It's Interview Time...What Should I Do?

Searching and applying for a job these days seems like a lot more work than it used to be. From searching the classifieds (now Craigslist) to driving around areas you think might be hiring and looking for signs on the window, to simply asking people you know if they might know of something, it’s all a big stressful headache. What’s even more stressful is what comes after the extensive searching and submitting numerous applications, the interview process. We've all been there: it's time for the interview and you're not prepared. Here are a few easy tips to help you make the most of your time to shine, and increase your chances of getting hired with an awesome interview experience.

 

1)   Dress Professionally.

• Whether you choose to believe it or not, looks DO matter, and the way you dress is certainly responsible for that. 
• Don’t overdo the makeup. Interviewers don’t want to see someone who’s ready to be out in the club. Wear just enough to enhance your beauty, and stick to the natural look.
• Keep your hair neat and calm. No one like crunchy hair either; don’t lather on the gel until it’s hard and shiny. Guys: keep your face cleanly shaven and trim up your beard if you don’t want to shave completely. Girls: wear your hair out of your face and neatly combed; a mane is not okay at this time.
• Pick out your outfit the night before; don’t rush and stress the day of. Girls: wear tights if you decide to wear a dress or skirt, and make sure it’s no shorter than above your knee. Guys: iron and tuck in your shirt, wear black socks, and polish up your shoes.

2)   Be On Time.

• If you don’t know where the place is, or you know there’s usually traffic at a certain time, avoid it. Do your research ahead of time and plan out what time you should be on your way to arrive in a timely manner.
• Make yourself a schedule of what your day will look like the day of the interview, what you need to get done prior, estimate how long it will take to get there, and plan around it. You should space your timing out so that you’re ready and out the door with time to spare. Being on time is crucial, as interviewers do take this into consideration when making a decision after the interviews are done.
• Another helpful tip: if you use your Google Maps, Waze, etc apps to help you navigate, it's good to restart the apps every once in a while (preferably whenever you're going to use it) for better more precise directions. If you don't have Waze, I highly recommend you download it-it's a VERY helpful tool to have. 
• And, if you're short on time and need some extra charge, don't forget a Juno Power battery, they're great for people on the go! Click Here to purchase one. 

3)   Confidence, Confidence, And More Confidence.

• Even if you’re nervous as hell, don’t let the interviewer know that. Be sure to drink plenty of water before your interview, maybe have a snack (nuts, like cashews, are good for balancing out the hormones in your brain that affect your mood), and take a big deep breath.
• Be sure to voice your strengths and any past experiences that relate to the job in which you excelled. Interviewers want to know what you can bring to the table, the more positive you are about your ability to take on a certain role, the better your chances will be of actually getting the chance to take it on.
• Don’t forget to finish off the interview by thanking them for their time and giving them a nice firm handshake.

4)   Smile.

• This doesn’t mean clench your teeth together until your cheeks hurt, but simply look and sound excited to be there. The better your mood, the better the odds that they will be left in a good mood as well. Remember, smiles are contagious so make your pretty face shine with a natural smile here and there.

 

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