INTERVIEWING FOR A POSITION
After skills, the most important quality is attitude. Whether you’re interviewing for a position as a manager or just a Mcjob, be positive and convey the feeling that you will give a good day’s work for a day’s pay. First jobs are an important stepping stone and should be treated with respect.
A recruiter’s nightmare is the individual who thinks they are too good to do anything they deem beneath their dignity, has a poor work attitude, is rigid in their expectations and thinks the employer owes them something … no matter how well qualified, otherwise. It is the recruiter’s job to weed those people out.
Be forthright, sincere and enthusiastic, without whining, groveling or ingratiating yourself. Don’t be superficial, gratuitous and transparent in flattery. Be prepared–know something about the company, its history, accomplishments, objectives, and how you can contribute to its goals. Ask constructive questions that show an interest in the company’s mission and philosophy.
DON’TS AT THE JOB INTERVIEW
Don’t dominate the conversation. Don’t ramble. Don’t engage in nervous chit-chat to delay recruiter’s probing questions. Listen, then answer succinctly. Don’t lie or embellish the truth. There’s no shame in admitting you don’t know the answer to a question, but turn that around to your advantage by asking the recruiter to elaborate and that may turn the interview in a more favorable direction.
NON-ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATE JOB INTERVIEW
Dress simply, modestly/conservatively. Leave the Goth or Club wardrobe at home. For gals, no leather or sequins, see-through or tube tops, mini-skirts, bare midriff, low-rider, hip-hugging or camel-toe outfits nor exotic hairstyles, makeup or mandarin-length nailwraps.
For fellas, conservative business attire or casual business wardrobe consisting of shirt, tie, classic fit slax with belt, jacket, socks with shoes (no sneakers), no sports jerseys, sweat pants or workout clothes. For both, no visible body art such as piercings and tattoos, no head gear and no excessive jewelry.
First impressions count, and if you make the wrong one you won’t get the job. There’s a lot of tasteful style latitude between male stripper and monk or pole-dancer and nun. And don’t play dumb, you do know the difference. It pays to err on the side of caution, and once you join the firm you will get a sense of what’s acceptable and what’s not.
ENTERTAINMENT-RELATED JOB INTERVIEW
You can be a little more style trendy but not over the top because all entertainment jobs have a corporate connection. You want to fit in with their culture, but not be too out there or look like you’re trying too hard to fit in.
RULES TO FOLLOW AT YOUR JOB INTERVIEW
* Dress down rather than up (simple, classic in Black, Navy or Grey) whether a suit, dress or shoes.
* Jewelry “bling” at a minimum; 1 or 2 rings; watch, tieclasp; simple bracelet, earrings and necklace
* Err on the side of conservative and properly fitting; not fussy but not stuffy; not tight or slouchy.
* Keep hairstyle and makeup daytime simple; nail length short; polish simple and tasteful.
* BE PUNCTUAL – Nothing is more disrespectful than showing up late and nonchalant.
* Don’t bring coffee cup in; don’t chew gum.
* Turn off cell phone, beeper, pager, etc.
* Maintain an air of decorum. Keep behavior and speech professionally courteous. Don’t be stiff but not too folksy. No high fives, no “Hey, dude, wassup?,” “Hey, girlfriend, those threads are phat.” Never address the recruiter by their first name, unless invited to.
* Look the recruiter in the eye, be alert but relaxed, don’t initiate a handshake unless they extend their hand first, don’t sit down until invited to do so. Don’t act like you’re doing them a favor. Communicate by your body language that you are qualified and would like the job, otherwise you wouldn’t be there.
Don’t ask questions that are self-serving such as:
What’s my salary? Benefits?
What are my hours?
How soon do I qualify for time off?
How much vacation do I get?
When can I expect a promotion?
How soon do I qualify for unemployment?
Can I work from home?
Do I get an assistant?
Will you pay for my Master’s?
How many single men/women work here?
DO YOUR HOMEWORK PRIOR TO THE JOB iINTERVIEW.
Educate yourself about their company and prepare an intelligent list of questions you can ask them that reflect your interest and preparedness. You want to give the impression that you are not just looking for a job, but with a career investment you are enthusiastic about being associated with a firm that mirrors your goals and values.
You also want them to believe that you are not just accepting every interview offer that comes along, but are selecting a prospective employer as much as they are selecting you. Part of the selection process is that it is a mutually beneficial “good fit.”
So apart from telling you about the job, they must sell you on wanting to work there. At the end of the day, you both want to feel that you are proud to be associated with each other.
Finally, Always send a thank you note within a day after an interview to reinforce their impression of you.