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5 Best Things to Say in an Interview By Catherine ConlanMonster Contributing Writer
The best things you can say in an interview won’t necessarily get you the job on their own, but they can certainly pave the way. Keep these five things in mind as you go through the interviewing process to give yourself the best chance at landing the job.
Ask Good Questions
According to Howard Pines, founder and CEO of BeamPines, “the best thing a candidate can do at an interview is ask good questions.”
Doing so shows that you are thoughtful and interested in understanding the company. There’s usually a chance to ask questions at the end of your interview, so be ready with questions that show you’re engaged in the process.
Pines suggests several questions, including:
What are the biggest short- and long-term issues I would need to focus on in this position?
What would I need to focus on differently than the previous person in this position?
What organizational issues should I be aware of?
“I’m flexible.”
Whether it’s about possible job duties, a potential start date or simply timing for the second interview, stressing your flexibility makes you easy to get along with.
Hiring managers don’t like complications, and having to coordinate complicated schedules or haggle over a job description eventually just makes you look difficult. While you certainly don’t want to be a pushover -- and “flexible” shouldn’t define your salary negotiation -- show your potential employer that you’re interested in results that work for everyone.
The Company’s Own Words
Before your interview, become familiar with the company’s website and literature. Pay attention to the words used -- what’s important to the organization?
“In your interview, hit key words that appeared on the company website or brochure,” says Olivia Ford of Adeptio. “These key words might include team, leadership, simplistic, culture or growth.”
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Mixing these keywords into your answers can provide a subtle hint that you are plugged in to what the organization is looking for.
“That’s a Good Question.”
Use this phrase instead of blurting out “I don’t know” if the interviewer stumps you with a surprise question. It can give you a few moments to come up with an answer and, in the meantime, strokes the interviewer's ego a little bit too.
Avoid the “I don’t know” answer when possible, but of course don’t lie about your experience or training.
Reasons You Want the Job.
Knowing a job prospect’s motivations is important for managers who are hiring.
During your interview, talk about how this position fits into your future plans and the ideas you have about your career, how it fits with your values, and what you would like to learn from it. Talk about how you see yourself in relation to the company and what you believe you can bring to the position.
These kinds of thoughts show who you are as a person, and go a long way toward giving the hiring manager an idea about how you might fit in the company’s culture and values.
7 Questions to Ask in Every Interview By Catherine ConlanMonster Contributing Writer
At the end of every job interview, the interviewer will probably ask if you have any questions. What you ask can tell them a lot about you as a candidate and whether you’d be a good fit.
Try to ask at least a few of these seven questions at any interview you have.
How do you celebrate accomplishments and achievements here? This question can help you determine whether your values match up with the company’s, says Sabrina Ali, a career counselor for under-40 professionals and executives. “If you value being told to add an extra day on to your holiday next week for a job well done, but what the culture offers are words like ‘good job’ or a team drink after work, then work is going to feel like more work.
From your perspective, what does success look like or mean in this role? It’s important to remember that a job well done might look different to different people, Ali says. “Ideally what you do and how you do it are a match to what they are looking at as they rely on your role for their success, but often this is not the case,” she explains. “What defines a job well done doesn't need to be a secret.” By asking, you can figure out whether you’ll be able to sustainably give what the job demands.
Could you describe your perfect candidate for this role? The answer to this question is revealing, says career coach Cheryl Palmer. “Once the interviewer articulates for you what the perfect candidate looks like, you can then either reiterate your qualifications for the position or add anything that you did not mention before that directly relates to how your background positions you as the perfect candidate.” It’s a great way to end an interview on a strong note.
What are your top priorities for the person in this position during the first 30 days? When you ask this questions, Palmer says, you’ll be able to figure out what the company’s immediate needs are. In addition, if you do
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get the job, you’ll know what to focus on so you can reinforce the fact that they made a good hire.
When it comes to work, what keeps you awake at night? This question shows you’re not afraid of a challenge, says Adam Grunwerg of Graduates.co.uk. “You’re focused on making a contribution to the business and helping your boss to succeed,” Grunwerg says. “It’s is a powerful message to be giving, which will make you appear more employable.”
