Tips for Interview

Source: http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org

DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW

Wear clothing that indicates you are ready to go to work today.

Men and Women

 All clothes should be neatly pressed.
 Conservative two-piece business suite (solid dark blue or gray is best)
 Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
 Clean, polished, conservative shoes
 Clean and well-groomed hairstyle
 Clean, trimmed fingernails
 Minimal cologne or perfume
 Empty pockets – no noisy coins
 No gum, candy or cigarettes

Men  Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern  Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best); clean and polished  Dark socks (black is best)  Short hair always fairs best in interviews  No beards – mustaches are acceptable (keep neat and trimmed)  No earrings  No heavy cologne

Women  Always wear a suit with a jacket; or a sheath dress with a jacket  Do not wear extremely high-heeled or platform shoes  Do not wear open-toe shoes or mules (they are more casual)  Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)  If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color  One set of earrings only  Conservative makeup  No heavy perfume  No heavy cologne SELLING YOURSELF What to Say  Introduce yourself with a smile and firm handshake. Maintain good eye contact during conversation.  Demonstrate to the recruiter what you want to and can do for the employer today, based on employer research. Give two minute commercial.  Answer questions with:    " Yes, for example (accomplishment/result statement)" and    " No, however (accomplishment/result statement)"  Show interest in what the interviewer is saying, by nodding your head and leaning toward him/her occasionally.  Give positive answers to negative-based questions.  Ask the recruiter prepared questions.  Initiate the next step by asking what the next step is.  Ask for the recruiter’s business card for future contact. Immediately after you leave make notes of important points of discussion. The "Tell me about yourself" question Here is an example about how to answer the first question most interviewers ask. “Tell me about yourself” It also allows the job seeker to share with the interviewer the most important thing they want to know – “Why should I hire you?” 1. Personal and Education This part is used to give the interviewer relevant information concerning you personally and about your educational background. This does not include personal information such as marital status, children, etc. This does include information such as: hometown or state and/or personal attribute(s). The education should be either the latest obtained and/or major field if relevant to job objective. 2. Early Career/Life Experiences This part is used to share with the interviewer past work and life experiences relevant to the job objective. 3. Recent Work History/Life Experiences This is the time for the job seeker to relate to the employer two accomplishments/results of the job seeker that indicate why he/she is the best candidate for the position sought. 4. Why you are here  In this part, the job seeker speaks with enthusiasm that he/she is here for the specific position sought. What to Do   Arrive 10-15 minutes early.  Use time wisely to review employer research information.  Have pen and paper. Asking to borrow a pen indicates lack of preparation.  Be enthusiastic. Recruiters remember a positive attitude.  Listen carefully to the interviewer’s complete question before responding.  If needed, pause and take time before answering difficult questions.  Keep going even if you feel you made a mistake.  Carry extra resumes, references, etc. organized in a portfolio  Unless asked, do not discuss salary and benefits. 25 things to avoid in an Interview Poor personal appearance Lack of interest and enthusiasm; passive and indifferent Over-emphasis on money Criticism of past employer Poor eye contact with interviewer Late to interview Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time Asks no questions about the job Unwillingness to relocate Indefinite answer to question Overbearing, aggressive, conceited with ‘know-it-all’ complex Inability to express self clearly; poor voice, poor diction, poor grammar Lack of planning for career, no purpose or goals Lack of confidence and poise, nervous, ill at ease Failure to participate in activities Expects too much too soon Makes excuses, evasive, hedges on unfavourable factors on record Lack of tact Lack of courtesy, ill-mannered Lack of vitality Lack of maturity Sloppy application form No interest in company or industry Cynical Intolerant, strong prejudices