The Interview: Who Do You Look Like?

Posted on October 6, 2011 by R. A. M.

Two businessmen in suits shaking hands and smiling. The interview isn’t the promised land, but it is an all-important step towards it. If you don’t get an interview, the job process for that particular company or organization is over.

But, if you do get an interview, you have taken an important step on the road to employment. Virtually no one is hired without an interview. So, take a moment to feel proud of yourself. What the notice of an interview is telling you is that you look good on paper. That’s grand. Take the afternoon to enjoy and celebrate that fact. Then begin to prepare for that all important meeting.

Of course, you will have done your homework researching the company or organization, committing its history to memory so that you can discuss subjects that come up with genuine perspective. You will know what to say about the requirements of the position you’ve applied for and how you are a perfect fit.

You will also give a lot of thought to your appearance. You will carefully select your wardrobe and take some time at home to make sure it’s right. You don’t want to look too conservative or flashy. Mostly, it’s best if you look like you. Being relaxed, no matter how you look, will score points. Consider your body language. Be aware. If you are over 45 years of age, know that your interviewers will probably be younger than you. Accept that fact and speak to them with honesty. Connect with them. Interviewers are most likely to recommend people who look like them. By being honest and focused, you can overcome this psychological obstacle.

Photo © iofoto – Fotolia.com

Dressing For A Job Interview

Posted on August 11, 2011 by J. Widget

Businesspeople, or business person and client handshaking If you have a crucial job interview coming up, your first assignment with the prospective new employer is to ensure that you hit the right note with your appearance.

Of course what you wear depends on the industry you hope to work in, and the type of employer interviewing you. If you’re unsure, call the company and ask the receptionist about dress code. But, for a corporate environment, of course you can’t go wrong with a business suit. And, in any interview setting, you’d do well to err on the side of conservatism.

For women, if you happen to know the organization takes a less formal approach, a pantsuit with a blouse or sweater could be ideal. Avoid short hemlines, low necklines and anything too tight.

Strappy sandals are also a no-no. Choose from pumps, loafers and closed-toe shoes. Don’t risk bare legs – if you’re wearing a skirt, wear nylons, and carry a spare pair in case they get snagged or laddered.

Perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and jewelry all need to be used in moderation. And, in terms of body piercing, a single earring in each ear is probably all you can get away with.

Keep accessories professional. A silk scarf can add the perfect finishing touch, as can a smart briefcase or portfolio. That oversized, disorganized handbag should be left at home.

For the guys, a basic black, dark navy or gray suit, a matching tie and black leather lace-up shoes fit the bill. If you know the company doesn’t expect suits, go for pressed khakis or slacks, a clean, ironed button-down shirt, a belt and leather loafers.

Match your belt to your shoe color. Choose black if your outfit consists of dark grays, navys, browns or black or dark brown if you’re sporting tans, muted pastels or medium toned colors

Whatever your gender, check your outfit very carefully for marks, holes and the like very carefully. Be fussy about hems, nails, hair and the cleanliness of your shoes.

Looking the part at an interview can boost your confidence and chances of success no end. So get it right – and knock ‘em dead!

Photo © vgstudio – Fotolia.com

The Interview Thank You Card: What Should It Say?

Posted on August 4, 2011 by W. Plummer

thank you card After an interview, it is common courtesy to write a thank you letter to your interviewer. If you fail to write, some employers will take note. You should mail your thank you letters as soon as you finish your interview, so check out our suggestions below for some helpful tips.

When you write your thank you letters, follow the general rules of letter writing. You want your letters to feel personal and sincere. If your interview was fairly informal, write your letters by hand to reinforce your personal connection. If the interview was more formal, or if you have really bad handwriting, typed letters are a better idea.

Beyond politeness, your thank you letter is a final opportunity to sell yourself to your interviewer. It’s a good idea to remind your interviewer why you want the job, and why you’re the perfect person for the job. If there is anything that you didn’t get to talk about in your interview, the follow-up letter is the perfect opportunity to mention it. Also, you should make a brief comment about what you learned from the interview that pertains to your potential job, such as a duty that you would be responsible for, and your eagerness to take it on.

Before you close your letter, be sure to include a comment on something personal that you discussed in your interview, so that your interviewer will remember you, and will feel a personal connection with you. For example, did your employer mention a great place to eat down the street? Be sure to thank them for the tip.

If you are having trouble figuring out what to write in your letter, it’s always most important to be prompt, so if you can’t think of anything significant, at least make sure that you get the basic courtesies across. These little things are what will usually decide whether you get the job or someone else does, so take them seriously!

Dealing With Off-Limits Interview Questions

Posted on August 3, 2011 by W. Plummer

Two businesspeople, or businessman and client Generally, interviews are incredibly stressful; they seem to be the make or break moment in determining whether or not you will get the job. Despite all of the stress, it is important to ensure that you always watch out for your rights. There are certain questions that federal and state laws prohibit employers from asking at interviews to prevent discriminatory hiring practices. If an employer asks you about your race, your sex, your religion, your national origin, your birthplace, your age, your disability, or your marital/family status, you have a few options:

You Can Answer The Question – This option might not be the most appealing, but if you are comfortable answering the question, do so. If you don’t get the job, and you feel that your response to the “illegal question” influenced the employer’s decision, you have legal options. If you think that the question is being asked with a reasonable aim, you can always just respond to the underlying question. For example, if your employer asks if you are a United States citizen, you can respond that you are legally cleared to work. Your work status is an appropriate thing for your employer to ask you.

Get More Information – If you are uncomfortable with a question, be direct and ask your potential employer why they need that information. You might say, “Well, it’s not that I won’t say the answer, but I was wondering if you could tell me how it pertains to the job?” You might discover that they really want to know if you speak a 2^nd language and just didn’t ask properly, or whether you would be able to work overtime. (This is usually the reason for questions about your family status.) This way, you can give them the information that they actually need to make a decision.

You Can Refuse to Answer The Question – This is risky, and it might cost you the job, but you always have the option to simply refuse to answer a question that you feel is off-limits. If you do this, be incredibly polite, and inform your interviewer that you think that the question is sensitive. If you don’t get the job as a result of refusing to answer, remind yourself that you probably wouldn’t feel safe in a work environment where people ask these questions.