Interview Basics-101

Be Real

Even though an interview is a performance, people often think they should put on an act. With increased layoffs and turnover, hiring managers have become much more savy and skilled at interviewing. Most can easily spot a phone candidate vey quickly. Being sincere and forth right while at the same time, target your presentation to the needs of the interviewer and company.


Be Together

Being Together, (something I have always told candidates) means paying attention to things you usually take for granted. Timeliness, knowing where you’re going, food, rest, and dress, are all part of being together. Attention to these details is worth you consideration, because people are judged by these factors.


Be On Time

Everywhere you look in this world, Time is of the Essence. Lateness is the Kiss of death. What happens when you are late even with a great excuse you immediately put yourself at the bottom of the heap. Lets be honest, is there such thing as a good excuse. One has to remember the interview process actually starts prior to actual interview. It really begins when either party, (candidate or hiring manager) decides to purse an interview.


Know Where You are Going

Being late for an appointment can be stressful. If you have ever been kept waiting you know how annoying that can be. If YOU don’t know where you are going your anxiety will be an all time high. Travel to your interview site, (if possible the day before your meeting. If not possible, then leave yourself double extra time, in case you get lost, or transportation issues arise.


Get Food and Rest

It’s tough enough to perform well during an interview. It’s even more difficult when you are tired and/or hungry. You must focus on other things besides being tired and/or hungry. I have always told candidates going on interviews, that it is crucial especially in the morning to get a bite to eat prior to your meeting.

Dress Properly

This area is one I have always been most aware of when prepping candidates!

The standard recommendations for job interview clothes are based on common sense - be tidy, smart and relatively conservative and understated. You can take a more personal approach by dressing according to the company culture, the position and what makes you feel comfortable while maintaining a professional look.

Your interview attire should send the message that you have the insight to recognize what the job and company require. It is important to remember that candidates do not get jobs because of what they wear to the interview, however a number of candidates damage their chances of success by dressing inappropriately. A personal sense of style is valuable but be aware of aligning your dress to the requirements of the situation. Use your research and your knowledge of the profession to make the right judgment call on how you should dress for an interview.

Showing the interviewer that you understand the style of the position and company is the start of building rapport and trust during the interview. You don't get a second chance to make a first impression!

Wearing the right interview clothes demonstrates that you’ve spent time doing your research and that you are committed to making the right impression.

Attention to detail suggests that you have made the effort to create the best impression. Think about your nails, your accessories, your shoes. Nothing is less impressive than a pair of scuffed shoes teamed with a crisp and professional suit! When you decide what to wear to your interview make sure you are in tune with the company environment and the requirements of the position. Think about the information you have gained from doing your background research on the type of company it is, assess what current employees at the company are wearing. Consider the personality and behavior required in the position you are interviewing for - are you expected to be extrovert or reserved, detailed or innovative, creative or administrative.

If you are going through a recruiter ask them to tell you in specific detail about the dress code.



About the EDWARD LEWIS GROUP


Established in the mid 1990’s, The Edward Lewis Group is a boutique Contingency and retainer recruiting firm. Our goal has always been to provide the clientele and candidates we represent, the highest degree of professionalism. Our recruitment practice focuses on the Accounting/Finance, Alternative Energy and Human Resources areas. Our senior staff has either a CPA and/or MBA in addition to extensive business and recruiting expertise.

 
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Edward Lewis Group, Inc.
1375 Broadway, Suite 1100
New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 689-0900
info@EdwardLew.com     www.EdwardLew.com