| After sending a resume to a prospective employer, | | | | sharp looking. You do not want to be wearing |
| you may be called for your first of probably two or | | | | excessive makeup or jewelry; and for a man, you |
| three interviews. The initial interview is critical because | | | | should be clean shaven and neat. |
| that is when the employer will likely decide whether to | | | | If, for example, this is a "suite and tie" company and |
| hire you and how you might fit with the company. This | | | | you come to the interview in jeans, you might as well |
| step is crucial, and you need to be prepared to | | | | cancel the interview altogether. By looking professional, |
| enhance your likelihood of a successful interview and | | | | you show you are ready to blend in with their business |
| eventual job offer. | | | | needs. Maverick thinking may help you land a great |
| Before you even step one foot in the door of your | | | | position, but a maverick appearance will not! |
| prospective employer, you should completely research | | | | On meeting the people who will be interviewing you, it |
| the company, its background, corporate goals, top | | | | is best to smile at them directly, greet each with a firm |
| executives, and anything pertinent to the position to | | | | handshake, and offer an enthusiastic hello. The more |
| which you have applied. | | | | upbeat you are - without appearing contrived - the |
| Additionally, knowing the background of the company | | | | more apt they are to be drawn to you. |
| and what you are going to be doing for that company | | | | Always maintain good eye contact with the person |
| will help you prepare for questions that will be asked of | | | | who is interviewing you during the meeting. You do not |
| you. It would be time well spent to practice answering | | | | want to appear intimidating, however, so occasionally |
| test questions with a friend or family member so you | | | | look away when they are speaking with you. |
| are able to provide confident, knowledgeable answers | | | | Conversely, you do not want to keep looking up or |
| during the interview that make a positive impression. | | | | down because they could mistake this for dishonesty |
| When you show up on the day of the interview, it is | | | | or disinterest. (You may be surprised by what is |
| best to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to the | | | | surmised from a person's body language.) |
| planned starting time. An early arrival shows you are | | | | Lastly, when the interview has concluded, make sure |
| punctual and that the job interview is important to you. | | | | to shake each person's hand again and thank them for |
| You should be prepared with a couple extra copies of | | | | their time. State how interested you are in the job and |
| your resume in case additional people sit in on the | | | | that you look forward to hearing from them. A brief |
| interview, and you should always carry copies of any | | | | follow up thank you letter to each person for their time |
| documents that they may require, such as | | | | and interest in you will not hurt your chances either. |
| certifications or school records. | | | | Though following these tips certainly does not ensure |
| Make sure your attire and general appearance reflects | | | | you will be hired, they do help to maximize the positive |
| the standards of the company. It is best to show up in | | | | impression you make on hiring decision-makers! |
| business appropriate clothing that is clean, ironed, and | | | | |