Interviews

You’ve found the perfect job, you’ve sent in a truly outstanding resume and cover letter, and all your hard work has finally paid off – you have been called in for an interview. This is your chance to make yourself shine and land an exciting opportunity.

Rule #1: Come prepared or don’t come at all

Before you set out for your interview, do some research on the company. Find out about their product or services, major competitors, philosophy, history, and size. Just like your college search, you want to know what you are getting into. Not to mention the fact that the interviewer will be very impressed with your knowledge of their company.

You should also do a self-assessment prior to arriving at the interview session. Look over your resume and be able to explain your interests, abilities, experiences, and values as they relate to the job. Be prepared for the question: “So, tell me about yourself.”

Rule #2: Practice, practice, practice

Find a family member, friend, or career counselor to role-play an interview with you. Go over some frequently asked interview questions, which you can find at the career counseling office at school. Here’s a short list of common questions you will be asked, but you should also come with some questions for the interviewer:

  • Why are you interested in working at this company?

  • What are your strengths/weaknesses?

  • What are your long-term goals?

  • What did you like and dislike about your last job?

Rule #3: Dress to impress

You will need to look alert and well groomed, so get to bed early the night before and get up early in the morning to shower, groom yourself, and shine your shoes. In addition, what you wear to an interview can be as important as what you say – so always wear clean and neat clothing and make sure it is pressed.

Tips for all interviewees

Wear deodorant or antiperspirant. ‘Nuff said? Use little or no perfume or cologne. You want to smell good, but not overpowering. Also, more and more people find they are allergic to perfumes and colognes. You don’t want to make the interviewer break out in a rash!

Have fresh breath and clean teeth. Have clean, recently cut, and neatly brushed hair. If possible, before your interview find out how people dress at the place of employment. Dress as well or a little better (“one up”). But be careful, as overdressing may also turn the interviewer off.

Tips for Men

For business, public contact and customer service positions, wear a suit jacket, dress pants, shirt and tie, socks and polished shoes. Avoid loud colours.

For positions with less public contact, wear a sports jacket or a sweater, a shirt with a collar, dress pants (skip the jeans or sweat pants), and polished shoes.

Facial hair should be clean-shaven or neatly-trimmed.

Tips for Women

Go easy on makeup and fingernail polish — avoid unusual colors, too heavy an application and extremely long nails.

Simple clothes and quiet colors are most suitable. Very tight clothes, see-through tops and short skirts should be avoided.

Nylons and low-heeled shoes are best for professional, office, sales, public contact and customer service jobs.

Rule #4: Close the deal

While you are in the interview, collect business cards from everyone you meet with that day. Once you get back home, you should write a thank-you note to each individual person, recognizing that they took time out of their busy day to meet with you. Show your appreciation and express how interested you are in the position.

If you follow these simple rules, you will be well on your way to landing the job of your dreams!