Interviews are vital to getting any sort of job these days. Whether it be retail or PR, the interview is what will be what the employer truly remembers. They get to meet you, see how you interact, and just feel out your vibe. I think even if you do not have the most experience in the world on your résumé, you can redeem yourself through a slam-dunk interview. So behold, the 10 Commandments of Interviewing! WOO! Okay, as you can tell, interviewing gets me super excited. I'll simmer down, I promise. :)
The 10 Commandments of Interviewing:
1) Thou Shalt Dress to Impress
This one is obvious. First impressions are key, and the first impression they will have of you is what you look like! You do not have to wear a ball gown, but wear something clean, simple, and in basic colors. You do not want to distract from your work or wear anything too loud, so stick to a simple color palette and styles, and add accessories to personalize the look, like jewelry or cuff links. Also, SHOWER PLEASE. Look groomed, brush your hair, shave....hygiene. Also ladies, keep the makeup simple. Do not cake it on, but cover what needs to be covered. Keep the eyes simple and bring out your natural beauty. I'm thinking neutral eyes with a flush of color on the cheeks and berry lipstain. Simple, yet effective.
4) Thou Shalt Be Early
Being on time, even on the dot, is no bueno for an interview. You should aim to be early just in case something goes awry, like getting lost in the building. Try to be a half an hour early. It sounds extreme, but being late is a horrible way to start an interview, and basically sets you up for failure. And, it is disrespectful to whoever you are interviewing for because it shows you have no regard for their time. If you are chronically late, work on it but don't you dare be late to the interview!
3) Thou Shalt Calm Down
I have made this mistake before- walking into an interviewing and being so excited that it freaks the interviewer out. Calm down. Luckily, this has never cost me a job, but it can be a little awkward...
That being said, there is nothing wrong with showing your happiness. I doubt it will turn anyone off but just be mindful of how you look and what you are reflecting. You can be excited for the interview because that it adorable and will put the interviewer at ease, but do not give the impression you just had a jumbo coffee and a 5 Hour Energy. If you did have those things, hide it!
4) Thou Shalt Use Your Body
Not in a creepy way! What I mean is using body language to show your confidence. When you first meet your interviewer, or anyone else, shake their hand. Be firm, but not aggressive. Walk with your head up and with poise. Smile! And also, do not fidget. Don't play with your hair or squirm or look uncomfortable. Keep your composure, no matter what.
5) Thou Shalt Be Prepared
This is not just about preparing a speech about something on your résumé. You should take time before the interview to do some prep work on the company. What do they stand for? What have they accomplished? Read their mission statement. So, when they ask you why you are a good fit for their company, you can use their own words to explain. It will show that you did your homework, and that you are serious about the position.
6) Thou Shall Not Fear the Interviewer
They are people too! Do not get so riled up and nervous that it affects your performance on the interview. What helps me is (no, not imagining them in their underwear...whoever made that tactic up is just bizarre) just thinking we are two people, just having a conversation about our goals for the future. Just talking. You do not have to build up this big bad interview scenario in your head like most people do. It's just two people talking. Have fun with it! Laugh with them, genuinely listen and converse with them. Worst case scenario- you don't get the job, but you had a great conversation with this interviewer. That in itself can make you memorable and might even set you up for another opportunity. So treat them, and whoever you meet (even the receptionist who walks you to the office) with warmth and calmness. Brighten their day just by being yourself. Which brings us to...
Be yourself! Now, in a setting like an interview, it will be tempting for you to add some details here and there to spin your experiences in your favor. It's all to promote yourself. I believe this is okay. Don't make up crazy details, but fluffing up your stories and making them pretty are not the worst thing you could do. However, downright lying is not good. Don't make up complete lies and think you will get ahead because these stories will probably come back to bite you. Try lying and saying you organized the biggest blood drive in your hometown- law of the universe says your boss will ask you to use one of those contacts for something. Whoops. And your employers aren't dumb. They have practice interviewing people and have been in their field for quite some time- they will know a lie when they see one. Just don't do it!
8) Thou Shall Not be a Douche
You can be proud of your accomplishments. Fine. But do not get cocky or arrogant, even beyond your interview! I have heard of people going into interviews and trying to act too cool for school. It might be a defense mechanism for nerves, or it could be someone who genuinely thinks the company needs them. Whatever the reason, acting cocky will turn everyone off and will not help your case, no matter what you have accomplished. Keep it cool, bro.
9) Thou Shalt Thank Them for their Time
No matter what happens next, they took the time out to see you and meet with you for this interview. Give them the same courtesy and respect back by genuinely thanking them for their time. The interviewer, anyone else you met, and even the receptionist again! Also, follow up with the thank you- write them a handwritten letter thanking them yet again. They might prefer being contacted via email, but a handwritten letter shows so much more initiative and shows your respect. Do this letter in a timely manner- no more than 48 hours after the interview.
*Another idea! A very wise person once told me that she never went into an interview without baked goods. GENIUS. Bake the cookies, cupcakes, muffins, and cakes- everyone loves them! This may seem weird, but it is actually a great way to put yourself and your interviewer at ease. Plus, the people you feed will love you already. It will make you memorable and will make everyone's day. Do it.
10) Thou Shalt be Confident in Thyself
The ultimate, most important tip I can give you is to be confident. You landed the interview, which is an accomplishment in itself. Believe in your product, what you're promoting, yourself. If this one doesn't work out, another one will! Never lose that spark, drive, and passion that makes you who you are.
I hope these tips will help you land the job of your dreams!
 |
| THAT'S THE SPIRIT! |
xxx
No comments:
Post a Comment