So while a lot of this stuff might seem basic, we think it's necessary studying for the big job test. From handshakes to dressing up for an interview, we present this quick guide of 'Interviewing 101.' If you're a beginner, you'll need it; if you're a veteran job seeker, it'll still pay to review it.
There will be a test on this material at the end of the week. Oh come on, we're kidding...kind of.
Do Your Homework
Sure, it takes a bit of time and can be a little boring and kind of a pain. But you really, really need to go into an interview knowing what you're getting into, who the company is and what they do. Check websites, find previous press releases, run Google searches. Do whatever you can to really get to know a company. We're talking a half hour to 45 minutes MINIMUM for each job search. Before you go in, write down questions you could ask at the end of the interview and points of interest that you found out about the firm. Just don't whip out your crib sheet during the interview.
Come Prepared
Ever have to fill out one of those corporate templates online where you're copying and pasting all the information from your resume into Internet fields? Yeah, those are about as fun to fill out as they are for interviewers to read once they're printed out. Always bring an extended, more comprehensive copy of your resume with you into an interview. In fact, bring at least four copies in case there's more than one interviewer. If you have a portfolio, clips or any other documentation that you feel would help land you the job, bring those too. Just make sure you have something to put them in that looks professional, and leave the bike messenger bag at home. Speaking of looking professional...
Dress for Success
Looking the part of a professional isn't as simple as it sounds. There's a lot of nuance to it: sometimes you can overdress, you can underdress, you can dress in a way that doesn't fit into a company culture. It seems cut and dry, but there are actually a good deal of opportunities for failure. When going over the arrangements for the interview, don't be afraid to ask a couple questions about dress code. It might feel a little silly, but you'll feel a lot sillier when you walk into an interview not looking like everyone else. For men and women, the rules for dressing are essentially the same. Sure, you want to look good, but consider that you don't want to look too good. You're going to a job interview not the club. Dress conservatively, with commonplace colors like blue and gray. A light spritz of perfume and cologne is fine, but don't go nuts. And if you're a smoker, try to hold out until after the interview.
Shake It
From fistbumps to high fives and all sorts of crazy interactions, the importance of the handshake has been going the way of the fedora of the '50s. And that's not a good thing. Because when you first meet someone, there's no more literal of a first impression than a handshake. Some tips: be firm, not loose, but don't go crazy; always shake with the right; don't flail your arms up and down like a bridge in an earthquake; and be firm, this bears repeating.
Get a Plan, and Remember: Enthusiasm and Attitude Are Everything
Identify the type of interviewer you are interviewing with because there's a lot of different types. Are they aggressive? Are they casual? Are they all business? Tailor your responses and yourself to their personality. Try to take queues from them and try to match it. And know what's important to the interviewer; pick up on the type of questions they're focusing on. But know that there are a few universal rules. For instance, usually one of the primary reasons an employer wants to hire you is because of longevity. Emphasize that you want to work there and you want to be there for awhile. Ask about promotion opportunities and areas of growth. But most of all, pay attention to that first part and really emphasize that you want to work there. Really get enthusiastic about it. Employers want to hire someone who really wants the position.
Be Prepared for the Tough Questions, Both Answering Them and Asking Them
We've covered the topic of how to answer the tough interview questions before, and the truth is, there are a lot of sites and articles all around the Internet that will try to tell you the most common questions and the best way to answer them. But like any important test, no matter how much you try, you're never going to 100 percent know what questions are going to be asked and won't be able to know how to answer them with any type of exactitude. But similarly, studying and preparing goes a long way. If you've paid attention and did your homework beforehand, just be yourself and roll with the punches. While these articles can be really helpful in giving you an idea of what to expect, the most important thing is not to use any canned answers. Instead give answers that are informed, classy and professional. If they ask your biggest professional weakness, really consider your biggest professional weakness. But while honesty is a great policy, make sure you frame the truth properly. Too much honesty could be really, really damaging. The same rules hold true for the questions you ask at the end of the interview, which are often more telling than the answers you give. If you know your stuff, you're going to be fine.
Relax
Know that any type of interview jitter is completely normal and everyone has experienced the same feelings of nervousness before. The interviewer is going to expect you to be a little nervous. Knowing and understanding that is important because you'll only be less nervous the less nervous you are about your nervousness.
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