Dressing for an Interview

One of the main purposes of an interview is to present yourself to a potential employer in a manner that reflects a highly polished and professional image. The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. That's why it's always important to dress professionally for a job interview, even if the work environment is casual.

You'll want that first impression to be not just a good one, but, a great one. The candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt.

For Men
Here are some things that a man must not forget for the interview. Belt, tie, dark socks, conservative leather shoes, neat & professional hairstyle, neatly trimmed nails, portfolio or briefcase.

A conservative business suit is almost always the rule. A well-tailored or fitted suit coat and trousers will go a long way in helping you present yourself professionally and confidently. Acceptable colors continue to be darker shades and hues including grays, blues (navy), and black. Pattern designs such as pin stripes and plaids are acceptable as long as they are subtle.

Although, a plain white or off-white shirt is always a winner. Dressing in your best attire for the interview also means having your shoes shined, if not new. Wearing a new suit and tie with an old, dirty pair of shoes that need resoled would be like bad for the interview. Laced shoes are the general rule; loafers are a little too casual. The color of your socks should complement or match the rest of your outfit. See-through socks are not considered appropriate. Likewise, a leather belt that matches the color of your shoes and has a small buckle is a good choice.

For Women
Dressing in a conservative business suit is the best way to present a professional image. As has been stated, the suit should fit well and make you feel good about yourself. Ask clothing salespersons for assistance in determining what is currently acceptable for skirt length; generally, length should not be too long nor too short. You should be able to sit comfortably wearing that skirt

The grays and blues are standard; women tend to be able to get away with wearing more of a variety of colors. Oftentimes, bright colors including reds, maroon, and various shades of blue and even green are acceptable. Women are also usually able to wear various fabrics without appearing unprofessional.

Your blouse should complement the suit in a conservative fashion. It should not be too revealing, high around the neck, nor have too many ruffles or frills. See-through blouses are discouraged for the professional interview.
Stockings are a must and should be flesh-toned or colors very close to it. Avoid color or patterns that would be distracting.

Shoes should be sensibly selected in a way that is not intended to make a statement. High heels and open toes are to be avoided.

Things to Avoid During an Interview

When appearing for a job interview, always keep in mind that the first impression is the last impression. Even the smallest mistake on your part can prove to be very costly.

It is a known fact that everyone tries to be on their best behavior while appearing for an interview. However, in our efforts to do everything right and answer questions correctly; we sometimes forget to watch out for the smallest and perhaps the most important things that should never be underestimated.

Here are a few things you must watch out for while appearing for a job interview -

Being Late – Don’t be late for the interview. It is OK to show up early.

Cribbing & Complaining - Refrain from saying badly about your previous employer and colleagues. No one wants to listen to someone who only knows how to complain.

Being Nervous and Excessively Negative - The way you conduct yourself says a lot about your personality. Make sure that you are physically as well as mentally present while appearing for your interview. Keep your cool and give it your best shot. And most important - be positive.

Not stating the Facts - In your efforts to make a good impression, never give in to temptations of lying. Answer questions truthfully and be honest about your work experience and qualifications. Don’t give false facts.

Going On and On - When the interviewer gives you the chance to speak, stick to what is important. Being over talkative and opinionated can adversely affect your interview. Be a good listener.

Uselessly Trying to be Funny - You might be a funny person and you might enjoy cracking jokes every now and then. Don't do it during your interview. Remember - there is a place and time for everything. Refrain from cracking silly jokes and testing your interviewer's patience.

Being Unaware - Before appearing for any interview, it is good practice to research the Company background and other details. Prepare yourself for obvious questions and do not forget to carry your latest, updated resume and other important papers.

Bad Manners - Don’t smoke, don’t chew gum and don’t pick your nose during an interview. Don’t smoke and go for the interview. Don’t sit unless you are asked for. Don’t make faces during an interview even if you don’t like the questions or the place.

Asking About Salary and Benefits - The appropriate time to discuss issues of compensation is when a firm offer is on the table. Don’t bring up the topic prematurely. (Some people don't consider this as a bad interview habit.)

Keep in mind the above mentioned thing which are to be avoided during the interview and I am sure it will all go nicely and in your favour. Best of luck for the interview and perform well.

Fairing in an Interview

A success interview is very essential in order for you to close in an offer. You’ve just got a call for interview for a seemingly wonderful job! Now what? Here are some tips and strategies for effective interviewing from preparation through follow up.

Do a bit for research before going for the interview. Gathering background information on employers is a crucial element in successful interview preparation. Know the interviewer's name and use it during the interview. You will need to be prepared to answer the questions "What do your know about our company"? & "Why do you want to work with us?" Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans can make your interview more interactive. Before the interview review the company's web site, on the website look out for recent awards won by the company or some other media involvement by the company.

