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Being
a Success at the Job Interview
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*A
monthly column devoted to helping women and men
be their best and most confident in any situation.
Topics include dress, body language, attitude and
etiquette.
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Victoria Seitz, PhD
Image Expert |
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So you have that all important job interview tomorrow. You have
done your research on the company and have questions prepared.
Here
are some tips that will make your interview an impressionable
one.
- Dress for the profession. 75% of the decision to hire
you is based on how you look. If you are going for an accountant's
position a gray, black suit is suitable. Conservative is best.
If you are going for a marketing position a little more creativity
in your dress is needed. A suit yes, but have interesting accessories,
such as a tie, belt, scarf or pin. If you are going for a fashion
or interior design position you need to look the part. I find
that interior designers are one of the best dressed because
they know how to mix patterns and textures which communicates
their expertise instantly. The same goes with fashion but be
on the conservative side.
- Make sure you clothes are clean and pressed and your
shoes are shined. These details make a big difference. No running
shoes or skimmers please. Also avoid white shoes.
- Consider having a manicure before your interview so
your hands and nail reflect good personal hygiene. Guys you
just need your nails buffed for a good shine instead of polish.
Ladies, avoid bright colors and very long nails, with or without
jewelry or initials on them.
- Also prior to the interview have your hair trimmed.
This is just as important for men as well as women. If you have
facial hair such as a mustache, make sure that it is well trimmed
above the upper lip. No side burns please. Ladies, wear a hair
style that works with your hair and keeps it out of your face.
Avoid big hair and lots of gel (guys too).
- Regarding make up, let the make up enhance your looks
rather than cover them up. Go mild on color for the lids and
lips and be sure to blend it.
- Regarding jewelry, guys should avoid the earrings
on their ears and other places and women should forget rings
on every finger, big dangling earrings, and ankle bracelets
as well as noisy bracelets.
- Regarding etiquette when you are walking into a person's
office you are on their turf. Do not do anything until told
to do so. Please don't have gum in your mouth! The interviewer
should extend their hand and you should shake it for about 3-4
seconds firmly with eye-to-eye contact. Make sure to stand and
sit comfortably erect with a smile on your face. Try to bring
a positive attitude to the interview.
- Leave the cell phone and pager in the car. If you
bring it and it goes off - you've lost the job.
- When sitting in the interview, lean slightly forward
to show interest in what the interviewer is saying.
- Regarding crossing your legs, cross them at the ankles
whether you are male or female.
- Give eye contact at a minimum of 50 percent of the
time.
- Be able to synthesize your experiences when answering
questions. If you feel you are going on and one, stop and ask
if you answered their questions sufficiently. Take notes if
you need to.
- The interview is a two-way street so you have to make
sure that it's a good fit for you. Have questions prepared perhaps
regarding what your next step would be in the organizational
chart, ask to meet the immediate supervisor for the position,
and what benefits are available. Please don't ask when your
vacation will be and how much you will make. You should already
know that.
- In answering questions, don't blurt out the first
thing that comes to mind but take a little time to organize
your thoughts. To get more time, ask them to repeat the question.
- After the interview, immediately write or type a thank
you note. If you screwed up on a question then this provides
an opportunity to correct the mistake.
When it comes to the second or third interview and an offer is
made you can negotiate. Sometimes the salary is low but you have
a lot of benefits such as a car, health insurance and so forth.
Make sure you know how much it will take to live per month (reasonably)
and then you'll have a point of reference. Also be aware of what
people in this position are usually paid, that will give you a
starting point.
- Also remember, sometimes your first interview is with
Human Resources, who's job is to thin down the pile of applicants.
The second or third interview is usually with the individual
that has the power to hire you. Try to see yourself as a consultant
trying to get a client and mention how your talents can contribute
to the company's success.
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Victoria
Seitz, PhD is a professor of Marketing at California
State University, San Bernardino and is author of Your
Executive Image, AdamsMedia, Inc, 2000 and Power
Dressing, DonJon Publishing, 1991. In addition to teaching,
Dr. Seitz was a fashion coordinator for Burdines, Florida
and in retail management for Saks Fifth Avenue, Phoenix,
AZ. Clients of Dr. Seitz have included Abbott Laboratories,
Northern Telecom, Texas Instruments, Yellow Freight Systems,
Sally Beauty Company, the United States Armed Forces, Travellife
magazine, YWCA and Accountants Overload, in addition to
law firms, hotels, newspapers, universities, banks, credit
unions, national and local community and professional organizations
nationwide.
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To learn more about Dr. Seitz please visit her website at www.cbpa.csusb.edu/vseitz.
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