Interviewing for a brand job or even an internship can be very stressful and knowing exactly what to do and what not to do isn't always apparent. You want to leave your mark and give the interviewer a reason to select you for the job so aim to make a remarkable first impression. Following the five do's and five dont's below will prepare you for a successful interview and help you land the position you want!
Do:
1. Dress to impress
First and foremost, ALWAYS dress suitably for the industry. The first thing an interviewer sees when someone walks in the door is how he or she has decided to present themself. So, prove that you are taking the interview seriously and ditch the distressed boyfriend jeans and crop top.
2. Arrive early
Showing up fashionably late is not an option when going to an interview! Aim to arrive 10 minutes or so prior to the start time.
3. Eye contact
Eyes truly are the window to the soul and they say a lot about you. Try to maintain strong eye contact to express attentiveness and interest in the discussion at hand.
4. Sell yourself
Don’t rely on your resume to do the selling for you. No matter how qualified you are for the position, you will need to set yourself apart from everyone else coming in with a seamless application.
5. Sending your thanks
Always send a thank you note after an interview. This is something that's appreciated and is also your chance to make a final impression.
Don't:
1. Honesty is the best policy
Never lie or fabricate anything you share in your interview. Answer all questions truthfully to avoid future conflict.
2. Preparation is key
Do not show up to an interview unprepared. Know what type of job interview you will encounter, and then prepare and practice for it. On that note, don’t memorize or over-rehearse your answers, to avoid coming across as robotic.
3. Cell Phones
Walk into your interview with your phone on silent or turned off. If it happens to ring, do not answer it. Your undivided attention should be on the interview.
4. Interviewer or best friend?
Don’t get too comfortable during your interview. Remember this person is not your best friend; you want to come across as qualified and professional.
5. The interview is never over, until it’s over
The interview isn’t over until you walk out of the building’s door. You should be careful in regards to your behavior and words up until you exit.
There are so many components that make an interview great and several factors that come into play depending on what you are interviewing for. These are just a select few do's and dont's that should prepare you. Remember to always exude confidence, come composed and understand that you will go through several interviews in your life before finding your place.
