Whether you’re the employer or the employee, job interviews are stressful times for us all. It’s important to remember whom you’re trying to impress, and the importance of your success when preparing for a job interview. Follow these easy, classy tips to ensure a successful interview for that dream job.
1. The Resume
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Before even going on an interview, it is of utmost importance to have a dazzling resume and cover letter. Make sure that what you are being with you, and what you have sent ahead to the employer is the most up-to-date information that you have on your job history and educational experience. If you come with these prepared and polished, you will be assessed as more professional and competent than if you are unprepared with inadequate information about yourself.
2. The Handshake
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The act of the handshake is a simple, yet crucial one. It will allow your potential employer to see what kind of worker you are without you even speaking. A strong handshake indicates assertiveness and determination, but a handshake that is too strong indicates dominance, which can be intimidating and can turn the interviewer off to you. Conversely, a too limp or weak handshake indicates that you are hesitant, and possibly incompetent at the job at hand. So be confident and ready to give the handshake that best suits you.
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3. The Interview
During the interview, be attentive and alert, and smile politely, but do not overdo it. Just as in my previous article, “How To Be CLassy: When Meeting His Parents,” balance is key. Speak confidently, but be sure not to ramble, which can happen when nervous. Research the job position beforehand, and have enough to say without seeming to know it all. (Be willing to learn!) And at the end of the interview, the interviewer will most likely ask if you have any questions, so be sure to think of a few. Be as pleasant as possible throughout, but do not overdo it as that can make you sound insincere.
4. The Follow-up
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It’s okay to follow up on an interview. If you end an interview with the notion that the employer will “call by the end of the week,” and the end of the week comes and there has been no phone call, it is okay to call the company to which you are applying and touch base. It lets the employer know that you are still interested without feeling that you are too eager or desperate for the position. However, it’s important to call the morning after the day that you were told you were going to be notified. For example, if you were told that the employer would contact you on a Monday for a decision or a follow-up interview opportunity, and you don’t hear from them, call Tuesday morning and ask to speak to the person who interviewed you or someone else who would know your situation. Then explain to this person that you are still interested in the position, and you were wondering if your employment has been discussed. Depending on the answer, you could successful land the job, or at least another interview.
Remember that a job is like an oral presentation. Overdress for the position, but don’t dress too formally, as it can show dominance, which can be intimidating. Remember to be professional at all times, and that a smile can go a long way. And always, always remember to be savvy and sophisticated, and above all else, stay classy.
Cassandra Marro is a Lifestyle Writer for College Lifestyles and a recent college graduate. Now that she is out of school and has begun a job as an administrative assistant for an animal hospital, she can sufficiently say that professionalism and preparedness are everything in the working world.
