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Interviewing and Dressing for Success
How Do I Interview?
Once you've perfected your marketing materials, such as your resume and cover letter, it's time to focus on your oral self-promotion and visual first impression. A strong resume may land you an interview, but a fantastic interview will win you a job offer!
Interviewing is as much an art as it is a science. An employer's decision to extend a job offer to you is based on many variables, some of which you may never know. Still, to improve your chances, this guide will help you prepare for and master the art of the job interview.
Know Yourself
Exploring your own strengths, weaknesses, and career goals not only helps you develop a career objective, it also guides you in answering interview questions. Ask yourself the following:
- In what kind of environment do I work best?
- What kind of daily schedule would I like to have?
- What are my career goals in five years? Ten years?
- How could this job help me work towards those goals?
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
Know the Employer and the Position
"What can you do for my organization?" is the motivating question on the mind of each employer. The employer with whom you interview needs a new employee who can think independently and solve problems.
The employer knows that once new employees understand the demands of the workplace and their role within it, they can begin to contribute. Let the employer know that you are this kind of person. Study the mission statement, goals, finances, and growth projections to get an idea of the company's direction. Think honestly about why you would like to be part of this organization.
Define the Interview
As the interviewee, it is your responsibility to tell the employer what they need to know about you. If you are unable to articulate your strengths, you can't expect the employer to do so either. Your resume is nothing more than a preview of your background and qualifications. It is your interview that brings those things to life.
Many people view interviewing as an inquisition, in which they are at the mercy of an authority, and thus feel a great deal of apprehension. A more useful interviewing metaphor is a conversation. A conversation implies that you share information about yourself with a person who has similar interests. After four or more years of school, you should have a lot that you want to say. The interview gives you a time and a context to talk about your previous hard work, your career goals, and your aspirations to someone who is eager to listen, (an opportunity that doesn't happen very often in everyday life). So, instead of seeing the interview as something to dread, consider it an event to anticipate with enthusiasm.
Dealing with Your Stage Fright
If you have just read the previous paragraph and are thinking that the thought of interviewing still gives you the butterflies, then first realize that you are not alone. The fact that evaluation is an inherent part of interviewing causes anxiety for many people. Think about the following:
- What do I fear most about the interview situation?
- What is the worst thing that could happen?
- If I were giving advice to someone else in this situation, what would I tell him/her?
Often, when people are nervous, they are responding to an internal voice that warns them not to make a mistake or risk looking incompetent. These negative messages inhibit people from expressing their individuality. Because interviews rely on your positive energy, it is very important to counteract this negative internal voice by strengthening positive self-messages. And look at it this way: you go into the interview without a job; the worst thing that will happen is that you'll exit without one.
Preparing for the Interview
Knowing what to expect in the interview setting will also decrease anxiety. Believe it or not, the more you interview, the more you respond to similar types of questions. You will hear ice breakers, such as "What do you think of the weather we're having?" You will hear behavioral questions, such as "Can you tell me about a time you had to complete multiple projects at the same time?" You will hear situational questions, like "How would you respond to a team member who wasn't pulling his weight on a group effort?" And finally, you will hear questions that test your knowledge of the industry, the employer, or the job: "What do you know about our company?"
Clearly, it is essential that you research the employer prior to your first interview. Examine its literature, visit its website, and if possible talk with the people it employs. See if you can identify three overwhelming values the employer embraces. The more research you do, the more obvious these themes become. For instance, you may notice that innovation, teamwork, and use of cutting-edge technology represent recurrent values. As you prepare for the interview in front of the mirror at home, practice stories that draw from your background and demonstrate your exposure and mastery of employer's values. Especially during those interviews that lack structure, and there will be some, this practice can work wonders as you take the lead in the conversation with the employer.
Believe it or not, just as if you were rehearsing for a play, preparing for an interview involves talking to yourself in front of a mirror, and/or friend or loved one who is willing to critique your interview. The point is this: you want to make sure you are physically and mentally ready to meet the employer.
Responding to Questions
The following questions are commonly asked during initial interviews:
- How would you describe yourself?
- What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
- What are your short-term, long-terms goals?
- What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
- What do you think you would like in this particular job?
- Do you think your grades are a good indicator of your academic abilities?
- Do you prefer working by yourself or with others?
- What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work?
- Pretend I'm your boss and I just told you the sales presentation you made was ineffective. How would you respond?
Sample Questions and Responses...
Question: Can you tell me about a time you worked hard to accomplish something?
