Alright, ladies and gentlemen! We all, as college students, have to go through the process of finding a job. But don't fret! I'm about to give you all seven ways to dominate the interview.
1. Dress to Impress.
Ladies, ladies, ladies! What you wore at the party on Saturday is NOT what you should wear to this interview. A nice pantsuit, with a blouse, will always impress the interviewer. Skirts are acceptable, but if you're looking in the mirror saying, "Is this OK?" then put it back. Jewelry is great, but be subtle. You want the interviewer to look at you, not the bling. And ladies, if you cannot walk in heels, do not wear heels to your interview. Flats are cute! The last thing you need is to break your ankle. How do you plan on working with a broken ankle, dear?
Men, you guys are very simple and have it easy, in my opinion. But, JEANS SHOULD NOT BE IN YOUR INTERVIEW WARDROBE. Khakis are great. Dress pants are great. Ties and collared button downs are extremely presentable, interviewers love that! We've all seen those guys with their polo T-shirts, khaki shorts and Nike running shoes walking into an interview. Let's not be that guy. Don't be afraid to ask your very fashionable female best friend for advice if you're unsure. Not the best friend that has no job. We love that best friend, but not in this situation..
2. Resumes, hunny!
Always bring a resume to an interview. It doesn't matter where it is. McDonald's? Bring a resume. Target? Bring a resume. Big fancy corporation? Guess what, baby? Bring. A. Resume. If you don't have one, work on it. If you have trouble making one, reach out to a teacher that you trust or the career services department at your college. Even if they throw the resume away, at least you brought it to them and it shows that you're serious.
3. Research the location.
You have to know what you're walking into. If the interviewer says "How did you hear about this job?" or even "What do you know about our corporation/store?" What do you plan on saying? "I really needed a job so I applied." No ma'am, no sir!! You need to spit back some information that'll read "damn, this person did their research."
4. It's OK to think.
Interviewers have set questions that they want to ask you. You have to realize that there's 113 people that want your position. Your responses to these questions have to be DYNAMITE! Think before you speak. Sit there for a little if you need to think. Simply say, "That's a great question, can I have a second to think about it?" and come back with a great answer. But don't take forever.
5. Remember what mommy taught you!
You were raised with manners, so, please use them. If you sneeze, cover yourself and ask for a tissue or napkin. If you cough, cover yourself, as well. Shake the interviewer's hand when you walk in and when you leave. Thank them for giving you a chance. DO NOT YAWN WITHOUT COVERING YOUR MOUTH. You actually shouldn't be yawning at all because you were supposed to get an adequate amount of sleep the night before... But that's none of my business.
6. Create a question ahead of time.
All interviewers will ask at the end of the interview, "Do you have any questions for me?" They wouldn't just ask that question for no reason. Ask them something about the establishment, or anything! And if nothing comes to mind, ask the go-to question for any position anywhere. "Can you tell me what the average work day is like?" This way the interviewer sees that you're interested and ready to work.
7. Call back.
At the very end, the interviewer will say something like, "I have a few more interviews this week so I will give you a call at the beginning of next week if we're interested." They are lying. So, when they say that, thank them, shake their hand, and leave. But read my words closely! Call them yourself. The only thing that the interviewer is thinking about is eliminating some of the 113 people to make their job easier. Call them and if they don't answer, call again a little later. Call and ask for the person that interviewed you. Tell him/her your name one more time and that you are super interested in the position. Thank them again and see what happens.
Simple stuff, right? You don't have to listen to me... but I recommend it! Tell yourself that you have the job in the bag already, no matter what. Good luck with everything and congrats on your new job!
