Dress for Success

HR Articles - Staffing Articles

To help you prepare for your big day, we have prepared some Interview Tips for
you. Read the Interview Tips below for helpful advice on making the most of your
interview opportunity, including:
• The day before the interview
• The night before the interview
• The day of the interview
• Do’s and Don’ts

The Day Before the Interview
• Make your travel plans for getting to the interview; know exactly where you are going and to whom you will be speaking.
• Buy your ticket of fare for transportation, fill your car with gas, or re-confirm other transportation plans.
• Make sure that you have several clean copies of your resume to take with you.
• Decide what you will wear and check that it is clean, pressed, no missing buttons, etc.
• Check that you have at least 2 pairs of new or as-good-as-new hosiery -- sheer, off black or nude; no opaque or white!
• Confirm child care plans and any other plans which leave you depending on someone else. Have a back-up in mind in case you need it.
• Try to learn two or three facts about the company and/or its products, so you will sound well-informed at the interview.

The Night Before the Interview
• Check the weather forecast! Will you need an umbrella? Should you wear a coat?
• Decide what you will be taking in your handbag and set it aside. Be sure to include a pen and paper as well as an extra pair of hosiery.
• Plan how you will wear your hair and make-up. (You shouldn't try anything new in the morning.) Make-up should be appropriate for daytime, not
Saturday night. No glimmer or shimmer and keep eye makeup to a minimum or wear none at all.
• Check your nails! They should be conservative in length and color; no chipped polish.
• Do as much of your morning preparation for both yourself and your family as you can.
• Do something to relax: take a warm bath, exercise, etc.
• Have a light dinner (no alcohol) and get to bed early.

The Day of the Interview
• Avoid too much coffee or sugar at breakfast.
• Brush your teeth and put on deodorant!
• Remember to take directions to the interview, the name of the person you are meeting, your resume and other relevant items with you.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get there, get comfortable and find the restroom.
• If you feel nervous, try breathing in to the count of ten and then exhale to the count of ten. Try to increase the count.
• Observe your surroundings, get a feel for the work place. Don't leave anything to chance. Remember: you can't be too prepared!

Do’s:
• DO tell yourself you deserve the job. (That doesn't mean they owe it to you. you must convince them.)
• DO introduce yourself by name first. "Hello, my name is ________." Use your first and last name. Look the person in the eye and speak clearly.
• DO take out your pen and notebook to take down notes --or just to look prepared.
• DO be friendly. Give a firm handshake, make eye contact, smile and speak up. A little small talk to start is fine. For example, comment on the nice surroundings or a book you notice on the shelf.
• DO keep your temper no matter what happens.
• DO try to define your strengths and weaknesses. If you can't think of a weakness, try: "I'm over-responsible" or "I'm incredibly organized."
• DO be prepared to talk about your professional goals.
• DO be enthusiastic, courteous and alert throughout the entire interview.
• DO sit calmly --if you tend to gesture a lot when you talk, try clasping your hands in your lap.
• DO feel free to explain how well your special skills match up with the employer's needs.
• DO ask for a business card so that you can send a short and prompt thankyou note.

Don’ts:
• DON'T bring a friend or child along.
• DON'T be insincere -- fake flattery shows.
• DON'T wear flashy jewelry (keep it simple and small) or a facial piercing.
• DON'T flirt, even if the interviewer flirts with you -- be friendly but businesslike.
• DON'T use the word "fired" or mention that you didn't get along with a past supervisor.
• DON'T be afraid to ask why this company would be a better employer than its competitors.
• DON'T start with questions about your salary or about not working -- such as, "How much vacation do I get?"
• DON'T be afraid to say, "I really want this job; I know I could make a real contribution."
• DON'T slump, yawn, smoke, chew your nails or chew gum during a job interview.
• DON'T panic if you trip, knock something over or drop something. Show how cool you are under pressure.