Employers keep reporting that they are appalled by the ill-prepared young job candidates they are seeing. Here are some tips to improve the process:
— Dress nicely. One employer said she’d likely hire a young man on the spot if one ever came to the interview wearing a regular shirt and a tie. Forgetthe shorts, bandanas, sweat suits, bare midriffs, skater pants – and please, don’t have your underwear showing. And, if you have a T-shirt that says, “The Secret to Success is Knowing Who to Blame for Your Failures” just leave it in the closet.
— Turn off your cell phone. We all know you are very important, but having a cell phone ring during an interview is simply rude.
— Have the facts about your employment history. And bring your own pen or pencil. If you are asked to fill out an application, be prepared.
— Don’t ask, “How much does this job pay?” before you know anything about the position. All jobs pay based on the responsibilities. Clarify what would be expected of you and wait until the interviewer brings up the issue of money.
— Thank the interviewer for his/her time and write an immediate thank you note. You will easily make yourself stand out from the other candidates – and often tip the scale in your favor.
— Know the power of a smile, a firm handshake and good eye contact. Make your first impression a great one.
What other tips have you seen work in making a great first impression?
I went in an interview recently for a software development position. The guys that run the company are pretty young, younger than me. I asked ahead of time what the appropriate clothing would be, they said “shorts and a t-shirt we only care if you can code.” Times are a changing! That was the first interview I’ve ever gone to without wearing a suit and a tie. I did dress in a nice shirt and cargo pants though, I couldn’t bring myself to wearing just shorts and a t-shirt.
So what was the outcome of that interview?
I didn’t get the job. But it wasn’t related to how I was dressed. I wasn’t qualified. Which was weird that they even had me come in since I told them I was a junior developer. They needed someone more advanced.
It’s amazing how much has changed over the years. When I was 15 I went to interview for a job at Burger King in a suit. Over kill maybe but I got the job. I met my wife at that job 🙂
Kimanzi – I’ve always thought, when in doubt overdress. Yeah I’d say showing up at Burger King in a suit is probably overkill – but who knows. The bottom line is you accomplished your mission so maybe that tipped the scale.
For those with long hair, make sure you pull it back out of your face.
My 18 yr. old daughter just went on an interview this week. Little different – they interviewed four people at the same time. She came home and said she was the only one who dressed nicely. The others were wearing “go to the mall” outfits. Oh – she got the job. 🙂
Dana,
Oh I love stories like that. Tell your daughter congratulations on the new job – and keep making decisions that separate you from the crowd.
My 16-year-old son went to a job interview as an usher at the local movie theater in a tie and dress pants. After the interview he was very positive; he said he had a wonderful conversation with the manager. They did not hire him. I later heard through a friend who also works as a manager there that the manager her interviewed with didn’t hire him because he wore a tie and was “too intellectual” during the interview. What a shame that they missed the opportunity to hire a responsible kid! I’m still glad he wore the tie!
Coleen – I agree. If your son needed to dumb down for the job it’s probably not a place he needs to be.
I have realized more and more the futility of judging what a person can do based on how they dress or what they look like. I’ve been wrong some many times! But that doesn’t change the fact that it usually takes a good first impression to get the chance to validate it.
I’m especially a huge fan of a hand written thank you note after an interview. Definitely makes you stand out! Great post Dan!