Are there any shortcomings in my application or interview that I could address now? This is a “bold question, but it shows you welcome critical feedback,” says Grunwerg. By giving them an opportunity to raise any concerns that might stand in the way of hiring you, “you can address any weaknesses in your application that you were not aware of, increasing your chance of closing the deal and landing the job.”
What values do you see in your company’s leadership that have contributed to your success? Periscope Employee Engagement Director Tara Meyers says this question gets at two things: “How well does the interviewer know and understand the leadership of the company, and how does the interviewer view success?” The answer can give you an insight into the company’s culture and what motivates and drives employees. “Success through career advancement or development varies greatly at different companies, so it's essential that growth expectations are aligned between the applicant and the company in order to reduce turnover,” she explains.
What Motivates You? Strategies to Answer This Tough Interview Question By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer
"What motivates you?" is one of those tough interview questions where your answer will depend on your background and experiences. This soul-searching interview question can really catch you off guard unless you've thought about it before the interview. Contemplating when you have been most satisfied in your career will not only help you answer this question, but it will also help you focus on what you want in your next job.
Two candidates answer the motivation question, reflecting their values and what is important to them.
The first one says, "In my previous job, I worked directly with customers and their problems. What I liked was solving problems and helping people. Sometimes it took a lot of effort on my part, but it was very rewarding when the customer appreciated the service."
This interview answer reflects the candidate's interest in helping people and the satisfaction he gets in finding solutions.
The second candidate says, "Two years ago, I was involved in a project I was really excited about. The team I was working with had to come up with innovative ways to market a product that was not received well by consumers. It took lots of effort and long meetings, but we met our deadline and launched a terrific marketing campaign. It was really a motivating experience."
This candidate likes thinking outside the box and being part of a team. He loves a challenge and works well with pressure and deadlines.
Prepare Your Script
Writing out your thoughts will help you think about times when you felt energized by your work, times when you looked forward to going to work. For a source of ideas, refer to your resume. Which tasks did you list? Were they the tasks you enjoyed most and felt most motivated doing?
A statement on your resume might be:
Project leader: Led a team in coordinating and monitoring the progress of projects to assure the flow and completion of work on schedule.
What was it that was motivating about this experience? Being in charge? Being the source of information? Controlling the flow of work? Making sure the standards were in line with your work values?
By making a list of motivating experiences from your last two or three jobs, you will begin to see patterns of projects and tasks that stand out. Analyze what you did before. Do you want more of this type of responsibility in your next job? The answers to these questions will give you insight into what stimulates you as well as possibilities for fulfillment in future jobs with similar responsibilities.
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Additionally, by focusing on times when you were energized by your work, you may become more enthusiastic about the job you are seeking.
There is no such thing as the perfect answer to the motivation question. Your answer will be based on your own individual experiences and analysis. Ultimately, this exercise will help you reveal to the interviewer what turns you on in your work. Even if you are not asked this question, your preinterview thinking, analysis and scripting will help you be more focused, projet more interview confidence and be more in control of what you want in your next job.
100 Potential Interview Questions By Thad Peterson, Monster Staff Writer
While there are as many different possible interview questions as there are interviewers, it always helps to be ready for anything. So we've prepared a list of 100 potential interview questions. Will you face them all? We pray no interviewer would be that cruel. Will you face a few? Probably. Will you be well-served by being ready even if you're not asked these exact questions? Absolutely.
Basic Interview Questions:
Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Why do you want this job? Where would you like to be in your career five years from now? What's your ideal company? What attracted you to this company? Why should we hire you? What did you like least about your last job? When were you most satisfied in your job? What can you do for us that other candidates can't? What were the responsibilities of your last position? Why are you leaving your present job? What do you know about this industry? What do you know about our company? Are you willing to relocate? Do you have any questions for me?
