Job Interviews ... or ... On The Carpet For Minimum Wage
Posted: Monday, January 09, 2012
by Octavia Hansen
Octavia Hansen
An interview . . . just thinking those words can raise your blood pressure and send a cold chill down your spine. No one has a job for life anymore. And it's a sad fact that most smaller companies will end with the life of the owner, few businesses stay in the family anymore. At some point, you will be seeking employment. If you decide to go it alone and make your own company, the odds are against you. But some do succeed, those with a plan and can put in the time. Even if you are the business owner, interviewing potential employees can be just as exasperating for you as it is for them.
For those of you who have not been on an interview in a long time, be prepared now. The old saying goes: It's better to be prepared and not need it, than to need it and not be prepared.
Taking a leap of faith and assuming you get as far as making an appointment for an interview, here are a few things that will help.
Be on time. When your appointment is for 9:30 a.m., that means in that office, talking to someone, filling out papers or merely checking in at 9:30. That doesn't mean leaving your house, entering the parking lot or riding the elevator at 9:30. If you cannot be on time, then call. There is no excuse for not calling anyone anymore. Everyone has a phone. Everyone has a number and a telephone near them -- use it. You can be excused being held up in traffic or by a family crisis as long as you call. They will probably be very understanding and take a break in your time slot. By not calling, everyone is waiting for you and nothing is happening. That is lost hours, lost profit, lost efficiency -- and that's a mark against you. Calling the next day, unless it's from an emergency room phone, means nothing. They have probably written you off and tossed your resume. Doesn't matter how good you are if you are not there.
Dress the part. This should NOT have to be stated but somehow it is. When I worked for companies and I was part of the interview/hiring team, it was amazing how many people would axe themselves just by showing up for the interview. Much like a first date, you only have one chance to make a good first impression. Your last job may have let you work in tee-shirt and jeans but the interview is special. You must show attention to detail, look the part -- if you are hired, you represent the company, to other employees and to the rest of the world. Have an interview suit -- ladies, that does NOT mean low cut and sexy and your high heels are wasted here. Have a great pair of shoes kept only for interviews -- something that looks good, not scuffed, muted color or better in black. On jackets -- check buttons, strings, lining and overall fit for the professional look you want to project. What fit last year rarely fits the next year. I still can't believe in this day and age people have to be told NOT to wear flip-flops, funny tee-shirts, head bands or show tattoos during an interview. A good clue is when you don't see anyone else wearing this to work, you will not be the exception.
Be information ready. Have as much information with you, typed or printed beforehand. Anything you do that shows you are efficient and your attention to detail, saves the interviewer time and makes you look great. Information includes your resume, proof of citizenship and a list of personal/professional references. Most people do not have good handwriting, don't make it difficult for anyone.
Speak professionally. You don't have to have elocution lessons but you have to enunciate to be understood. Most people barely open their mouth to speak -- maybe they are saving their lips. Speak up. Don't shout. And please watch your language. It may be acceptable in your family, among your friends or in public anywhere else, but in the office don't cuss, don't dish, don't be mean. Smart ass may work anywhere else but in an office, make anyone uncomfortable and you will be fired. That means no benefits.
Testing. If you have to take a test, do it! Typing test, personality test, reading, spelling, essay -- whatever it is, do it right then. Don't make an excuse. Don't think you'll come back later. It only delays everything, you'll be fretting over it even longer and it won't change anything. Yes, you are nervous. They understand that. A lot of times, you can take a test twice or even three times and take the best score. They know you have to get used to the environment, their equipment, it is their job to find your talent.
The employer is NOT stupid. If you have a record, if you don't take a drug test, if you have lied about your history and qualifications, you will be discovered. In this day and age of fast communication technology, few things are secret and a lot of places share data. If you manage to get hired and are found out, you will be fired on the spot. You lied. No explanation will excuse you that you lied. Now, if you have anything like that and it's in the past, tell them with an explanation. You'll look good for being honest, they will probably give you a try -- makes them look good, too.
Finish the interview. After everything is said and done, ask for the business card from the company. Thank them for their time and clarify if they are to call you or if you should call them in a few days or a week. This way you will know if you need to call them or wait for a message on your phone.
Also, before you leave, it is professional to shake hands. I'm not really sure why this is anymore but it's a personal gesture in a coldly professional world and makes everything a little nicer. Most people just leave. That's fine for them. Shaking hands shows you are interested with that personal touch -- literally.
If at all possible, go on a few interviews where you are not really interested. This will make you more relaxed at an interview that is important and you will know what to do. It's great to talk with people when your life and future is not at stake . . . who knows, you might even get the job!
This Article has been viewed 246 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.