An interview is the most important part of your job search. Thoughtfully preparing strong answers to common questions and practicing those answers will help you successfully communicate to the interviewer(s) that you are a good fit for the company.
What to Wear to a Job Interview?
First impressions are made of visual and verbal cues, which can form within seconds of meeting someone. Many things can factor into a first impression, such as someone’s posture, facial expressions, voice intonations, handshake, eye contact, grooming, and dress. While these cues are not always an accurate portrayal of a person’s character and personality, they can give a good indication of who someone is.
How Should I Dress for an Interview?
Appropriate dress standards for business settings vary according to country, culture, and industry.
Before the interview, find out the company dress code. You can do this by talking to a company employee, such as a human resource manager, or by asking about the dress code when you arrange an interview appointment.
Below are some basic guidelines for dressing professionally. If you have additional questions about how you should dress for the interview, talk to an employment center advisor or self-reliance specialist in your area.
General Guidelines
- Dress one step above the dress code of the office where the interview will take place.
- Wear modest, clean clothes that are in good condition. Do not wear clothes that draw attention.
- Avoid clothing with logos and brand names.
- If you are wearing a coat or other outerwear, take it off before entering the interview. Hang it up if there is a coat rack provided.
- Men: Follow appropriate business culture for facial hair. Check the company dress standards; if facial hair is acceptable, make sure it is neatly trimmed. If in doubt, be clean-shaven.
Additional Things to Consider
Carry important documents and materials in a messenger bag, portfolio, or folder that is in good repair. Bring copies of your updated resume, even if you think your interviewers already have a copy. Also bring the job description, any research you have done on the company, a list of references and their contact information, and paper to take notes on.
- Pen—Take a professional-looking pen with black ink.
- Cell phone—Turn off your cell phone before you go in for the interview.
- Glasses—If you wear glasses, do not peer over the top of the glasses during the interview. If you need glasses only for reading, take them off while you are not reading.
What Should I Say in an Interview?
To be effective in an interview, you need to be able to communicate your strengths and accomplishments to employers and those in your network.
It may be a good idea to take notes during the interview or shortly after so you can remember what the interviewer(s) said and what they emphasized about the position. You especially want to make sure you capture the names and titles of the people in the interview so you can follow up with them later.
Power Statements
When presenting your skills in a job interview, it is important to use concise and powerful statements to demonstrate the skills you have. The best way to accomplish this is by using power statements. Learn more about how you can create and use power statements in an interview, on a resume, and on your LinkedIn profile here.
Virtual and Phone Interviews
Know the Common Types of Interviews
Employers often conduct multiple rounds of interviews during the hiring process, and it’s likely that some of these will be done over the phone. As you progress through each round, it will be important to know the audience and purpose of each kind of interview to be successful.
In an interview with a recruiter, the interviewer’s purpose is to validate that your resume is accurate and that you are capable of fulfilling the position.
In an interview with a human resources associate, the purpose is to expand upon your resume and discover the potential risks and gains of hiring you.
In an interview with the hiring manager and key decision makers, the purpose is to find out what your unique value is and if you are a good fit for the organization.
Phone interviews
Phone interviews are a common part of job searches. But don’t assume that scoring a phone interview is a sure sign of success; instead, look at it as a stepping-stone to get in front of key decision makers.
The best interviews are a dialogue between the interviewer and interviewee. Phone calls can be challenging because you can’t see who you’re talking to, which means you can’t always gauge their reactions or know when they would like to interject. During phone interviews, be especially careful not to interrupt your interviewer. It’s better to pause and make sure they’re done speaking before you answer than to accidentally interrupt them mid-sentence. Try to create a friendly rapport right away by using their name when you address them. Even though your interviewer can’t see you, try standing up and smiling throughout the interview. These actions will improve your confidence level and can even influence the way you sound on the other end of the line.
Make your questions during the interview count. Use this opportunity to learn all you can about the company, the position, and any key people you’ll need to win over; this will help you prepare for the next stage of interviews. Remember that the purpose of a phone interview is to lead to a face-to-face meeting. As the phone interview concludes, don’t be afraid to ask for the chance to meet in person.
The biggest thing to remember is that even though it’s not a face-to-face interview (yet), you still need to put time into your preparation to perform well. As you implement these suggestions, you’ll be a step ahead of the competition.
Virtual interviews
Virtual interviews are also becoming a common method of interviewing. Make sure to have a good internet connection, go to a quiet place, and pay attention to non-verbal facial cues. It’s also a good idea to be familiar with video conferencing platforms.
Check out this video on virtual interviews: How to succeed in virtual interviews
Non-Verbal Communication
Your body language communicates just as much as what you actually say. Take time to prepare not only what you will say in an interview but also how you will say it. Here are some answers to basic body language questions to help you get ready for your next big interview.