Your Approach: Organize your thoughts before you speak. Approach the question as if you were writing a paper. First, repeat the question, such as "A time when I worked hard to accomplish something." Next, make your point and give examples: "One example is my current internship. I had to work extremely hard in the beginning to establish myself as a competent professional who could take on advanced responsibilities. At first, my employer viewed me as a student worker who just made copies, until I took it upon myself to create an updated database of key clients. This project was a huge undertaking, but I executed it well and as a result, was offered higher profile tasks." Finally, summarize points and restate the question: "The experience in my internship was definitely a situation in which I had to work hard for something. I learned the value of taking initiative and the importance of creating my own opportunities."
Question: How well do you handle pressure?
Your Approach: People remember ideas through stories, not lists. Don't just say, "I perform well under pressure." Instead, tell the employer how you organized and executed something successfully within time constraints. The more vivid specifics you include, without getting overly detailed, the more memorable you will be to the employer.
Question: What are your weaknesses?
Your Approach: When people get nervous, they sometimes feel the need to confess all their faults. An employer doesn't want to know every weakness that you possess. An employer wants you to give a realistic picture of your abilities in a persuasive manner. Be positive when discussing weaknesses as well, because they can always be viewed as potential assets. Explain how you have either overcome a weakness, or used it as a strength. For example, "When I first started my advertising internship, my desire to avoid conflict was a real problem. I sought out a mentor to coach me on ways to deal with conflict situations and I've now become more effective in this area." Or, "I know that I tend to get bored with working on one project for too long and lose my intensity. So, now I concentrate on one main project until I feel restless and take a break by working on a secondary project for a short while. I find that by doing so, I get new ideas on the main project and my work overall is better."
Question: Tell me about yourself
Your Approach: The interviewer will often begin by asking this or a similar open-ended question, such as, "Why are you interested in taking this position?" Regardless of the specific question, you can make a confident first impression and help establish a direction for the rest of the interview. If you are able to, summarize the following areas and highlight information that is relevant to each specific employer: "I was destined to work in corporate communication because even as a kid, I was comfortable speaking in front of groups, and I liked to put on skits and shows in schools. And, when I started in high school, I began working part-time in mother's office and realized how much I would like to put my communication skills to work in a corporate atmosphere." Or, you might include a statement that ties your academic background to a specific field: "I decided to major in Finance because it offered a wide range of courses related to analysis amd quantification of results. In my current internship, I have been able to put these skills to use in various projects dealing with vendors and purchasing contracts."
Question: How does your background fit the position I am hiring for?
Your Approach: "I believe my talents, academic training and applied experience are an excellent fit with this position." Think about it. Your entire goal in the interview is helping the employer see the fit between you and the vacant position. As you explain your skills and backgrounds, continually emphasize the connection to the job. It is not pushy to state that you want the position. For instance, "Through my job in retail, I became very detail-oriented as I organized merchandise and weekly scheduling. I know that your position requires lots of attention to detail, and my past experiences and organization skills make me well qualified. I am very interested in putting my skills to use in this position."
STAR Technique
When answering an interview question, tell your story. Look at the sample interview questions that were posed earlier. As you try formulating your personal answers to those questions, try this formula: Be a STAR. First describe the situation in detail by giving the overall context. Second, describe the task that you were responsible for - what was your role? Third, what action did you take to resolve the situation? Finally, what was the end result of the action that you took? By subscribing to the STAR formula, your answers should present themselves clearly, succinctly, linearly, powerfully and positively.
How Should I Dress?
Make a professional first impression and take what you wear to the interview seriously. How you look is just as important as what you say. Always make sure you feel fabulous as you're walking out the door for that interview. If you have any question about how you feel, change your outfit. What you're wearing should be the last thing on your mind when you're actually at an interview.
Each industry has its own dress code. Fields such as banking, accounting, and counseling frequently have a stricter set of guidelines compared to advertising, education, retail, and sales, which allow more casual dress. Even though suggested guidelines of professional dress may seem more formal than you would have imagined, consider that some career consultants recommend that the job seeker dress for a position two levels higher than the one for which you are being interviewed. This can mean dressing more formally for the interview than you will once you are in the job. The level of formality you project shows that you understand the importance of the situation and respect the person you are meeting. When in doubt, making a conservative clothing choice for your interview is usually the safest.
General Tips
- Wear the more conservative suit. You should always look polished and professional. If unsure, always err on the side of being overdressed.
- Clothing should fit well and be clean and pressed.
- Natural fabrics such as wool and cotton wear well and look best.
