Parents have emptied the nest and students are lifting sofa cushions for pennies. Job-seeking has arrived and students are becoming more self-conscious about their communication skills and attire. However, College Magazine is here as your job guru to guide you through the important details as you head to your next interview.
1. Dress to Impress
Creating a memorable first impression is especially important when arriving to any interview. This includes arriving on time (you late-sleepers, you) as well as the first-glance attire. Unfortunately, this will require you to leave your Snuggies at home and remove the price tags from the dress pants you nearly forgot you had. Every employer wants to believe that you are capable and willing in the professional world.
Business slacks, dress pants, collared shirts and closed-toe shoes are always deemed appropriate for both interview and first day on the job. Although the interviewee may seem relaxed, wearing jean shorts, flip-flops and wrinkled clothing are not acceptable. Ladies, the dress you wore last night to the bar may have to stay in the closet for this one. Excessive accessories are fun, but employers want to base their decision on your minds, not your assets.
2. Language
How you interact during the interview will decide whether your possible future employer can communicate simple tasks to you. Using slang is noted as the “lazy” language. Employers will believe you have thrown out all basic language rules, assuming you will represent their company in the same apathetic way. Practicing using “am not” rather than “ain’t” will break the former habit more than you know. Contractions are fine when used in moderation.
3. The Morning After
If you are not one to function well after a night on the town, you may want to trust your instincts and wrap-up your evening earlier than usual. The employers will mind the exhaustion and cigarette-infested scent from the “good times” you were having just hours ago. As boring as it may seem in comparison, reviewing the job description and business background as your bedtime story will help your confidence in the morning.
4. Do Your Research
Have you ever applied for a job just for the sake of applying rather than for the actual similarities it has with your skills and interests?
Do your research. Going into the interview blindly will make you appear less adequate for the position, because you won’t even know what the position is. Look at what the job entails. If it isn’t something you would want to do, don’t waste your time. Employers want to know how interested you are and if you’re proactive. Take the initiative to prove them right by committing to further research.
5. Are you completely prepared, yet?
Although remembering the larger details becomes crucial, it’s also important to keep the small, easily-forgettable details in the forefront of your mind.
Are your shoe-laces dragging? Is your shirt buttoned correctly? Socks—do they match? While all of these are important things to remember, there are a few more crucial details you’ll need to check off of your list.
Make sure to always carry a few copies of an updated resume at all times. It is best to obtain a portfolio to showcase other work you’ve done. Besides proving to be qualified and prepared, you’ll also have reasons to boast. Carry a professional tote or bag to house everything you’re bringing. The less you have to juggle in your hand, the better.
