HarlemOnline.com - Preparing For A Job Interview

Preparing For A Job Interview

Dress For The Interview:

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression", this old saying applies to job interviews. Believe it or not, but you can be excluded from the job the moment the interviewer sees you. If you don't have the correct interview attire, start obtaining your clothes a few days before hand. Proper interview attire is listed below:

Women

● Wear a conservative dress or suit. A suit is highly preferred.

● Wear sensible pumps. No open toe shoes or sandals.

● Light make-up and perfume (with emphasis on "light")

● Wear simple jewelry. No big dangling earrings. Only wear your wedding or engagement ring.

● Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed. No long fingernails, and nail polish.

Men

● Dark two piece suit, white shirt, and a conservative tie.

● Do not wear slacks with a pair of boots (this includes Timberlands) . Even if you have to borrow it from you friend's uncle, wear dark dress shoes.

● Shoes should be polished.

● All facial hair should be neatly trimmed.

● Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed.

● Wear light cologne/after-shave.

Documents You Need:

Trust me, the last thing you want to happen during an interview is to be asked for a document that you cannot furnish. When going on an interview, be sure to bring the following documents:

● State/Federal I.D.

● Social Security Card (Green Card if not a citizen)

● Birth Certificate

● References

● Resume (several copies)

● Copy of H. S. Diploma (if no college)

● Copy of College Degree

● College Transcript (if no graduate)

● Certificates (from training schools or courses)

● Samples of work (if applies)

● Any Licenses obtained

● Portfolio

● Pen, pencil, and notepad

When going to the interview, place your documents in a briefcase or similar bag. Do not carry a backpack.

Do Your Homework:

The more you know about the company and the job you are applying for, the better chance you have of succeeding in the interview. You can obtain information about the company from various sources. The Internet is the first place to look. If the company have a website, most of the information you are looking for will be placed on their site. You can also call up the company and ask the receptionist for public information. Another option is to visit the company a couple of days before your interview. Once you are at the company, you can ask the receptionist for a brochure, pamphlet, or any other document that contains public information about the company . Also, visiting the company will give you a chance to estimate how long it will take you to get to the company from your home. You might want to look-up the following company information:

● Office locations

● Recent news and history

● Financial information

● Products and services

● Competitors

● Customers

Rehearsal is another part of preparing for the interview. It's not a bad idea to review the information on your resume. It can be quite embarrassing to have the interviewer ask you a question in reference to your resume and you do not know what he/she is talking about. You should also rehearse the answers to commonly asked questions during interviews (click here), and questions you should ask. If possible, do mock interviews with your friends and/or family.

The day of your interview, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to eat, get dress, etceteras. If it takes you an hour to get to the company, give yourself an hour and a half. Try to get to the company approximately 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled meeting time. If you get to the company 20 minutes or longer ahead of time, look for someplace "outside" of the company (not too far though) to kill the extra time. You don't want to be loitering in the reception area for 35 minutes. I don't recommend getting something to eat. Accidents happen... you or someone else may spill something on your clothes. One last thing, a small piece of candy or breathe mint is highly recommended. No gum!

Click Here To Send This Page To A Friend

About This Website | Feedback | Submit An Event | Add Your Business | Advertise On This Website