Students: Career Planning: Interviewing: Step 3

STEP 1 | STEP 2 | STEP 3 | STEP 4

During the interview you should...

Dress Appropriately
A good first impression in the interview is essential. With that in mind, you must maximize your physical appearance to compete effectively. Although there are exceptions, you'll rarely go wrong if you dress conservatively. For women, this means a classic navy blue or gray suit, with a modest updated blouse. Although a tailored dress can also be worn, a business suit is considered the "uniform" for interviewing. A pair of classic medium-heeled pumps, with a neutral stocking will compliment the look. Accessories and makeup are fine, as long as they are understated. Keep it simple. Cologne and perfume Should be utilized sparingly, so it does not overpower the interviewer. Hair should be clean, and neatly styled and away from the face. For men, again conservative is the rule of thumb. This means a navy blue, or gray suit, with a white long-sleeved shirt that has been professionally laundered. A tie that is understated and coordinated will add to the professional image you want to portray. Shoes in black, brown, or cordovan that are polished will certainly complete the look. Jewelry for men should be limited to a wedding band or a class ring. Men also must be careful not to overdue the cologne or aftershave. Hair, along with sideburns and mustaches should be neatly trimmed. Beards are risky, and probably should not be worn. If possible, try and find out how the individuals in the positions and companies that you have interest in typically dress. You can assess this by browsing through company literature, or better yet, actually observing the employees at the company. If the company is close, drop by during lunch, or as people are leaving at the end of the day. This will give you some idea of what the norm is as far as appropriate dress.
Watch a CollegeGrad.com 1 minute video: Dress for Interview Success 

Control Nervousness
Recruiters are aware that job interviewing can cause extreme nervousness. Usually a recruiter will make allowances for this, especially if it is one of the applicant's first interviews. Try not to fidget with your hands or articles of clothing. Keep frequent eye contact with the interviewer, but don't stare. In most instances, nervousness will become less of a factor after two or three interviews. For this reason, it is wise to save your most important interviews until you have acquired some practice. Above all, don't become discouraged; interviewing is a learned skill. However, if you are still having difficulty after your fifth or sixth interview, it may be best to discuss the situation with a counselor at the Career Center. BS2010.
Watch a CollegeGrad.com 1 minute video: How To Overcome Interview Nervousness 

Pay Attention to Body Language
We can say many things with our bodies using non-verbal communication. Make sure that your body language portrays a message of friendliness and openness. When communicating, watch out for folded hands and arms, crossed legs, head in a downward position, or not sitting directly facing the person with whom you are talking. These gestures could lead others to think that you are very closed, aloof, or distant.
Watch a CollegeGrad.com 1 minute video: The Most Important Job Interview Non-Verbal 

Make Eye Contact
Having good eye contact is very important when communicating, especially when interviewing or meeting a prospective employer. Very often, lack of direct eye contact can give a person the wrong impression about you. We typically think that a person who cannot look someone in the eye may either be shy, hiding something, or is dishonest. Maintain good eye contact when communicating; it will leave others with a positive impression of you.
Watch a CollegeGrad.com 1 minute video: The Second Most Important Interview Non-Verbal 

Be Candid
While subterfuge may get you the job, it isn't likely to keep it for you. The hiring of an employee is after all, an agreement to buy what the employee has to sell. Unless both parties have a pretty honest evaluation of each other, the sale is apt to be cancelled later.
Watch a CollegeGrad.com 1 minute video: The First Interviewing Clue I Look For as an Employer 

Have Enthusiasm
Your interviewer has probably worked for his or her company for several years. The organization provides a recruiter with a good income, security and an interesting career; in other words he or she is dedicated to the company. The interviewer expects you to have similar feelings or at least to exhibit enthusiasm for a potential position with the firm. A well-researched presentation is probably the best way to demonstrate this quality. Make your questions reflect your knowledge of the employer. Find out about the normal routine of the position in which you are interested, where you can expect to be in five years, opportunities for further professional education, etc. The idea is to convey a sense of long-term interest. Above all, don't be too concerned about salary, fringe benefits, or retirement plans. Convey your enthusiasm for the work, not for the rewards.
Watch a CollegeGrad.com 1 minute video: The Most Important Aspect of Successful Interviewing