It’s the middle of the summer, which means various stages of getting your life together are unfreezing like your popsicle. First, there are the high school graduates that don’t plan on further education – I’m not judging, just keep reading. Then, we have the kids on their way or returning to any of the many colleges here in our beautiful valley. Finally, we have the new post-graduates relaxing, now that college is now checked off their bucket list. We had the fun two months of summer, now it’s time to circle back to hashtag hustle, hence the name of the article. The college level kids need to return to the school supply aisle at their favorite supermarket (which all of the stores have begun to stock). The kids, strike that – adults, that have just graduated or didn’t pursue higher education should be recuperating from their sunburns and hangovers, and heading to the department store for business casual/professional clothing.
This article is for the kids that don’t quite know where to start, written by the resident “mom friend.”
Tip #1: The Outfit.
So you scored an interview to your dream job. You’re excited, overjoyed, and feeling confident. Then you deadpan – What are you going to wear that day?!? It’s the Cinderella before the ball all over again. Instead of being productive and finding something that might pass for “Mommy didn’t pick it out” at the interview, you are wither crying in fetal position or pacing like a pigeon.
Black always looks good; it exudes confidence and tends to give the impression of a toned figure. Orange, red, and brown are statistically shown to exude arrogance, and that is definitely one trait you do not want at an interview.
Tip #2: Have An Idea Of What You’re Going To Say.
You are always encouraged to be yourself at interviews. Employers love to see what kind of personality can be added to the team. However, there are a few “do(s)” and “don’t(s).”
Don’t go into some story about your lame ex-lover. It makes the employer uncomfortable.
When asked what your weaknesses are, explain what used to be your weakness and how you overcame it.
It’s always good to have done a little basic research on the company, but don’t get into creepy mode. He or she does not want to know that you saw their vacation pictures from 2002.
Tip #3: Don’t Be The March Hare.
By that I mean – Don’t be late. The most unprofessional thing that you can do is show up late with no excuse other than I pressed the snooze button too many times. However, if your method of transportation has problems, the employer will usually understand.
Tip #4: Your Best Foot Forward Is The Best Impression You Can Make.
While studies may show that your future employer makes their decision within the first twenty minutes, there are other ways you might go wrong. Some employers will ask around on the staff after you leave. If you were rude to the parking attendant or the receptionist, you may have just lost the job opportunity.
Tip #5: Just Be You.
Through all the different things you have to remember to be yourself. The employer is closely analyzing you to make sure that you are going to be a good asset to the team. If you lie about who you are, then your employment with the company will be over rather quick.
For example, in my position, I crack a few jokes that show off my personality. I also have a few bracelets on my wrist that show off my music taste. Just simple things.
The worst thing to do is to lie about yourself. It’s been done in movies and Actress blah-blah might have gotten away with it, but more than likely you won’t. Don’t lie about your credentials either (like having gone to university) because most employers check that out.
Tip #6: Body Language Is Key.
We all have a nervous tick, mine is picking off my nail polish. However, this is a definite “don’t.” It shows disinterest and boredom. You might not even know you have a nervous tick, but a few are slouching, playing with a pen, and going into daydream mode.
Tip #7: Do You Have Any Questions For Me?
This question is scary, because it is comparable to getting scolded by your mother. Oh no, what do I do? Try to have one or two questions ready for the interviewer.
If they tell you about the rate of pay upfront, that’s fine. However, don’t make this one of your questions. It shows arrogance to ask about a position that hasn’t even been offered to you yet.
Tip #8: Sell Yourself.
Ooh, awkward, that sounds like I am asking you to prostitute. Don’t do that. What I mean is be prepared to talk about your accomplishments. This is sort of a post script to the “tell me about yourself” question, because you want to fit what education or training you may working or have achieved.
Tip #9: Well, Now You Know.
If you have enough time before the interview, try looking up commonly used interview and prepare a basic response that keep you from saying “um” too many times. You can always elaborate on your ideas, when the question is posed.
Tip #10: Thank You.
Finally, always send a thank you card and email. This is actually a new one, that I hadn’t heard. It shows that you really want the position, while keeping you on the interviewer’s mind.
