wise words
interview etiquette
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
You’ve heard this your whole life: “First impressions are
everything.” Well, guess what? You’re going to hear it
again, and probably again at some point in the future!
First impressions really are everything. When interview-
ing for a job or scholarship opportunity, you have one
chance to show the interviewer you’re the best pick out
of all the others. How can you make sure to leave a good
impression? All it takes is a basic knowledge of inter-
view etiquette!
Arrive early. Remember that whole “first impres-
sions” thing? Bursting through the door at exactly the
time your interview was scheduled (or a few minutes lat-
er!) is not a good way to start off. Show up ten or fifteen
minutes early- you’ll feel less rushed, and you’ll show the
interviewer that you’re serious about the opportunity.
Dress for Success
We’ve got another old saying for you: “Dress
for the job you want, not the job you have.”
Your dress and grooming are essential in
making a good impression during an inter-
view. Here are a few dos and don’ts:
Do:
Keep things reasonably modest. You
don’t have to dress like your grandma,
but a job interview isn’t the time or place
to show off a lot of skin. Save your ripped
jeans for that concert next month!
Bring a copy of your resume. Even if
you’ve already submitted it, bringing extra copies shows
that you’re prepared. You might want to bring along a list
of additional references, too, just in case the interviewer
asks for them.
Take it easy on the accessories. Keep the
focus on you- not your bedazzled watch
or your collection of flashy rings.
Turn off your phone. Especially if your ring-
tone is the Kim Possible theme song. Not only will having
your phone ring during the middle of an interview come
off as unprofessional, but it will also make you lose your
focus and could potentially throw you off your game.
Wear something you feel good in! Make
sure whatever you’re wearing is comfort-
able, and make sure you feel confident in
it. That confidence can make or break the
interview.
Ask questions. Most of the interview will consist
of you answering questions, but you should also ask the
interviewer some questions of your own. This shows that
you’re genuinely interested in the position or opportunity.
Don’t:
Follow up. This step is usually forgotten, but it’s
so important! Sending a quick thank-you email to your
interviewer goes a long way- it leaves a very good im-
pression. Even if you aren’t chosen for the position you’re
currently applying for, you may have a better chance of
working with the organization in the future. If they see
your name come across their desk again, they’ll likely
remember your gratitude.
42 |
Summer 2018
www.potentialmagazine.com
Skimp on the footwear. Your trusty beach
flip-flops probably aren’t the best option
for a professional environment.
Overdo it on the perfume or cologne.
There’s a fine line between smelling nice
and smelling like you were dunked in a
pool of roses or pine trees. Find that line.
Go the “athleisure” route. Yoga pants?
No. Gym shorts? No. Just no.