[Title: Best Practices/Interview Prep]
[ON-SCREEN: Simple layout-Character]
>> Narrator: Your interview is the first impression you are giving your potential employer and
that impression starts the moment you walk through the door.
[ON-SCREEN: "Dress appropriately" appears on board]
>> Narrator: Dress Appropriately First and foremost, dress appropriately.
Your employer doesn't need to know that you are on the cutting edge of fashion.
You want to show the employer that you know what a professional looks like and that you
are one.
[ON-SCREEN: Well-dressed male characters appears in background]
>> Narrator: Guys, Wear a suit, or at least a shirt and tie.
Keep it conservative, no loud colors.
Make sure it is clean and ironed; you don't want to give a bad first impression.
[ON-SCREEN: Well-dressed female character appears in background]
>> Narrator: Ladies, Wear a pants suit or skirt suit.
Keep it simple; nothing bright, short, or sheer.
Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed and pressed.
Keep your hair simple and neat.
A simple low ponytail pulled tight, for example, is perfect.
>> Narrator: Even if you know the company has a "relaxed" dress code, the employer still
wants to see that you are aware of what a professional looks like and that you are capable
of dressing like one, if necessary.
You can never be too overdressed to your first interview!
[ON-SCREEN: Scene: At the office-At desk]
>> Narrator: Clean up your on-line presence.
You would be surprised at how many employers now look at your online profiles when making
their consideration.
This includes your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and any other social media profiles
you might have.
Make sure that you do not have any compromising, embarrassing, inappropriate or unprofessional
pictures, videos or posts visible.
[ON-SCREEN: New scene - Back Home-City] >> Narrator: Time your trip.
Do not be late to your interview, do not even be exactly on time.
Aim to arrive at least 10, but no more than 15 minutes early.
So make sure you map out your route beforehand and factor in anything that might happen.
If your interview is at 9am, consider the fact there will be traffic.
If you're taking public transportation, factor in the possibility of a late train or bus.
[ON-SCREEN: Scene: At the Office-Reception, Narrator in foreground]
>> Narrator: First Impressions Your first impression begins the moment you
arrive.
It is said that most hiring managers form an opinion within the first 10 minutes of
meeting you, so make a good impression.
Treat EVERYONE with respect.
Just because they are not the hiring manager does not mean that they do not have any influence
in you getting hired.
Greet everyone you meet with a smile, the hiring manager might ask the receptionist
about your demeanor, if they find out that you were unfriendly with everyone else, but
were friendly with them, you will look insincere.
Greet everyone with a firm handshake and a smile.
Sit patiently if you have to wait, and use positive body language.
Sit squarely and confidently in your chair, do not slouch or look too comfortable and
stay off of your mobile phone.
[ON-SCREEN: Scene: Back Home-Home Office]
>> Narrator: Practice and Prepare Make sure you practice your answers for the
questions that you have prepared for.
You do not want to come off as though you are reciting a speech, practice until your
answers start to feel and flow naturally.
Know the job description.
Most people take this one for granted, it is very important you are aware of every responsibility
and qualification of the job.
If any of them come up, you do not want to be caught off guard.
Research the company.
Knowing about the company, their values, history, services and outreach is to your advantage.
Being able to incorporate this information into your answers, or using any of the information
when asking questions will give a very positive, engaged and sincere impression.
You want to give the appearance that you don't just want a job; you want a career with their
company.