“Much like painting a portrait, the minds of the interviewers are your canvas; Your words, attire, and posture are the brushes painting the concept of YOU as their employee.”
Wasim El-Haj
Today is the anticipated day of your job interview. All that you have done so far has been working up to this day. You perfected your resume and cover letter (some of my tips here) then you prepared for your interview. How do you feel today?
WELL, assuming you followed my interview preparation tips, you should be feeling pretty confident! Feeling nervous is normal. Nervousness is not synonymous with a lack of confidence.
This is what I do when going to an interview:
- Have a good breakfast (or whichever meal precedes the interview; don’t go in hungry), preferably without garlic or onion. You’re not a pizza and should not go into an interview smelling like one.
- Shower. Apply deodrant or cologne afterwards, but do not overdo it. You want to smell good but you don’t want to distract the interviewers from what you are saying (nor suffocate them).
- Fix your hair. (For the males, remember that haircut you had a few days ago while preparing for this interview? Now is the time to flaunt it!) You want something that says “neat and sensible”.
“Come with a vision for the position.”
- Depending on the job you are going for, you might want to remove piercings and conceal tattoos. In fact, I recommend that you do this, unless your job involves piercing and tattoo artistry. People are judgmental (we both know it’s true). You want your potential employers to judge you based on your qualities, knowledge and skills. Do not give them a chance to judge you on other things, for they certainly will. If you want to wear a piercing once you get the job, and it’s in accordance with that business’ policies, then go for it. The interview is a critical time though, where a decision is being made about you, and you will be judged. It depends if you want to be judged on additional aspects of yourself not related to the position.
* - Wear clothes that match the position you are being interviewed for. If it’s an office role -such as an admin role- a formal shirt and formal pants should do for the men, and a conservative blouse and knee length (or longer) skirt or pants for the women. If it’s a skilled professional role, a nice fitted suit is appropriate, however be sure to feel comfortable in your attire. A tight pair of pants that makes you feel self-conscious is a distraction that you don’t want in an interview. You can’t afford it.When interviewing for a role as a trades person, go in with “smart casual” attire. Again, a formal button-up shirt, or blouse, and pants would be appropriate. Do not consider going in with your high-vis and boots.
New shiny shoes for the interview. See how the light reflects nicely? - Choose shoes that fit the function! Again, comfort is paramount! I stress this point again. Guys, don’t wear joggers to your interview. Ladies, don’t wear high-heels. If you feel you simply must wear heels, choose something with low solid heels rather than a stiletto. It isn’t a good impression to fall on one’s face entering an interview (though it may leave an impression on the ground). Closed footwear is best – Say No To Sandals! Closed leather shoes are great, and remember to give them a polish.
* - Check your travel arrangements and plan to get to the interview early. 5-10 minutes early is appropriate. Half an hour early is seen as strange, and I recommend you find a quiet place, like sitting in your car, and wait until it’s a little closer to the interview time. When I arrived for my interview last week (early of course), I found a message from the employer telling me of a last-minute change in the interview location. Fortunately it was at the same venue. Being early helps.
* - Check to make sure you have the documents you need, and your portfolio.
* - Get yourself in the mindset of the ideal candidate for the position when you arrive. This is who you are now!
* - Enter and greet the panel when you arrive.
“When you behave awkwardly, it makes those around you feel awkward. Stride forth with confidence.”
* - Sit comfortably. There’s plenty of talk of leaning forward and doing a multitude of things with eye contact. I’m sure some of it has merit, however I also believe one should sit comfortably in a composed and respectful stance. I prefer feet flat on the floor to avoid nervous tapping, look at the various panel members as you talk rather than honing in on the “boss”, and don’t be afraid to use natural hand gestures (not excessive). You will be judged on the way you sit. Do not recline haphazardly or slump in your seat. In my interview, I caught the recruitment officer on the panel observing my changes in posture from my peripheral vision a few times.
* - Listen to the questions carefully, then respond. Pausing to think before responding is far better than blubbering. If you are unsure of what is being asked, seek clarification. If you answered and are not sure if that is what the questioner was trying to get out of you, ask the person! “Is that what you were looking for there?” They will either say yes or no, giving you either closure or a chance to expand.
* - Come with a vision for the position. I was asked last week what I would do in the first six months of the role, if I am successful. Mention relevant facts, reference past reports and work in mentions of your skills and scenarios you have been through. Much like painting a portrait, the minds of the interviewers are your canvas; Your words, attire, and posture are the brushes painting the concept of you as their employee.
* - Always ask questions at the end of your interview when they invariably ask if you have any questions. Surely there are aspects of the job you’re curious about. It shows you are interested and have done some research. DO NOT ask about pay just yet.
* - Thank the panel for inviting you and give a comfortable farewell as you depart. When you behave awkwardly, it makes those around you feel awkward. Stride forth with confidence.
I am awaiting a call back now after my interview. I notified my referees after the interview to expect a call. I am comfortable I tried my best. However I cannot control how experienced and spectacular the other applicants are.
In the end, the employer will choose whoever is best for them.
