It's a Money Thing®
Acing the Job Interview
When it comes to job interviews, preparation is key! Job interviews are stressful when you're under-prepared. Make sure you have all the bases covered by reviewing the quick tips below!
Ace What You Wear: First impressions count- You'll want to appear polished and professional.
- Try on your interview outfit ahead of time to make sure you can move and sit comfortably in it.
- If it's been ages since you've donned your 'fancy shoes' (or if they're brand new), wear them around the house the week before your interview to break them in.
- When in doubt, dress it up- it's better to appear slightly overdressed than to appear too casual.
- The (subtle) use of color and accessories can show some personality while maintaining professionalism.
- Avoid wearing rings or other accessories that you know you'll be tempted to fidget with during the interview.
- Take it easy with scented products- strong perfumes and colognes can overwhelm your interviewer.
Ace What You Bring: Your resume, cover letter, and references should all be neat and up to date.
- Your interviewer isn't look for your life story- if our resume resembles a biographical epic, edit it down.
- Bring extra copies of your resume as well as a list of references (even if you weren't asked to).
- Eliminate the potential for embarrassing moments- silence your phone well before the interview.
- Carrying a cup or a bottle in with you can be seen as unprofessional- plus, it gets in the way of handshakes and poses the rosk of spilling.
- If you're bringing a bog or purse with you into the interview, clean it our before you load it up- you want to showcase your resume, not your collection of crumpled receipts.
Ace What You Know: Study up on more than just the job description to get a real feel for the company.
- Be creative in your research- check our press releases, blogs, and social media channels, as well as the company website.
- Don't overdo the social media stalking- the interview is not a time to comment on your interviewer's personal photos or status updates.
- Study your own career experiences and how they relate to you desired position and know your strengths and weaknesses.
- Know how long it will take you to get to the office for your interview. Schedule plenty of time for travel, parking, and even a washroom break before heading in.
- Watch your caffeine intake on the day of your interview- you might think an extra shot of espresso will make you feel extra alert, but stimulants like caffeine can increase anxiety levels.
Ace What You Say:
Interviews can be especially challenging if you're not used to speaking about yourself for a prolonged period of time. To get comfortable with the art of conversation, try one the the following before your next interview:
- Improv or acting workshops are a fun way to refine your communication skills and as a bonus, they don't feel like studying.
- Public speaking classes are a great way to practice speaking in front of a supportive audience.
- Mock interviews with a friend are a great way to work on eye contact (it might seen awkward at first, but it's totally helpful).
- Practicing out loud in front of the mirror or by recording yourself on your phone allows you to pay attention to your body language and minimize "ums" and "uhs."
On average, every corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes, but only 4 to 6 of those applicants will be called for an interview. Employ these tips to sharpen your interview skills and increase your chances of getting the job!