Interviewing and Professional Image
Just as a good cover letter and resume are essential to get your foot in the door, how you present yourself makes all the different when interviewing for jobs. Learn more below:
Interviewing
Practice Your Interview Technique
Think like the interviewers: What are they looking and listening for?
Try to anticipate the types of questions an employer is likely to ask. Every interview will address the position description; therefore make sure you are familiar with what the position entails. Do some research on the company to determine what attitudes are important to their culture.
- Virtual Interview practice - interview.monster.com
Interview Stages
Before
- Know your product
Self-Assessment - Know your Values
Practice interview questions - Know the client
Company Research
Job Description Knowledge - Know your purpose
Why are you a good match?
During
- The first impression
Arrive early
Professional appearance and dress - The introduction
Handshake, first impression - The Questions
Interviewers questions
Your questions
After
- Thank the interviewer
Write a thank-you letter to everyone involved in interview process - Follow-up
Contact company with any additional information discussed in interview
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
- What are the long-term objectives for this position? If I perform well, what would you expect me to have accomplished in a year?
- Describe your ideal candidate for this position.
- What are some of the difficult challenges of this position or within this company?
- What are the opportunities for advancement and how do I train for higher positions?
- What is the company culture like here and how has it developed?
Professional Image
Remember in job-hunting first impressions are critical. You are marketing a product — yourself — to a potential employer. The first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire.
- A large part of the hiring decision is based on the non-verbal portion of an interview — handshake, eye contact, posture, listening skills, clothing and accessories.
- First Impressions Never Go Out of Style: Research shows that body language, including dress, account for 38 percent of an overall first impression.
Projecting the Proper Business Image
- Eye Contact: Non verbal communication says so much! Eye contact is a balancing act. Too much eye contact and you are staring. Too little eye contact and you may be seen as shifty or untrustworthy.
- Miscellaneous Gestures: Watch out for such unnecessary and unprofessional gestures as tapping your foot, fiddling with a ring or other jewelry, twirling your hair and drumming your fingers on the table or chair. You do not want to appear nervous, impatient or bored.
- Good Grooming: Essential to projecting the proper image. Good grooming shows that you care about yourself and the interview is important to you.
Image Checklist
- Clean fingernails and use hand cream for dryness
- Well-groomed hairstyle — Neatly trimmed, haircut, out of face and eyes
Men — If you have facial hair, keep it short, clean and trimmed - Brush your teeth and use mouthwash
- No gum, candy, breath mints during interview
- Minimal cologne/perfume
- Jewelry — keep to a minimum — Avoid bangle or clanking bracelets or necklaces and too many rings
Make choices of clothing, fragrances, jewelry, hairstyle, etc. that are not distracting and do not call attention to themselves. You want the interviewer’s attention on what you say and your qualifications.
For additional information, please contact us.
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