Get Hired: How to Nail an Interview

By Uloop Writer on June 12, 2012
So, you’ve come to a point in your sheltered college career where you need a job, an internship, or maybe you’re entering the “real world.” While biting your nails in the back of a classroom reading The Heart of Darkness might help your analytical skills, it’s not going to land you your dream job. Here are a few basics that will help you leave an outstanding impression.

Photo by Jerry Bunkers via Flickr.com

  • Have a sick resume. Your resume should be clean, concise and clearly outline your experiences in chronological order based on importance. An employer should be able to, at a glance, know where you worked, how long you worked there, what your position was and what your position entailed. Make it stand out, add a logo at the top, or a pop of color, something simple that sets you apart from a stack of applicants. Keep it to one page! In some cases you will automatically be dumped into the trash if your resume is longer than a page. 
  • Be confident. Nothing screams “please don’t hire” more than backing into a cave and shaking your thigh nervously under the conference table. Be confident! Own those communication skills that you so diligently studied about in the corner of a library during spring semester. Speak clearly, smile when possible, and show them what a delight you would be to work with. Now is not the time to be shy and humble. Announce your strengths and accomplishments with modesty and confidence, let them know that you mean business and aren’t easily satisfied.
  • Lock in eye contact. Want to be taken seriously? Lock in on your interviewer’s eyes. Figure out what color they are, make sure you’re looking at them square in the face and that you’re not intimidated by your potential boss’ CEO-ness. If there’s more than one person sitting at the table, be sure to acknowledge all parties. Try not to focus on one person, but rather, change your focus through out the meeting. By the end of your interview, you should know each person’s eye color.
  • Be on time. Don’t rush in late and ruin your freshly pressed clothes with sweat stains because you broke into a sprint from your car to the office. Be sure you know where you’re going, map out your itinerary the night before to insure you’ve got plenty of time to shave, fix your hair, and have a nice relaxing ride to your interview. There is nothing worse than going 65 in a 45, applying mascara and driving with your knee because you’re already late for an interview. It will instantly zap any self control you thought you ever had.
  • Dress the part. Dress for the job you want. It’s just that simple. Don’t show up to a business with a polo and khaki’s on. You should really try to wear something that needs to be ironed or steamed. Guys: button downs, ties and sports coats are a great look for an interview. Ladies: pencil shirts, or linen pants paired with chiffon tops are perfect. Try to make sure that your heels are at a modest height. While those 5-inch heels made your butt look amazing in that tight black dress at the club last night, doesn’t mean they’re appropriate for stomping into the office. The women will hate you and the men won’t respect. Try a pair of simple, 3-inch nude or black pumps with a simple line, nothing too strappy. Really want the job? Tease. Your. Hair. I’m not kidding. Please refer to the video below.
  • Thank them. Be sure to express your gratitude for taking the time to analyze your qualifications. Drop them a note in the mail that night thanking them for their consideration. Even if you don’t get the job (which won’t happen) they’ll remember you and your fantastic personal skills.
While trying to balance all of these things in one moment can seem a little daunting, the bottom line is that you want to come across as a professional personal who has some basic knowledge of how to interact with human beings. Perfection isn’t the key, but being yourself is. JKW

http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2012/04/how-to-tease-hair.html

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format