Behavioral Interview Questions:
What was the last project you headed up, and what was its outcome? Give me an example of a time that you felt you went above and beyond the call of duty at work. Can you describe a time when your work was criticized? Have you ever been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight? How did you handle it? Tell me about a time when you had to give someone difficult feedback. How did you handle it? What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it? What irritates you about other people, and how do you deal with it? If I were your supervisor and asked you to do something that you disagreed with, what would you do? What was the most difficult period in your life, and how did you deal with it? Give me an example of a time you did something wrong. How did you handle it? What irritates you about other people, and how do you deal with it? Tell me about a time where you had to deal with conflict on the job. If you were at a business lunch and you ordered a rare steak and they brought it to you well done, what would you
do? If you found out your company was doing something against the law, like fraud, what would you do? What assignment was too difficult for you, and how did you resolve the issue? What's the most difficult decision you've made in the last two years and how did you come to that decision? Describe how you would handle a situation if you were required to finish multiple tasks by the end of the day, and there
was no conceivable way that you could finish them.
Salary Questions:
What salary are you seeking? What's your salary history? If I were to give you this salary you requested but let you write your job description for the next year, what would it
say?
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Career Development Questions:
What are you looking for in terms of career development? How do you want to improve yourself in the next year? What kind of goals would you have in mind if you got this job? If I were to ask your last supervisor to provide you additional training or exposure, what would she suggest?
Getting Started Questions:
How would you go about establishing your credibility quickly with the team? How long will it take for you to make a significant contribution? What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days of this job? If selected for this position, can you describe your strategy for the first 90 days?
More About You:
How would you describe your work style? What would be your ideal working environment? What do you look for in terms of culture -- structured or entrepreneurial? Give examples of ideas you've had or implemented. What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized? If you had to choose one, would you consider yourself a big-picture person or a detail-oriented person? Tell me about your proudest achievement. Who was your favorite manager and why? What do you think of your previous boss? Was there a person in your career who really made a difference? What kind of personality do you work best with and why? What are you most proud of? What do you like to do? What are your lifelong dreams? What do you ultimately want to become? What is your personal mission statement? What are three positive things your last boss would say about you? What negative thing would your last boss say about you? What three character traits would your friends use to describe you? What are three positive character traits you don't have? If you were interviewing someone for this position, what traits would you look for? List five words that describe your character. Who has impacted you most in your career and how? What is your greatest fear? What is your biggest regret and why? What's the most important thing you learned in school? Why did you choose your major? What will you miss about your present/last job? What is your greatest achievement outside of work? What are the qualities of a good leader? A bad leader? Do you think a leader should be feared or liked? How do you feel about taking no for an answer? How would you feel about working for someone who knows less than you? How do you think I rate as an interviewer? Tell me one thing about yourself you wouldn't want me to know. Tell me the difference between good and exceptional. What kind of car do you drive? There's no right or wrong answer, but if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? What's the last book you read? What magazines do you subscribe to? What's the best movie you've seen in the last year? What would you do if you won the lottery? Who are your heroes? What do you like to do for fun? What do you do in your spare time? What is your favorite memory from childhood?
Brainteaser Questions:
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How many times do a clock's hands overlap in a day? How would you weigh a plane without scales? Tell me 10 ways to use a pencil other than writing. Sell me this pencil. If you were an animal, which one would you want to be? Why is there fuzz on a tennis ball? If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why? If you could get rid of any one of the US states, which one would you get rid of and why? With your eyes closed, tell me step-by-step how to tie my shoes.
Articles in This Feature:
Make a Great First Impression home Last-Minute Interview Preparation Six Key Interview Answers Employers Need to Hear 100 Potential Interview Questions Nonverbal Communications: Escape the Pitfalls Job Interview Tips Steer Clear of Interviewers' Pet Peeves Do Your Homework Before the Big Interview Assessing Your Skills
Advice » Interviewing» Interview Preparation » Interview Practice Makes Perfe ...
Interview Practice Makes Perfect Make Your Mistakes in a Mock Interview By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer
As with every skill you've ever learned, you have to learn the technique and then practice, practice, practice. A mock interview will not only help you perfect your technique, but it will also allow you to get valuable feedback and coaching on your performance.
Sue is an accomplished tennis player who has worked on her stroke and technique for many years. She has taken lessons from pros, and listened to their advice when they gave her their critiques.
