Have you just landed a job interview? No doubt you’re experiencing both joy and anxiety. Joy is for the opportunity that may lie ahead, and anxiety reflects uncertainty, unknown and self-confidence. Congratulations to you for taking the next step in growing your career. Stay on the court, and keep your eye on the ball and you’re bound to score. Follow these recommendations from the Human Resources professionals to ensure you succeed in your job interview and walk away with a top notch job offer.
The absolute most important thing to wear to a job interview is a genuine smile and quiet self-confidence. Remind yourself that the only reason you’ve landed the interview is because your experience and credentials meet the defined qualifications for the position. Don’t stress over whether or not you’re qualified for the position. Clearly you are. The purpose of the job interview is to gauge your character, articulation and your ability to think on your feet. The hiring manager‘s job is to determine if your style meets the culture of the company and if you would work well with the team in the department for which you’re interviewing. The interview is clearly a two way street. Not only is it an opportunity for the hire manager to gauge your fit within the company, but it’s also an opportunity for you to decide if this would be an environment in which you would enjoy working and could envision yourself excelling with the team at hand.
One of the best ways to gain that self-confidence about the interview is to do your homework. Thorough research on the hiring company is imperative for many reasons. You need to know about the company, its product and services, its reputation and market standing. Uncovering this information helps you formulate an opinion about the company and its standing. It also uncovers questions you may have for the hiring manager. The more information you have the better. This research and ensuing questions will also serve to demonstrate to the hiring manager your seriousness about securing the position. Prepare a list of questions to pose during the course of the interview. Hone up on standard interview questions and rehearse your answers. The best guidance is to always, always, be honest and be yourself.
The interview allows only one opportunity to make a first impression. Take advantage of the awesome deals offered by Groupon coupons and invest in a classic suit or jacket and skirt from the terrific selection available at Saks Fifth Avenue. Regardless of the level of the position for which you’re applying, it is imperative that your apparel choice reflects a poised and polished self. If you want respect, you have to demonstrate that by respecting yourself and the outfits you chose for the interview. Leave the bling and wild colors for the weekend. A soft scarf or pocket silk is sufficient to add style and polish without being over the top. Presumably, you’re past the stages of understanding the impact of a firm handshake and eye contact. Be confident, focus, be kind and present your true self. Follow up with a hand written note and you’ll have a job offer in hand in no time! Best of luck to you!
