Job Interviews
How to prepare for a job interview
Even if you have been on countless job interviews, each new experience can be stressful. Advance preparation for the upcoming interview can go a long way toward reducing the stress you feel, which will help you remain calm and perform better in the actual interview.
Preparing for Job Interviews
The first thing the interviewer will notice about you is your attire. An interviewer will draw conclusions about you based on what you are wearing and how neatly you are groomed. With this in mind, think about exactly what you will wear, and remember that you always want to convey a professional image, even if the job is in a more casual environment.
For a man, basic interview attire should be:
- A solid color suit, preferably in navy or dark gray
- A long-sleeved shirt in white or a color that complements the suit
- A tie, which can be colorful or interesting, but not flashy
- A belt
- Dark socks
- Conservative dark shoes
- Little or no jewelry
- Briefcase or portfolio
If you are a woman, a basic interview outfit should include:
- A two-piece suit in navy, dark gray, or black, with the skirt at an appropriate length
- A coordinated blouse
- Conservative shoes
- Neutral-colored pantyhose
- Limited jewelry of high quality, but no costume jewelry
- Briefcase or portfolio
Take some time before the interview to research the company and, if possible, your interviewer. Also, business skills experts stress the need to focus on anticipating possible questions for job interviews and formulating appropriate answers for job interviews. Some potentially sticky questions to anticipate include:
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What did you do during the gap in your work history?
- Who was the worst boss you ever worked for?
- What do people most often criticize about you?
- Why should I hire you?
Tips for Top Performance in an Interview
Arrive early to the interview location, which means 10 to 15 minutes before the appointed time. Do not arrive earlier than this, as it gives an air of desperation. If you are not sure of the interview location, drive by at an earlier time so you won't waste time before the interview looking for the location. Bring extra copies of your resume, as well as your list of references.
Try to maintain a sense of calmness during the interview. In addition, interviewers like job seekers who convey a positive attitude, so even when asked a question about a potentially negative subject, try to put an upbeat spin on your answer.
After the interview, remember to write a real (not an emailed) thank you note. Interviewers appreciate thank you notes for job interviews and tend to remember job seekers who take the time to follow up by sending one.