She is now graduating from college and has signed up for some on-campus interviews with recruiters. She feels confident that she knows her subject and is a pretty good talker but decides advice from a professional would be a good idea.
Working with a professional and getting feedback on your performance in a mock interview is similar to working with a sports coach to learn how to improve your game. Both will enable you to learn where your strengths lie and where you may need work to improve your performance. Time spent practicing will assist you greatly in either situation. An added bonus to preparing and practicing is the self-confidence you will gain. In today's competitive world, you must be prepared and in top shape.
Before Sue interviews with potential employers, she signs up for a mock interview at the campus career center. She is given an interview tip sheet to read before the scheduled mock interview. The tip sheet includes the following:
What Is a Mock Interview?
A 30-minute videotaped session of you in an interview with a professional. A review of the tape with constructive feedback on your performance.
Preparation
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Prepare for the session by researching your company/industry of interest. Investigate and identify the most common industry traits sought (analytical skills, communication skills, business
knowledge and problem solving). Script answers to demonstrate your experience with these factors as well as answers to behavioral interview
questions, such as "Tell me about a time when..." and "Can you give me an example of a time..."
The Session
Dress in appropriate attire -- as though this is an actual company interview. Greet the interviewer with an enthusiastic handshake and smile. Listen to the question asked. Make sure you know what the interviewer wants to know. Ask for clarification if the
question is not clear. Keep your answers concise and to the point -- two to three minutes long. Make sure you are selling the product: You. Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer.
The Feedback
Observe your feelings while viewing the tape and listening to your answers. Are you coming across the way you intended?
Listen to feedback with an open mind, not defensively. Learn from your performance. How are you being perceived through the eyes of someone who does not know you?
As Sue reads through the tip sheet, she realizes that she has some work to do to prepare for her mock interview. From her tennis experience, she knows the value of learning the proper techniques from a coach and then practicing them. She has decided to devote the same energy to the interview process as she has to her tennis game. The interview match is one game she wants to win.
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Advice » Interviewing» Interview Questions » Prep for the Top 10 Interview Qu ...
Prep for the Top 10 Interview Questions By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer Too many job seekers stumble through interviews as if the questions are coming out of left field. But many interview
questions are to be expected. Study this list and plan your interview answers ahead of time so you'll be ready to deliver them with confidence.
1. What Are Your Weaknesses? This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay
away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful."
2. Why Should We Hire You? Summarize your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial industry and my proven record of
saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team."
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3. Why Do You Want to Work Here? The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending out resumes
just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices."
4. What Are Your Goals? Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For
example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility."
5. Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job? If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate
downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me." If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to look for a company
that is team-focused, where I can add my experience." 6. When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job? The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were
excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me."
7. What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't? What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I
have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."
8. What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You? It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through
someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."
9. What Salary Are You Seeking? It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your
bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?"
10. If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be? Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make
a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?
Advice » Interviewing» Interview Preparation » 10 Interviewing Rules
10 Interviewing Rules By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer
In the current job market, you'd better have your act together, or you won't stand a chance against the competition. Check yourself on these 10 basic points before you go on that all-important interview.
1. Do Your Research
Researching the company before the interview and learning as much as possible about its services, products, customers and competition will give you an edge in understanding and addressing the company's needs. The more you know about the company and what it stands for, the better chance you have of selling yourself in the interview. You also should find out about the company's culture to gain insight into your potential happiness on the job.
2. Look Sharp
Select what to wear to the interview. Depending on the industry and position, get out your best interview clothes and check them over for spots and wrinkles. Even if the company has a casual environment, you don't want to look like you slept in your outfit. Above all, dress for confidence. If you feel good, others will respond to you accordingly.
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3. Be Prepared
Bring along a folder containing extra copies of your resume, a copy of your references and paper to take notes. You should also have questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview. For extra assurance, print a copy of Monster's handy interview take-along checklist.
4. Be on Time
Never arrive late to an interview. Allow extra time to arrive early in the vicinity, allowing for factors like getting lost. Enter the building 10 to 15 minutes before the interview.
5. Show Enthusiasm
A firm handshake and plenty of eye contact demonstrate confidence. Speak distinctly in a confident voice, even though you may feel shaky.
