The Interview
Dress appropriately.
Strategies Positive Behaviors
Checklist: Here is a simple checklist of positive behaviors to remember when entering a room for an interview. ■ ■ ■ ■
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Stand up tall, shoulders back Smile Make eye contact Put out your hand and shake hands as if you mean it—take hold of the other person’s hand firmly, and look into their eyes Say your name clearly (spelling it if necessary) Speak clearly and slowly so people can hear and understand you Be brief in your responses to questions—don’t ramble Smile again Make frequent eye contact Sit up straight Let’s try it again from the beginning
Feel good!
On the morning of the interview, play music that’s uplifting and makes you feel good.
Be clean.
For most of you, hygiene is not an issue. For the small percentage who were absent when these things were taught, here’s some advice: Before you go to an interview take a shower or bath; wash your hair; brush your teeth (carry mints or cough drops just in case); clean your fingernails (elaborate decoration on or very long length of fingernails are inappropriate in a business context); if you use highly fragranced antiperspirant, perfume or after-shave lotion, apply it sparingly, if at all, or try unscented products. Many people are very sensitive to fragrance.
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Getting a Design Job 2008
For men, a suit and tie are always appropriate. If you usually dress elegantly, why not do so for an interview? If you’re not sure about what is considered proper interviewing attire, call the receptionist or assistant to the person you are going to meet to check local custom, especially in places with extreme temperatures. Jackets, with however casual the shirt or pants, usually make an outfit safe for an interview. For women, business-like suits or a combination of pants, skirt and jacket, or dresses. Midriff-baring tops and spaghetti straps, except when hidden under jackets, are not considered proper business attire. Neither are low-rise pants or skirts that are too short, or anything too tight. The color black, which is considered quite fashionable for every occasion in New York, doesn’t always look correct in other parts of the world. No dangling or noisy jewelry, either. Wear make-up, if you usually do. If not, don’t. Shoes should be simple and comfortable—no sandals or flip flops for interviews, although I am sure there are parts of the US where this is acceptable. I never feel comfortable talking about a big fee with my toes sticking out. If you are comfortable in extremely high heels you may certainly wear them, but no one expects you to. Clothing should be neat and comfortable, not attention-grabbing. In an interview you want the focus to be on your mind, experience and portfolio, not on your outfit. Exceptions to a business-like dress code are often found in the entertainment or fashion industry. You can always dress as the locals do, or not, once you are hired.
IDSA / RitaSue Siegel Resources, an Aquent company
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