Recommendations For Your Next Job Interview

Today more than ever, this is an effect the sentence: There is no second chance to make a good first impression. In addition to how you dress, what is your body attitude?

Regarding the appearance, use the “business etiquette”.

Men: Increasingly in larger companies, they work business casual. How do you know in advance if you do not know the company or anyone that works there? In such cases,  the recommendation is that for the first interview wear a suit and a tie.

Suggested colors: A dark gray or dark blue colors are the “authority”. Classic and sober, usually they are never wrong. The shirt color is very important. These suit colors with a white shirt (neutral color) and a tie with similar tone is an appropriate combination. The color of the socks should match the tie. Pay close attention to your shoes and make sure they are shined. Andy please no jeans!

Job Interview Recommendations

Women: Tailleur classic or “skirts”, preferably trousers, with a nice color combination. It is recommended to use very little jewelry and makeup. Regarding the shoe heels, not too high and a hairstyle that does not call too much attention. Make sure not to have a strong perfume. We do not recommend plunging necklines, skirts too short or blouses too tight.

Do not smoke while waiting (in the same building as the event) or during the course of the interview. If you do smoke, do not go into the office of the interviewer with a cigarette in hand or chewing gum.

The first contact with the interviewer is essential. Shake hands firmly and securely, smile and look into the eyes of the interviewer. Do not be aggressive. Greet the interviewer with a phrase like: “John Smith, happy to meet you” or “John Smith, a pleasure to meet you”. Shake hands firmly and securely.

Sit down when the interviewer tells you to. If you carry a personal item in your hand (clothing, blackberry, wallet, etc.) put it in a place that does not invade the interviewer’s space.

Sit up straight, not trying to exaggerate.  Do not sit on the edge of the chair either, nor try spreading your legs. Just sit up straight and visibly comfortable in the chair.

If you are offered a drink, request a coffee or water. Never request an alcoholic beverage.

Avoid placing your elbows on the interviewer’s desk. Do not look nervous or anxious.

Watch for the tone and volume of your voice. Make sure you sound safe and assertive, but do not yell at any time. Stay calm if get asked a question or comment that you do not like or a comment with which you disagree.

The interviewer determines the questions of the interview. Wait for your first comment or question. Concentrate on listening. Answer in an assertive way “adding value” to each answer, about the achievements you had during your career. Avoid sounding desperate or “beat around the bush”. When referring to your work history, start from present to past.

It is important to know your strengths and weaknesses. When asked this question, always start with your strengths. Enrich your answer with examples (“I’m proactive. I do not wait to be asked to do something..”). As for your weaknesses, try to choose some that are the other side of your strengths. If you are saying you are proactive and enthusiastic, it is likely that at some point you become impatient when others do not follow their pace.

Have a well defined job objective. What type of organization do you aspire to work for, area, position and level of compensation? It is of vital importance to have pre-interview information about the position being interviewed for.

Wait for the interviewer to refer the issue of compensation. For convenience refer to your current income and perceived benefits and add about 20% to 30%. If you’re not working go back to the last salary you earned.

After the interview, make sure you ask questions to your interviewer. For example: “What do you think of my profile?” “Is there a second or third interview after this one?” “Do you have a job opening to match my skills?” (if you did not know in advance), “Is it ok if I call within a few days for a follow-up?”

Thank the interviewer. It is best to do it at the end of the interview and also in writing, by email or personal letter. At the end of the interview, express your appreciation for the time they spent and the treatment they gave you.