eave the tongue stud, fishnet stockings and trendy boots at home.
It’s time for a job interview.
According to the job search manual provided by Western’s Career Services Center, effective interviewing skills are extremely important. Competing for jobs is tough, so people must be at their best.
It is important to know what to do before, during, and after an interview to make the best impression. After all, as the old saying goes, there is only one chance to make a first impression.
The most common and worst job interview mistake that young people make is to show up unprepared, said Judy Owen, director of the Career Services Center.
“Candidates must be very familiar with the place or job for which they are being interviewed,” she said. “This preparation will help them in responding to questions and situations in the interview and also in asking good questions of the interviewer.”
This research can generally be done online, she said.
When preparing for the interview, it’s always good to remember that appearance matters.
Men should wear a suit and tie, dark socks, and a solid white shirt – no flashy cuff links or rings. Neck chains are out of the question.
Women should wear a suit or a tailored dress. Wear either closed-toe shoes or basic dark pumps, but make sure the heels aren’t too high.
And it’s also helpful to have clean fingernails.
It is best, the job search manual states, to arrive for an interview at least 10 to 15 minutes early. Showing up late wastes the interviewer’s time and sends the message that the interviewee is not serious about the job.
After meeting the interviewer, give him or her a firm handshake and be enthusiastic. Be careful about saying things like “Umm,” “Ya know,” and “Yeah.”
Listen carefully so that you can give the best answers to the questions asked.
Don’t address the interviewer by his or her first name and stay professional, meaning don’t interrupt, chew gum or criticize yourself.
OK, so now the interview is over and you feel good. But not so fast.
Be sure to send the interviewer a “Thank you” letter as soon as possible and don’t hesitate to call if your contact date has passed.
This reassures them that you are dedicated.
But for students who are still nervous about going on an interview, the Career Services Center can help stage a “mock interview” to help them prepare.
Reach Hawkins Teague at features@wkuherald.com.
.