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Ace That Job Interview!

How to Increase the Odds of Landing Your Dream Job

When you get called in for an interview after sending in a resume and cover letter, you should be feeling pretty proud of yourself – especially in this job market. But now is not the time to rest on your laurels. You’ve got some work to do to get ready to ace that interview.

Dress the Part
While you probably know that a job interview is not the time to bust out your new ripped jeans and tube top, you may be confused as to what exactly you should wear. The rule is actually fairly simple. You want to look professional while at the same time not draw too much attention to yourself.

For guys this means wearing a suit; yes, with a tie. A dark color is best, such as navy blue, black or gray. There is no set shirt color, but keep it understated, and make sure it has long sleeves. Accessories should include a belt, dark shoes and socks.

Ladies should also wear a dark suit, with either long pants or a skirt that hits near the knee. No tie is required and there is a little more leeway on the shirt. Your blouse can be sleeveless as long as it’s covered by a jacket. If you’re wearing a suit with a skirt, you should wear nylons with it. If you’re wearing a pantsuit, you can stick with dark colored socks. Be conservative with your shoes. They do not make the outfit in this case.

There’s nothing wrong with having tattoos and piercings, but you do not have them on interview day. Take them out or cover them up, with the exception of one in each ear (ladies only). Also, make sure your hair is neat and trimmed and do not, under any circumstances wear a hat, unless you do so for religious reasons. Go easy on the jewelry and on the perfume or cologne.

If you have any other questions on what to wear, call and ask about the dress code a few days before your interview. Lay out your clothes the night before so you’re not scrambling to get ready, and make sure everything is clean and pressed. Bring a briefcase containing notepaper and an extra copy of your resume. Even if you don’t need it, it will help with your professional image.

Make a Good Impression
How you carry yourself is just as important as how you dress. Be ready to go into the interview with your head held high. Help squash the nerves by practicing at home. It sounds silly, but it really can work. A good way to practice is by preparing answers to some commonly asked questions and then having a friend or family member “interview” you while you examine your stance in a mirror.

Go into this mock interview just as you would the real one. Smile and shake your friend’s hand firmly and briskly. Sit with your hands in your lap or on the table. Do not fidget. Start with the three questions below. You can find many more online, such as at USAToday.com.

“Tell me about yourself.” This doesn’t mean give your life story. Come up with a three to five sentence autobiography that sums up your education, your past experience and your career goals, plus why this job fits perfectly into where you see yourself right now."

““What would past supervisors say about you?” Think back to your job history. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never had a “real job” or even if you’ve only volunteered or interned. There must be some instance in the past where you got some major kudos. Work it. Use a specific example if you can.

““Why are you leaving your current employer?” If you hate your current job, please don’t say that in the interview. Say you’re looking for more challenge, a position more suited to your career goals, etc. Hopefully this new position is a step up. If not, you may be applying to the wrong place.

Some interviewers will not ask you any questions beyond this, and some will have a matrix of 30 or more questions that can make the SAT look like a cakewalk. One way to try to gauge how much questioning to expect is to ask how long the interview will take beforehand. This means days beforehand – not the morning of the interview. It is perfectly reasonable to ask this question to help you plan your day’s schedule. Speaking of schedule, it is paramount that you show up for your interview on time, or preferably a few minutes early.

Interviewers hate it when a candidate knows nothing about the company or the position. This can suggest that you’re not a person who is willing to go the extra mile or do your homework. Check out the company’s website and thoroughly read the job description so you know who they are and what they need. Come up with some questions to prove that you know your stuff. Perhaps you can inquire on the status of a current project. Then ask about the company’s goals so you can tell the interviewer how you and only you can help them achieve them.

Be Engaged
You don’t have to plan out everything you’re going to say ahead of time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions based on what the interviewer tells you about the company and the job. Don’t interrupt, but log the questions in your mind for when you get a chance to speak. It’s informational for you, and it shows the interviewer you’re interested and paying attention.

Think of it this way; you are interviewing each other. The interviewer is trying to figure out if you’re good for the company, and you’re trying to figure out if the company is good for you. Don’t leave without asking what the next step in the hiring process will be. You should get a timeline as to when you will hear back. Ask each person you speak with for a business card so you can easily follow up.

Follow Up
After the interview, don’t obsess over whether it went well or not. Instead, decide if you’d like to continue to pursue the position. If not, send the interviewer a polite note thanking him for her time and saying you are no longer interested. If yes, also send a thank you note, but explain in it how enthusiastic you are about the job and why you are a perfect fit. Also bring up any details you felt you left out of the interview that are pertinent to a hiring decision.

Wait a week, and then follow up if you haven’t heard anything. No immediate response doesn’t mean you didn’t get the job. Lots of companies interview people over several days or take weeks or even months to complete the hiring process. Sometimes a gentle reminder can help to both calm your stress and get your name back in the front of the hiring manager’s mind.

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comments:

angiek_19 Date: 02/02/10 Lots of good pointers. mielco Date: 01/28/10 squeakz2001 Date: 01/27/10 Nice tips. nroslosnik Date: 01/27/10 AMANDA1380115 Date: 01/27/10 craigfrankie Date: 01/26/10 Good Info cardozt Date: 01/19/10 Helpful article.

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