This post is PART TWO of a series
If you have not read PART ONE, visit here
So…You’ve been called for an interview…now what?
CRUNCH TIME…if you haven’t already – find out as much as you can about the company. You want to be able to have an intelligent conversation about your potential job.
Think of the answers to the following questions:
1. Why do you want to work for XYZ company?
(Don’t ever say “I need money”. Think of a good reason.)
2. What are your strengths?
(Don’t brag too much here. Just list a couple strengths.)
3. What are your weaknesses?
(Don’t ever say “I have none”. NO ONE is perfect. This question is a classic interview test. Say things like “Some people think I’m a perfectionist” or “I am not comfortable asking for help, but am willing to accept it.”)
4. Do you have any more questions for me?
(Try to think of something…anything…to ask about the position)
Plan what you will wear to the interview ahead of time. You will want to be neatly groomed (ie: hair washed and combed, clothes freshly washed, teeth brushed, deodorant on, etc…) Don’t laugh. I used to be a human resource rep and you would be surprised at the number of people who don’t even appear to have combed their hair for an interview. An interviewer’s worst nightmare is trying to conduct an interview with a clearly qualified candidate who has bad breath or body odor. Before you get to the interview, suck on a mint or chew a piece of gum (GET RID OF IT BEFORE THE INTERVIEW. Don’t be sucking on a mint or chewing gum at the interview.)
On the flip side, DO NOT use perfume or cologne. I remember one time I interviewed this woman who posessed every qualification we wanted, however, after the excruciating interview, my co-workers told me they would QUIT if I hired this person. Her perfume was so overwhelming that we could taste it. The stench hung in the air for the rest of the day. People would walk into my office and ask what in the world that horrible smell was. The perfume probably smelled good in moderation, however, so many people have no clue what moderation means that it is safer to just shower, brush your teeth and put deodorant on and no other scents. Not to mention, the scent of your perfume or cologne may be attached to memories of a terrible relationship for your interviewer and you just blew your interview. You don’t want that to happen.
Keep these appearance tips in mind when preparing for your interview. No one expects you to look like a model, however, you can take steps to appear and smell neatly groomed.
When you are being interviewed, sit up straight but not rigid. Take a deep breath and think for a second or two before you answer. Interviewers understand that you are nervous. That’s ok. Your answers and appearance are what matter at this point.
GOOD LUCK!!!
NEXT IN THE SERIES – You Survived the Interview, Now What?
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Today is the first day of the rest of your life.
What will you do with it?
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