- Jeans and tennis shoes are not appropriate, regardless of what might be acceptable once hired.
- Keep jewelry to a minimum.
- Have neat, well-kept fingernails.
- Need a breath mint?
- It is recommended that no fragrances (perfume, cologne, etc.) be worn.
- Sport your best haircut, smile, be clean-shaven, make direct eye contact and have a firm handshake.
Men
- Plain colors such as navy blue and dark grey are best.
- Wear dark, well polished shoes.
- Wear dark, over the calf socks.
- Wear a conservative tie.
- Belt should match or complement the shoes you select.
- A dress watch is better than a big sport watch.
- Save the hat for games.
Women
- Wear dark, low, well-polished heels or other closed shoes.
- Keep hemlines at the knee or lower and avoid plunging necklines.
- Pantyhose should be of neutral color or plain in style.
- Blouses are best in solid colors and of natural fabrics (cotton and silk).
- Avoid bright colors (red may be appropriate, depending on the employer).
- Nail polish should be either worn well or not at all (no half on and half off).
- Go easy on the makeup.
Pay Attention to Non-verbal Behavior
Your body language and appearance speak volumes in an interview setting. The following are some basic pointers:
- Make sure you dress appropriately to the field you are entering.
- Greet the employer with a handshake.
- Project your personality. Remember, if you get the job, you will be working with these people every day. Hiring is extremely subjective and influenced by how well the employer believes you will fit with the team. Let the sparkling parts of your personality be evident.
- Put some "starch" in your back: Sit up straight but not too rigid.
- Maintain eye contact, especially when you are emphasizing a point.
- Nod your head: Doing this while the employer talks will make him/her feel like you are paying closer attention.
- Lean slightly forward: This will help you appear more attentive when the employer is speaking.
- Where is your chin? Elevate your chin slightly to give the impression of confidence, particularly when you are entering and leaving the interview setting.
- Show your enthusiasm in a way that feels natural. If you tend to speak in monotone and have low voice energy, use more non-verbal behaviors, including smiling. Also, work on varying the inflections in your voice, especially when emphasizing a point. Enthusiasm is quite often the major selling point for the person who gets hired.
- Listen, listen, listen! Employers rarely hire people who talk over them or don't respond to the question as asked.
The Final Moments
The first impression you provide is important, and so is the impression you leave as the interview session closes. Always prepare questions to ask the employer at the end of the interview that show that you have done your homework and are interested in the job. Ask questions in such a way that indicates that you know something about the employer, such as, "I noticed in your annual report that you are planning to expand your company in the Northeast. In this position, would I be part of that plan?" Some additional questions you might ask include the following:
- Is there a specific career path established and how quickly can someone advance on that path?
- Is a person rewarded through title, responsibility, salary, or benefits?
- Would I be given freedom and autonomy, or is management hands-on?
- How is job performance measured?
- What are the problems that the person doing this job will have to face and try to solve? (Hint: The more time you can focus on the employer on this topic, the more time you can devote to making a match with your qualifications).
Don't forget to ask for the job. For instance, as you and employers stand to say goodbye, you have the perfect opportunity to say, "I've really appreciated your time today. Thanks for giving me the chance to share my background with you and to learn more about your organization. I am enthusiastic about the job and I feel I would be an asset to your organization. I'd like a chance to work with you."
Following Up After the Interview
It is essential to follow up after the interview by promptly sending a thank you note. Be sure to send the note within 24 hours of your meeting and heavily consider sending the note via e-mail, unless e-mail is not appropriate means considering the industry that you're applying into (non-profit, education and government may not be appropriate).
If you don't hear anything from the interviewer within the time frame given during the interview, it is appropriate to call and inquire about the status of the hiring decision. Maintaining a positive, professional demeanor from the beginning of the hiring process to the end will help you be the person the employer keeps in mind for future opportunities.
What if Things Don't Go My Way?
Try not to lose sleep over this. You will not hear "yes" as often as you might like, and that is a guarantee. Be persistant. Explore a wide range of options. And please, don't take a "ding" letter personally. It's not about you as a person, but about your background as a fit to an opportunity. You will find that match for you. Interviewing is a subjective process. It is not about finding the smartest, nicest, or coolest candidate. It IS about finding a match, or a composite of skills, background, and personal traits that together meet an organization's need. When a strong interview generates a job offer for you, be sure to celebrate your good work. You deserve it!
Special Thanks to Debbie Kubena from the University of Texas at Austin's
Communication Career Services for her contributions.