Making a Good Impression at Your Job Interview
You may have all the qualifications for a job and lose it to someone else who knows more about presenting himself or herself than you do. That would be a shame. We've included some information here on how to present yourself in an interview to keep that from happening. And don't forget to check out what interviewers notice in the first ten seconds of a job interview.
Show up for an interview, or to apply for a job, looking like you're ready to work
- If the worksite is an office, wear office clothing. That generally means a jacket and tie for men, even if it's 100 degrees in the shade. For women, it generally means a dress and stockings, even if you don't feel that comfortable in them. And if you're applying for a job at a construction site, it's steel-toed boots and work gloves. But keep in mind that many workplaces are becoming more casual—you might want to call ahead and find out what the dress code is at that particular company.
- Prepare your interview outfit in advance. If you spend the day before the interview racing around the mall, you may not end up with the look you want. Shop your closet in advance and make sure your outfit, including shoes and accessories, are in good condition and stain- and wrinkle-free. When you've got all the pieces together, try everything on in a dress rehearsal.
Look alert, well-groomed, and clean
- Even at the dirtiest construction site, where you want to wear clothes you aren't afraid to get dirty, make sure they're clean when you first get there. Get to bed early the night before you apply for a job or have an interview. Get a good night's sleep (yeah, we know you're nervous.) Get up in time to shave, shower, and groom yourself. Shine your shoes. Sharpen up your image—it's important, and interviewers notice details like scuffed shoes or chipped nail polish.
Look the interviewer in the eye and smile
- Nod when the employer says something that you're sure (s)he wants you to understand or agree with.
Looks matter...and so does talking
- How you speak and listen is critical in making a good impression. When you speak, use the words of the trade or industry. If you're in a machine shop, talk about calipers, micrometers, and machine tools (and make sure you know what they actually are!) In an accounting office, talk about spreadsheets, Microsoft Excel, and other tools of that trade (Again, make sure you know what you're talking about).
The other half of the communications equation is listening
- If the employer requires you to have a certain kind of skill or values, you will hear it. Just pay attention and concentrate. Let the employer know you're paying attention by rephrasing something you just heard, in your own words. The point is to let the interviewer know you know the job's qualifications.
All of this is packaging
- Before advertising, we didn't need to market ourselves. Now, in the advertising age, you do need to do it. It's not hard, and it can be fun. And it's very important. You'll find if you follow this simple guide, you'll stand a little taller and feel like the professional you're becoming.
