Nothing beats the excitement that comes with getting a job, especially if it is your first one. It is the culmination of weeks or months of persistent job search. Remember the numerous job application emails you sent? How about the interviews you attended? Then there are those regret letters that keep adding to your frustrations. That is just a simple analogy of how you come round to getting a job. But what does landing a great job entail? For the sake of this discussion, we will work with the assumption that you have been invited for an interview.
Dress appropriately
Unless you are interviewing for a position in the fashion industry, the norm is to put on a suit and tie. Not every other outfit is suitable for interviews. Brightly colored suits may not cut the image of a serious and focused person — Reserve such costumes for different occasions. For a job interview, you should dress in a navy blue or grey outfit. As for the shirt, white or blue colors are ideal. Pinstripe suits augur well with most interviewing panels. Remember to have a matching tie and shoes that have been polished.
Pay attention to grooming
The shortlisting panel looked at your CV, and they felt you were a good match for the task. An interview provides them with an opportunity to meet and hear you talk. First impressions are crucial because they are always lasting impressions.
Depending on what type of job you are trying to get, the dress code will vary. If you are trying to land a job in a creative field such as advertising, graphic design, or retail marketing, you will want your interview outfit to reflect your personality. You might go with a bold accent piece or a unique color combination that shows that you have a strong individual style. If, on the other hand, you are trying to get a job in a bank, insurance company, or church, you will probably be better served by wearing an outfit that does not stand out for any reason. You will want to look professional and polished, but you probably will not want to draw attention to your individuality per se.
Some rules apply to job seekers across the board, regardless of what their career field is. The number one rule when dressing for an interview is not to wear anything too revealing, low-cut, tight, or short. You want the employer to focus on your achievements and not your body. If you must wear a sleeveless dress, for instance, you should pair it with a nice cardigan. In an interviewing scenario, it is best to err on the conservative side when contemplating what to wear. Fortunately, women’s sweaters come in a wide array of styles, materials, and colors. If you feel that a shirt or dress may be showing too much skin, grab a sweater to be on the safe side.
Exude confidence
Being confident and comfortable in an interview can be just as important as your clothing or personal hygiene in securing a job offer. There are a few tried true body language tips that can make you appear confident even if you are nervous during an interview. Be sure to keep your hands out of your pockets. Hands in pockets is a classic sign of nervousness—and it encourages you to slouch. For the same reason, don’t cross your arms, which—apart from nervousness—is also a defensive posture. Finally, smile and maintain eye contact. A happy job applicant is likely a happy employee, and eye contact is a universal sign of self-confidence.
Most people fear interviews. Don’t worry; even the most experienced people feel nervous at some point. A few days to the D-day, stand in front of the mirror, and practice how you will answer interview questions. Go to the internet and look for questions that are commonly asked during interviews. Familiarize yourself with these questions and craft suitable answers. You can even get someone to act as the interviewer. Hold a mock meeting with a friend, spouse, or relative. By the time you are going to face the panel, you will have gained a lot of confidence.
Take things in stride.
Treat the interview as a normal conversation. ‘Experts reckon that you should behave like some top professional whose opinion the interviewers are seeking for. When you get into the room, start by greeting everyone. Wait until you are asked to sit. Listen to the question carefully before you answer. When you do, speak clearly and articulately. At the end of the interview, thank the panel for their time.