Everyone knows how difficult interviews can be. What do you wear? What do you say? Do you call them, or do they call you? From personal experience, it’s a tricky process, but it is something that is very important on the journey to your dream career. Here are a few tips on what to do before, during and after your interview.
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Before:
Before your interview, research the position you are interviewing for. Familiarize yourself with the qualifications and requirements for the job. That way you know what you are getting yourself into and you know what questions might be asked in the interview pertaining to the position. Also, if you are unsure on what to wear, then dress as if you have already gotten the job. If the job’s uniform requires their employee’s to wear black slacks and button-up top, then you should wear black dress pants and a nice top. Just look presentable and professional at the interview. Make sure you know the tattoo/piercing policy also, just to see if you need to cover anything up or take any visible piercings out.Â
During:
During the interview, make sure to stay awake and alert. Answer each question with your personality and honesty. Showing the employer as much personality as you can is your one chance to show them who you are and why you’re different from other applicants. Show them what you cannot show on paper. When they ask if you have any questions for them, always ask a couple. Ask open-ended questions to show that you have interest in the position. For example, what can an employee do to go above and beyond your expectations? Or, is there room for advancement within the company? It shows that you are eager to work and plan on staying with the company. Just be yourself during the interview and whatever you do, keep your phone on silent. We have all made the mistake of having our phone go off during an important meeting, so just double check and make sure it’s on silent, or even better, turn it off.
After:
The most confusing part of an interview, is the end. Are you supposed to wait for them to contact you, or do you initiate the contact? I would say give the employers a couple of days. They may be interviewing other applicants. But, do send them a thank you note or thank you email after your interview. This shows that you appreciate their time and are genuinely interested in the position. If it has been more than a couple of weeks, call the employer and ask to speak to your interviewer. See if the position is still open and if it is, tell them you were very interested in this position and wanted to follow up. If someone else took the position, ask what the reasoning was for your decline. This way you will receive feedback and can use it on your next interview.
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So, next time you have an interview and you’re a little nervous, read these tips and take the opportunities as they come to you.