately no slogans.

For a female:
Be modest. No low necklines, skirts
should be around knee level. As with the guys, a blazer or jacket always gives a
professional appearance. Slacks, skirt or
summer dress. Do not wear tee shirts or
anything displaying slogans. Nothing revealing or too tight. Jewelery should be modest, and so should hairstyles. Go easy on make up. Leave off the eye shadow unless very discreet.

Research each company you intend to
apply to for work. The Internet is your
best source. Find out by calling the company if necessary, who the H.R. Manager is or the major Decision Maker. Remember the name of the person who will interview you, and use it. When you arrive pick up cards on the front desk If the receptionist name is displayed, use it when introducing yourself. People like their name to be used and remembered. After your interview call the receptionist if you have any questions and use her name. The first impression you make in that company can be very valuable.

A thank you letter after the interview? Yes, and e-mails are now acceptable (rather than snail mail). Just be brief and thank the interviewer for seeing you, and making you comfortable. You can always say you look forward to hearing from them later.

Unfortunately a lot of companies have
dropped this courtesy so don't be worried
too soon, but later it is perfectly in order to call and ask if a decision has
been made.

Make sure you know the questions to ask
at the interview, but listen carefully to the questions you are being asked. Remember the interviewer is looking to see what benefit you will bring to the company, not the other way around.

When first entering the interviewer's office smile and make sure you give a
STRONG Handshake. Lean back in the chair
and take a few deep breaths to be relaxed. When you are asked questions, answer thoughtully with one or two sentences.

Towards the end of the interview you may ask about opportunities within the company for your growth (or if it is just seasonal work ask what is important to them and how can you best meet their requirements).

Look relaxed even if it takes a lot of practice. Smile when appropriate, that helps. Remember you are also interviewing
them to see if the company offers you what you are looking for (although do not
make that too obvious).

If the interviewer asks personal questions be careful how you answer, and
do not go into your faults. A favorite
interviewers questions are "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Think
about your strengths and be ready. For weaknesses be careful not to make it a negative response. ie "I am not a good time keeper" definately a no-no!! However something like. "I get very involved with my work and studies, and sometimes people think I am a workaholic, however I am into sports.............(whatever you are into). Do you see how a negative answer needs to be turned into a positive one?

Another question might be "where do you want to be in 10 years?" Think about that before the interview. You will need
to include the company you are talking to with any ambitions. You can even ask the interviewer before leaving "May I ask how long it took you to reach your Management position?" or "Does this company promote from within?"

Most people are nice, but if you are unfortunate enough to meet a difficult situation, just tell yourself "hmm he/she must be having a bad day" and
do not allow yourself to be intimidated.

The more interviews you have the more experienced you become. Remember you
can't "win them all" and learn by each
experience you have. If the interview
did not go as well as you would wish,
do not blame yourself but analyze what
went wrong and how you answered the questions. This is just a learning experience, no need to beat yourself
up if it did not go well. Keep a
sense of humor about it and know that
next time you will remember what went wrong and do better.

Good luck with your future, our country is depending on you!


As seen in Mind Matters:

"Never wear a backward baseball cap for an employment interview unless you are applying for the position of Empire!