How to interview and follow up
An interview is a make-or-break moment in the job search process. First impressions really are important, so here are some ideas to ensure that the employer remembers you in a positive way:
- Make it easy to reach you to set up the appointment - Your phone should have an answering machine/voice mail with a professional-sounding message (no music, jokes, or abrupt personal messages). In the same way, set up an e-mail account with your first initial and last name or similar professional image. Cute e-mail addresses are for personal use. Check your voice mail and e-mail frequently. If you don't respond to the employer for days, chances are that the opportunity will be lost.
- Have pleasant telephone manners and avoid slang - The employer is thinking about the image you will bring to his or her company. Present yourself in such a way that interviewers will be comfortable having you as a company representative.
- Check ahead to see where the interview will be - If possible, stop by ahead of time to make sure you know where you're going and whether there will be any accessibility issues. You don't want to show up late.
- Make a nice appearance - Always dress for the position above the one for which you are applying. So if you are applying to work in a store, dress as if you manage the store. You should have showered that day, and have clean hair and fingernails. Brush your teeth, avoid wearing strong perfume or excessive jewelry, and hide tattoos, if possible. Wear clean and neatly pressed clothing with no stains or tears, and don't wear anything that is too revealing. Again, part of making a nice appearance is speaking in a professional manner. Do not fidget or eat anything while you are in the building.
- Turn the interview into a job - Listen carefully to interview questions and answer them respectfully. Don't make your answers too long or too short. The interviewer needs to hear enough to get a sense of who you are and what you will bring to the position, but he or she does not want endless details. The more you interview, the more skilled you will become in answering the questions.
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