6. Listen
One of the most neglected interview skills is listening. Make sure you are not only listening, but also reading between the lines. Sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is said.
7. Answer the Question Asked
Candidates often don't think about whether they are actually answering the questions their interviewers ask. Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure.
8. Give Specific Examples
One specific example of your background is worth 50 vague stories. Prepare your stories before the interview. Give examples that highlight your successes and uniqueness. Your past behavior can indicate your future performance.
9. Ask Questions
Many interviewees don't ask questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable information. The questions you ask indicate your interest in the company or job.
10. Follow Up
Whether it's through email or regular mail, the interview follow-up is one more chance to remind the interviewer of all the valuable traits you bring to the job and company. Don't miss this last chance to market yourself.
It is important to appear confident and cool for the interview. One way to do that is to be prepared to the best of your ability. There is no way to predict what an interview holds, but by following these important rules you will feel less anxious and will be ready to positively present yourself.
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Advice » Interviewing» Interview Preparation » Interview Cheat Sheet
Interview Cheat Sheet By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer
Relax -- a cheat sheet is not really cheating. It's a checklist to make sure you stay focused before, during and after the interview. Creating a cheat sheet will help you feel more prepared and confident. You shouldn't memorize what's on the sheet or check it off during the interview. You should use your cheat sheet to remind you of key facts. Here are some suggestions for what you should include on it.
In the Days Before the Interview
Draw a line down the center of a piece of paper. On the left side, make a bulleted list of what the employer is looking for based on the job posting. On the right side, make a bulleted list of the qualities you possess that fit those requirements.
Research the company, industry and the competition. Prepare your 60-second personal statement. Write at least five success stories to answer behavioral interview questions ("Tell me about a time when..." or "Give me
an example of a time..."). List five questions to ask the interviewer about the job, the company and the industry. Research salaries to determine your worth. Determine your salary needs based on your living expenses. Get permission from your references to use their names.
Prepare Your Interview Answers
Be ready to answer common interview questions such as these:
Tell me about yourself. Why did you leave your last position, or why are you leaving your current position? What do you know about this company? What are your goals? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work here? What has been your most significant achievement? How would your last boss and colleagues describe you? Why should we hire you? What are your salary expectations?
Before You Go to the Interview
Do you look professional? Check yourself in the mirror; part of your confidence will come from looking good.
Carry these items to the interview:
Several copies of your resume on quality paper. A copy of your references. A pad of paper on which to take notes, though notes are optional. Directions to the interview site.
Upon Arrival
Arrive early -- enter the building 10 minutes before your appointment.
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Review your prepared stories and answers. Go to the restroom and check your appearance one last time. Announce yourself to the receptionist in a professional manner. Stand and greet your interviewer with a hearty -- not bone-crushing -- handshake. Smile and maintain eye contact.
During the Interview
Try to focus on the points you have prepared without sounding rehearsed or stiff. Relax and enjoy the conversation. Learn what you can about the company. Ask questions and listen; read between the lines. At the conclusion, thank the interviewer, and determine the next steps. Ask for the interviewer's business card so you can send a follow-up letter.
After the Interview
As soon as possible, write down what you are thinking and feeling. Later in the day, review what you wrote and assess how you did. Write an interview thank-you letter, reminding the interviewer of your qualities.
Advice » Interviewing» Interview Appearance » Dress for Interview Success
Dress for Interview Success
You probably already know that appearance counts, but this is especially true at the job interview. Your interviewer will be judging not only your answers to his questions, but also how you've put yourself together. Check out these articles to create an overall look that says you're professional -- and hireable:
Six Style Tips for Interview Success Dressing for the Interview by Industry Recruiter Roundtable: Interview Fashion and Grooming Tips What the Colors of Your Job Interview Clothes Convey 10 Interview Fashion Blunders
Advice » Interviewing» Interview Appearance » Men’s Interview Fashion Tips
Men’s Interview Fashion Tips By Lois Fenton, Monster Contributing Writer
Men’s interview dressing has been fairly static over the years. In fact, it’s pretty much the same whether you’re applying for an entry-level position or for something higher up. The difference is that the entry-level guy isn’t expected to have as many -- or as expensive -- high-quality clothes. For a second or third interview, the new grad would wear different shirts and ties but might understandably trot out the same suit; someone applying for a managerial role or something more senior could not do the same.
