Job Interview Tips

According to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of Labor Statistics, an interview gives you the opportunity to showcase your qualifications to an employer, so it pays to be well prepared. The following information provides some helpful hints.

Preparation:

• Learn about the organization.

• Have a specific job or jobs in mind.

• Review your qualifications for the job.

• Be ready to briefly describe your experience, showing how it relates it the job.

• Be ready to answer broad questions, such as "Why should I hire you?" "Why do you want this job?" "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

• Practice an interview with a friend or relative.

Personal appearance:

• Be well groomed.

• Dress appropriately.

• Do not chew gum or smoke.

The interview:

• Be early.

• Learn the name of your interviewer and greet him or her with a firm handshake.

• Use good manners with everyone you meet.

• Relax and answer each question concisely.

• Use proper English—avoid slang.

• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.

• Use body language to show interest—use eye contact and don’t slouch.

• Ask questions about the position and the organization, but avoid questions whose answers can easily be found on the company Web site.

• Also avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless a job offer is made.

• Thank the interviewer when you leave and shake hands.

• Send a short thank you note.

Information to bring to an interview:

• Social Security card.

• Government-issued identification (driver’s license).

• Resume or application. Although not all employers require a resume, you should be able to furnish the interviewer information about your education, training, and previous employment.

• References. Employers typically require three references. Get permission before using anyone as a reference. Make sure that they will give you a good reference. Try to avoid using relatives as references.

• Transcripts. Employers may require an official copy of transcripts to verify grades, coursework, dates of attendance, and highest grade completed or degree awarded.

According to Anna Soo Wildermuth, an image consultant and past president of the Association of Image Consultants International, "Clothes should be a part of who you are and should not be noticed." She cites 10 dressing mistakes to avoid in a job interview: 

• Wild Nail Polish: This tip is for women or men. Extremely long or uncut nails are a real turnoff, too. Your nails should be groomed and neat.  
   

• Jewelry: Don't wear more than two rings per hand or one earring per ear. And no face jewelry or ankle bracelets allowed. 
   

• Open-Toed or Backless Shoes: Mules are a definite no-no. Out-of-date shoes should be thrown out or kept for other occasions. 
   

• Bare Legs: Wear stockings, even in humid summer weather. Stockings can be in neutral colors or a fashion color to match your shoes. 
   

• Out-of-Date Suits: These have lapels that are too wide (three inches or more) or too narrow (one inch or less). A good tailor can alter lapels. The style for men's jackets is full-body and looser rather than fitted or tight. 
  
   

• Short Skirts: Hemlines should not be more than three inches above the knee. Don't wear capri pants or leggings to the interview. 
   

• Leather Jackets for Men or Women: Even leather blazers are not good for interviewing purposes. They look like outerwear. 
   

• Turtlenecks for Men: A tie is preferable, at least in the first go-round. At the very least, wear a collared shirt. 
  
   

• Printed or Trendy Handbags: Purses should be conservative and inconspicuous. 
   

• Red Briefcases: Briefcases, purses and shoes should all be conservative in color and in good condition.

Conservative colors in various shades of blue and gray are best. Wearing black to the interview could be viewed as too serious. If you do wear black, make sure that there is another color near your face to soften the look. Brown is still considered questionable as a business color and probably should be avoided. Change your outfit's look for a second interview by wearing a different color blouse, shirt, scarf or tie.

An interview is not the place to make a fashion statement, though those in the art fields and the very famous can be more adventurous. Everyone else should opt for a conservative look. More and more companies are returning to traditional professional dress.

Whatever you wear should accent the fact that you're a professional who's ready to get to work at a new job. Let common sense guide you, and it should be easy to avoid fashion blunders that could damage your chances of getting to the next level in the process. In this market, it is essential that you look good and your appearance is right for the job.