Your Appearance at the Interview
Career Advice on attitudes for the Interview
It's not just your clothes that project your image in an interview. This week in Career Advice we talk about your attitude and facial tones to help get that job!
Career Advice: Your appearance at the interview.
This week in Career Advice we discuss your appearance at that all important interview - the one that will get you that job!
And we are not just talking about the clothes you are wearing - although you do need to dress in the culture of your anticipated new employer. By culture we mean what that particular place of business considers appropriate. And it never hurts to be a bit dressy for the interview (with moderation - I can just see it now - you arrive in a tux and in tears tell me about their reaction later!). Dressy means even if you will probably be wearing jeans during normal business hours, you should arrive in casual slacks and even a jacket for your interview; business suits are still fine - you are letting them know you DO have the appropriate wardrobe to meet clients.
Your appearance must be neat, clean and tidy. Yes, you should still be you - if that means bright colours - go for it! But your hair should be neat and not flying all over; nails to be clean of dirt and debris - nail polish all on OR all off; and clothes should fit you. Don't go excessive on the jewellery - you want them to pay attention to what you are saying, not wearing. But make sure you are comfortable - that is the most important feature to remember - if you are comfortable and confident, those attributes will shine - and that will help get you the job.
So, you've decided on your clothes (remember to follow the same rule for your shoes - neat and clean) - now what? Your appearance also includes your facial expression and your posture. Yep, mom was right - keep those shoulders back and your head held high - don't slouch; and ensure you keep your face pleasant. No, you DO NOT have to keep smiling - just try and be calm and assured - so your face does not show every worry and concern.
Don't forget to take extra copies of your cover letter and resume - this shows you are prepared. Take at least two to three copies - in case you are interviewed by more than one person. Don't take offense if someone growls "I already have one" - they want to see how you react to negative comments. Also, I never send in References before an interview - but I do come prepared with copies of references to the interview. This keeps me in control - if I do not like how the interview is going, I will make an excuse about faxing the references later - and then politely send a letter of thanks but I am not pursuing the position. If I do like what I hear and see, I will present them with my references. Remember - you should contact your references to let them know each time you have applied for a position and given out their name - so that your reference can be prepared as well.
What most employers are looking for at the interview is to see the "real" you - not just your paper version. Your attitude at the interview means the most - how do you answer questions - are you calm, are you angry - do you seem resentful explaining the information on your resume, are you able to answer and prove you DO know the information. Other than the technical side, the employer is not listening so much to your answer, but HOW you answer - your attitude.
Remember - take the letters of ATTITUDE and substitute its numerical equivalent (A=1, B=2, etc) - and you get 100%!
________________________________________________________________________
Copyright July 11, 2006. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved.
