What NOT to Do/Wear During a Job Interview
By Dana Sotoodeh
So you have internship experience, a college degree, and your planner cleared for ample amounts of job interviews. But how do you present yourself and what do you wear?
Your presentation and appearance are just as important when it comes to landing your job as that well-rounded resume you have worked so hard on. Employers want to know you care just as much about your presentation as you do the quality of your work– and that’s why Team Snackbox is here to tell you a few things you shouldn’t do when it comes to that big interview.
- Don’t show up late: Although this seems like a no-brainer, it’s extremely important to mention. Your punctuality says 10,000 things about the kind of person you are, and being on time is crucial in working for any company. Instead of leaving it at “don’t show up late”, we say “show up early”. At least by 10 minutes. Show your potential employer that you are punctual and value their time.
- Don’t not make eye contact: Eye contact is a universal symbol for attentiveness and is extremely important when it comes to interviewing with a potential employer. Your future boss wants to know you’re engaged and actively listening to whatever they are saying. Wandering suggests you aren’t paying attention and gives off an unprofessional vibe. Eye contact is just as crucial when it’s your time to answer questions as well.
- Speak clearly and concisely: Your tone and voice patterns make a huge difference in the impression you give off to your future employer. A timid and soft voice may be hard to hear and undermines your confidence, where as an extremely loud voice may come off obnoxious. Make it a point to use an indoor tone of voice and keep your talking pattern at a medium pace. This ensures that all of the valuable information you have to say is heard clearly and that’s important.
- Don’t fidget: Fidgeting with your nails, hair, or clothing shows your anxiousness and is distracting for the interviewer. Make sure you sit up straight, place your hands on the table or in your lap, and focus on the questions being asked at the moment. Employers notice body language so make sure you don’t look uncomfortable or anxious to be there. You are there because you want to be—so show it!
- Prepare questions: Prepare a list of questions before your interview to show your future boss you’re interested in the position and ready to dive in.
- Bring work samples: Samples of your work can easily tell the story of your relevant experience. Whether your work represents what you’ve accomplished in the classroom, as an intern or a volunteer, it shows you have a knack for the job.
What to wear:
There are a few basic rules to follow when it comes to wearing interview appropriate outfits. Snackbox wants to coach you on a few “tips for workplace style:
- No short skirts/dresses– Ladies, remember that dress code you had to follow in middle school or high school? Something along the lines of… “ don’t wear anything shorter than your arm-length?” That’s a good rule to stick by. Too short of skirts or dresses look unprofessional in the working environment. Luckily, there are plenty of places that sell stylish and long enough pencil skirts and dresses.
- No heavy makeup/ perfume/cologne: Although you should definitely smell nice and have makeup on, there are some rules and guidelines that must be followed. Too much makeup is distracting and not appropriate for an in-office interview. Too much cologne or perfume is distracting and may stray attention away from you and the points you are trying to make.
- No flip flops: No matter how comfy your favorite pool shoes are, never are they ever appropriate for a work place environment. Steer clear of flip- flops, or open-toed shoes in general. This rule applies to men and women.
- Stay groomed- Weather you are a male or a female—this rule is important to follow. Men should make sure that their facial hair (if any) is groomed and not out of control. Women should make it a point to make sure their hair is neat and put-together. Simple actions like groomed hair or well-kept nails are little details that actually matter.
- Dress to impress: Depending on where your interviewing, styles may change. However, during your interview, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Think of what you would wear to church or around your family. If you wouldn’t wear it around them—don’t wear it to an interview.
If you need a little more assistance on the Do’s and Don’ts of job interviewing here’s a short excerpt from Career Builder. Check it out and Good Luck!