Dress for Success
Congratulations! If you’ve secured an interview, you are one step closer to landing the job! The interview will give you a chance to share your personality with potential employers and showcase your qualifications and knowledge about the company. It pays to be well prepared. Here are some helpful hints:
Prepare – Things to do before your interview
- Learn about the company / organization – Research the company online / visit the company Web site, ask friends and family, stop by the Reference Desk at your local library and ask for company information, even visit the business if it's a local shop open to the public.
- Know the specific position you will be interviewing for or, if one was not stated when you applied / were contacted, have one in mind that matches your skills and interests.
- Be prepared to talk about your specific qualifications for the job. You also can emphasize more general strengths if they are relevant to the job; things such as good communication skills, bilingual, hardworking, enjoy customer service and working with other people, enjoy trying new things and follow direction well, etc.
- Think about answers to broad questions about yourself – Where do you see yourself in one year, five years? What are your plans for your future, your career?
- Review – and proof – your resume one more time – Employers will likely refer to your resume and ask you to talk about/request more information about things listed. Always bring a few high-quality, printed hard copies of your resume with you to the interview. If you meet someone who does not already have your resume, you’re prepared to provide it.
- Practice interviewing with a friend or family member – Tell them about the company and the job you’re applying for, give them a copy of your resume, and ask them to act as employer and interview you for the job.
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your interview.
Personal Appearance
- Be well-groomed – Showered, hair combed, clean shoes and nails, non-wrinkled clothes.
- Dress appropriately – Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer what is appropriate attire. A nice pair of dress slacks and a nice shirt / blouse are typically appropriate for a high school student. If you have a coordinating blazer or sweater, you may wish to wear this as well. If you are a college student seeking a more advanced corporate or career job, you may wish to wear a business suit.
- Do not chew gum, eat or smoke during the interview.
During the Interview
- Use good manners. Learn the name of your interviewer and shake hands as you meet.
- Make eye contact when listening and talking.
- Relax, be friendly, and answer each question briefly and directly.
- Try to respond to questions promptly; however, if you need a few seconds, don’t be afraid to say, “That’s an excellent question. Let me think about that for a moment” while you gather your thoughts.
- Use proper English and avoid using slang.
- Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
- Remove ear pieces and cell phone extensions.
- Ask questions about the position and the organization. This demonstrates your interest in the company and the job. You might even introduce your question by linking it to a related fact you learned through your research on the company. “I noticed when visiting your Web site that you serve the youth market. What ages are you targeting specifically?”
- Thank the interviewer and shake hands again when you leave.
- Follow-up with a typed or nicely handwritten thank you note to the interviewer, letting them know you appreciate their time and expressing interest in the job and company.
Testing (If employer tests)
- Listen closely to instructions.
- Read each question carefully and completely.
- Print your responses legibly and clearly.
- Budget your time wisely and don't dwell on one question.
- Use any extra time remaining after you’ve answered each question and before the test needs to be turned in to review and proof your answers.
What to Bring – Documents to bring to your interview
- Social security card
- Government-issued identification (Driver's License, State I.D., etc.)
- Resume
- References