This will be a long post, but its really helpful!
Guide for Interview 1) First Impressions Count!
The first minutes of the interview are the most important. An employer begins sizing up your potential the instant you walk in the room. An excellent initial impression, on the other hand, will put a favorable glow on everything else you say during the rest of the interview--and could well encourage the employer to ask less demanding questions.
How can you ensure that you make a terrific first impression? The easiest answer is to be sure your grooming and your dress is immaculate. Just be sure that you are able to put together an adequate outfit that is both professional and squeaky-clean.
In virtually the same instant the interviewer notices your appearance, even before either of you speaks, your body language will begin to affect the way you are perceived. Here are some important things to think about
:
Are you smiling before being greeted? A sincere smile is a universally attractive trait.
Do you approach the interviewer with a confident, self-assured gait or do you slump your shoulders and look at the floor?
Do you extend your right hand naturally to begin a firm (but not viselike) handshake?
Are your briefcase, note pad, and coat in your left hand or do you have to juggle them around in order to shake hands?
Do you remember the interviewer's name and pronounce it with confidence?
Do you make just enough eye contact without staring at the interviewer?
Do you make small talk easily, or do you act formal and reserved, as though under attack?
As you can see, much of the first impression you make at an interview will be dramatically affected by how relaxed and confident you feel. This is why it is so important to practice for each interview--so you can truly give your best impression.
2)Timing is Everything
Although it may seem hard to believe, many job seekers arrive late for interviews.
Allow plenty of time to get ready and travel to your job interview. You should not arrive at the interviewer's office more than 10 minutes in advance. However, if you are driving across town, planning 10 minutes of extra time is probably not enough. Try to get to the location at least 30 minutes early; you can then spend 20 minutes in a nearby coffee shop or take a walk around the building. Interviews are important enough to build in a little extra time. Here's another tip: If you have never been to the interview location before, visit it the day before so you know exactly how to get there, access the building, and locate adequate parking.
3) Projecting the Perfect Image
While you should spend a great deal of time preparing your answers to interview questions, you must be careful to not let your practice and preparation become a disadvantage. Once the interview begins, your focus should be on interacting well with the interviewer--as opposed to trying to recall the exact responses you prepared earlier. If you prepared for the interview well, your conduct and responses will convey to the interviewer the image that you want to project without effort.
It is important for you to know that the interviewer's decision about whether or not you will be invited back for an additional interview will probably be influenced as much by your qualifications as your attitude and personality. So while preparation is important, how you conduct yourself during an interview can make even more of a difference. The overall impression you make is very important. Generally, you should try to stress these qualities in your choice of words, your tone of voice, and your body language:
Capability
Enthusiasm
Confidence
Flexibility
Dependability
Resourcefulness
Easygoing manner
Strong work ethic
One word of caution: do not concentrate too much on trying to project the perfect image. Just try to relax and visualize yourself as smooth and confident, and you will project these qualities.
4) Dressing for Success
How important is proper dress for a job interview? Well, the final selection of a job candidate will rarely be determined by dress. However, first-round candidates for an opening are often quickly eliminated by inappropriate dress. This is not to say you should go out and invest in a new wardrobe, just be sure that you are able to put together an adequate interview outfit.
Generally, a professional-looking dress or suit with low-heeled shoes makes the best impression. In more conservative industries like law and banking, a suit is a safer bet than a dress. At the same time, some hiring managers in "creative" industries like advertising and publishing look for a more informal, stylish look that reflects the applicant's individuality. Use your best judgments and wear whatever is both professional and comfortable for you.
Top personal grooming is more important than finding the perfect outfit. Be sure that your clothes are immaculately clean and well fitting, that your hairstyle is neat and businesslike, and that your shoes are clean and attractive. Avoid excessive jewelry, makeup, or perfume.
Be sure to bring a watch, pen, and pad of paper for taking notes. A briefcase or portfolio, if you have one, will help complete the look of professionalism. Avoid carrying purse if you can-it may detract from your professional image. And don't forget to take a few extra copies of your resume!
5) Dressing Clean and Conservative
How important is proper dress for a job interview? Well, the final selection of a job candidate will rarely be determined by dress. However, first-round candidates for an opening are often quickly eliminated by inappropriate dress. I am not suggesting that you rush out to buy a whole new wardrobe, but that you must be able to put together an adequate interview outfit.
For a man, a clean, conservative two-piece suit, white dress shirt and simple tie is the basic corporate wardrobe.
Women should either wear a relatively conservative dress or a suit. In traditionally more conservative industries, such as investment banking, a suit is a safer bet than a dress.
Remember, top personal grooming is more important than finding the perfect outfit. Careful grooming indicates both thoroughness and self-confidence.
