I'm in a unique situation where I deal with business related stuff really well. I see it as a game/formula deal. Just put together the pieces, and most likely you'll win. I've won awards in high schools for interview competitions, tutored my peers in resume writing, interviewed/hired people as my job, and even helped coach my internship class in mock interviews.
I'm going to try to share my experiences, and thoughts about the whole getting a job experience. Hopefully I can help some people in doubt. If you disagree, please share.
1. You can never overdress. Once I went to an interview for Radioshack (worst job ever), and I was the only person there with a suit jacket, and dress pants. Many there were wearing t-shirts, jeans, and one guy even had a band t-shirt on for his interview. Sure I stood out, and probably did overdress for a simple salesman job, but I at least showed the interviewee that I care about the job more then them. If anything, even if you don't make a big impression, your dress will. When thinking over which person to hire, and they have a deadlock, your attire will come to memory, and give you bonus points. It can't hurt.
Can't afford fancy clothes, or don't know how to match? I got all my suits and pants for less the $10 at thrift stores. Just make sure to pick a same colored combo (suit/pants), I prefer navy, matching socks, somewhat dressy shoes or nice boots, and thats it.
2. Think before speaking. The interviewee would rather give you 5-10 seconds to think about the question and provide a better answer then have you stumble. We're all human, you're not going to get yelled yet if you wait a bit to answer a question. Just pause, and gently say, "let me think about", "hold on, let me see". And just stop, think about it, get your thoughts straight, and then speak. Obviously, don't overdo it. I usually would bite my inner/lower lip, but on a thinking face and play with my band/fingers. Show them that I am thinking, and will answer the question when I am ready.
3. A good resume. Seems so generic and nothing fancy, but a good resume is key. and unfortunately most people do not realize how important they are. Look at it in print. Does it look aesthetically nice? If you add an additional line break, will it be easier to read? Consider a watermark, or using a different shade of white paper. Don't do bright neon, or a dark color. Go to staples and buy a nice bonded, weighted light grey or very faint pink/blue paper and see how your resume looks a whole lot better now. Again, give them something to remember you by.
4. Eye contact. I know some have problems with this, but stare at them in the eye the whole time. Only take breaks if your speaking, or between questions. If they talk, lock your eyes in. Most interviews require you talking most of the time. So the few times you're hearing them lock your eyes in. When you're talking, try to look at them as much, but its not as important as staring at them when they talk.
5. Play the game. Some business might have 1 opening and 20 interviews in one day. Everyone is literally fighting with everyone else to get that position and only 1 will win. Put it in your head that you are that one. You need to have the desire to win, and be the won that succeeds in the challenge.
6. Accept trial and error. Interviews free, and doing them a lot doesn't hurt. Its not like a credit report where you're hurt if you're denied. In fact, if you really want a particular job, go on interviews with similar companies as practice. Make mental notes on your performance, and improve upon them for the next test. Its just practice, and if your declined, it doesn't matter, you never wanted the job. If you're hired, you can refuse if its not what you want.
Here's all I have for now. I'll add more stuff later as I think of it. If anyone has any question or have a comment, please share.
29 Nov 2007, 12:18 am