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So what are the overall dos and don’ts for men’s interview fashion? Check out this guide to colors, fabrics and presentation.
Suit Style
At a higher level, you need a minimum of two suits, starting with a solid navy and a solid dark gray. Unlike a swaggering pinstripe, a serious solid won’t turn anyone off. You don’t want to seem too showy, come on too strong or dress better than your interviewer. Your background, experience and personality should speak for you, not your clothes.
Avoid a double-breasted suit; a single-breasted one is not only more current but always safe. Either a two- or three-button cut is fine, although a two-button style is a shade more classic. Fabric must be seasonally appropriate and properly pressed. Crisp and neat are key when deciding what to wear.
Wear the navy suit for a first interview and the deep gray for a second interview. An important note: Even though a black suit and a tan suit are two great additions to a man’s wardrobe, neither is interview-appropriate unless you’re seeking a job in TV or some other glamour industry. Should you get to a third interview, you might go with a subtle shadow-stripe suit or return to one of the earlier choices. This is often a second meeting with someone you met in only one of the first interviews, so wear the suit that person did not see.
A blazer or sports jacket is almost always too casual for an interview. Still, a blazer and dress slacks do have their place. If you’re seeking a position in academia, where professors may not even own a suit, or if your interview extends to an evening social invitation, you’ll want to show you are flexible enough to unwind and dress in a slightly different manner. But stay with what’s classic and traditional: navy blazer, gray dress pants, perhaps a blue or subtly striped shirt, and a quiet tie. The location may be different, but the approach is the same.
Shirts, Accessories and Grooming
For the first interview, a white shirt, not blue or ecru, in a business style is best. Wear a simple shirt collar, such as a traditional straight point or a slightly less dressy button-down, avoiding tab collars, pins or wide English spreads. Also avoid monograms or jaunty contrasting white-collar-and-cuffs. And no French cuffs, which will help you avoid any cufflink mistakes.
Above all, go with 100 percent cotton, no blends. The shirt should be as crisp and white as possible. It might even be worth investing in a new shirt. Provided you choose a light shade, you might pair a blue shirt with the gray suit for your second interview.
The tie is extremely important, since it is the first thing someone notices in a man’s outfit. An all-over, neat pattern, a small dot or a classic stripe all work well. Avoid anything wild, overly bright or statement-making. For example, a bow tie is out of the question -- even if this is your style, save it for later. Forget pocket squares. And minimize jewelry. Certainly wear a watch, but not a sporty running watch or a Rolex.
To complete a professional image, black lace-up shoes are far better than casual penny loafers or anything gimmicky with buckles or straps. Never underestimate the importance of a good shoeshine. And black socks only, ones that are long enough to cover your ankles if you cross your legs but not bulky.
Clean nails; trimmed and freshly combed hair; well-knotted tie (ideally with a dimple); pressed pants; and an ironed, neatly tucked-in shirt are as important as choosing the right clothes. Looking polished says positive things about your business judgment. Have a real pen handy as well as a clean handkerchief in your pocket.
A man can often adjust his wardrobe to express his personal style and individuality, but this almost never applies to job interviews. Here it is crucial to concentrate on your goal of getting the job. You are not trying to impress anyone with your distinctiveness or flair. That can come later -- after you get the job.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask
Finally, it never hurts -- and can help a great deal -- to ask during your preliminary phone discussion, “By the way, what should I be wearing?” or “What is your dress code?” If the answer is business casual, which is not likely, take that advice with a grain of salt. You never know if your face-to-face interviewer will have another meeting that day that requires him to be more formally dressed. If that happens and you’re dressed more casually, you are immediately at a disadvantage. Better to dress up than down is a good rule.
Articles in This Feature:
Suit Up for Success home Men's Interview Fashion Tips Dress Appropriately for Interviews The Rules of Workplace Style Cracking the Business Casual Dress Code Fast Fashion Wisdom
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