Practice with a friend or relative or record your responses so you can replay the interview and see how well you did. Practice makes perfect (or at least leads to improvement). Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Questions like “What are you hobbies?”, “What are your ambitions?” etc. Also the most important question that many interviewer’s ask is “Why did you leave (or are you seeking to leave) your company?” The answer to this question must be short and clear. Calmly describe the reason for your departure, and don't go into details unless asked. Stay with the facts of what happened, what you did, how you felt and what you learned. Then describe how you will handle things differently in the future.

Being on time is another major aspect of a good interview. It is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to fifteen minutes early. Remember to bring an extra copy of your resume and a list of references. During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you're not sure what's been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure too fully answer the question.

And remember it’s not always you who have to answer all the questions. There are some questions which you must ask in an interview like "What are you most hoping to find in the person you hire?" and "What would be my first priorities on the job?" The earlier you can ask these questions, the sooner you can start tailoring your answers to the employer's priorities. At the end of the interview, ask, "Based on what we've talked about today, I feel good about the position. Do you have any concerns about my ability to do the job?" Often, that gives you a chance to counter any objections.

End the interview with a thank you to the interviewer and restate your interest in the position. Then follow-up with a personal Thank You note restating your interest. You can send follow-up letters through email if this is the way you and the potential employer have been communicating all along.

What should you expect in an Interview?

Once you have sent in your résumé and the interviewer likes what they see, they will set up an interview with you. If you have never been on an interview before, let’s just say a lot depends on it. Your résumé counts for a lot but an interviewer wants to hear from you what experience you have and what you have to offer their company.

First off, when you go for an interview no matter what type of job it is, you want to make a great impression. Make sure you dress the part, for women, you can wear a pants suit or a skirt with a nice top and a blazer and a small pair of heels. Never wear sandals to an interview. Don’t wear over powering colors; keep it simple with black, brown, blue or tan. For men, wear a suit or dress pants and a nice, neat button down shirt. Wear a pair of dress shoes, never wear sneakers.

Now you are dressed for success, always bring an additional copy of your résumé with you. They have a copy but you want to bring them another so it can serve as a reminder of who you are and your skills. Remember to keep calm; don’t be nervous it is only an interview. Don’t throw your arms over the back of the chair but don’t appear to be too uptight.

What to expect, the interviewer will ask you what skills you have and to review your job function at your last place of employment. Then they will ask you why you are leaving or why you have left. Keep your answers short. Be as personable as you can. Not only do they want someone with experience and can handle the job but they want someone who they feel will get along and fit in with their other employees.

Don’t lie on your résumé, if you do and they ask you about the one thing you may have embellished then it will show when you try to answer the question because you maybe caught off guard with that question. Keep it real and keep in honest. Answer all questions with answers not other questions. If you have the experience they want, if you didn’t you wouldn’t get an interview. They are looking now to see how you would fit in to their company.

Things you should do in an interview

If you have scheduled an interview with a company you sent a résumé to, there are some things that you need to do in order to get this job. The first rule of thumb is always dress to impress. Women should wear a skirt with a pump heel, nothing too high, a nice blouse and a blazer of cover jacket. Pant suits are acceptable as well. Never wear jeans or sandals to an interview. Men should wear a suit of a pair of dress slacks, a button down shirt and a tie. Always wear dress shoes, never sneakers.

Make sure right before you go in that your hair is in place and you look presentable. Make sure you have a copy of your résumé with you. A copy of the cover letter is not necessary, just the résumé will do. Keep it in a manila envelope of folder, don’t carry it in, it may get damaged some how on the way in.

When you go in, always shake the interviewers hand; make sure it is a firm handshake. It shows a kind of confidence. That is the key in an interview, confidence. If you know your résumé matches the company’s criteria, then all you need to do to get the job is show the interviewer you can do they job and yet fit in well with their company.

Keep your answers short and to the point. Always think about your answers but do not take too long in figuring them out. Do not discuss money, if the interviewer brings it up it is ok but don’t broach the subject yourself. An interviewer no matter what type of job it is is looking for the best person qualified and the best person to fit in.

Don’t brag about your experience, it is a turn off and don’t belittle your boss or co workers from your previous job either. A potential employer doesn’t want a selfish person and they do not want someone who can’t get along with others, even if you make it the other person’s fault.

Be personable but professional, be respectful and courteous. The ball is in your court, they need someone for a job and you need one. Try to remember you can help each other out and you may have a good chance of getting the job.