In Search of...The Perfect Job

Part II
By: DR. SHIRLEY A. WHITE

Your résumé and cover letter have been successful. You got the interview! You arrive at the job interview on time. You look terrific. Your qualifications are excellent. Yet when the interview is over, you don't get the job. What happened?

Perhaps you, like many applicants, just don't understand the interviewing process.
The interviewing process is one of the most important milestones in your job search. For many professionals, it is also one of the most unnerving. It does not have to be unbearable, however.

Keep in mind that the objective of the interview is the exchange of information in a 50-50 situation.

The job interview is not a test to be passed or failed. Rather, it's a superb conversation. As such, work to keep yourself from slipping into the role of supplicant. Keep your dignity and independence. Be prepared, truthful, relaxed and natural, and you will find that your interviews go much better.

They will also go much better if you remember that nearly everything you do and don't before, during and after the interview affects its outcome. The secret to having a good interview experience, then, is contained in the following basic points.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: Prepare, prepare, prepare! The more prepared you are, the less anxious and more able you will be to present yourself in a positive and professional manner.

DRESS THE PART. An old saying in personnel circles is that the hiring decision is often made in the first 30 seconds of the interview, and the balance of the time is used to justify that decision. (Dr. Joyce Brothers refers to this as the ì30-Second Hurdle.î) In other words, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

So beginning with the obvious, pay attention to your appearance. Your wardrobe is one area over which you have total control. While there is no magic outfit designed for instant hiring success, you should keep in mind that it is always better to err on the conservative side when dressing for an interview.

Your goal is to create a strong, positive first impression. Remember that simplicity and good taste are very desirable. Also keep in mind that what is appropriate is determined by the profession/industry in which you are interested.

ADVICE FOR WOMEN: The clothing, shoes and jewelry you choose; the way in which you style your hair; and your grooming (hands, nails, fragrance and makeup) are of the utmost importance.

Wear an attractive outfit that is businesslike and appropriate for the firm and position. The rule of thumb is: subdued, solid colors and well-tailored clothes, preferably a skirted suit or dress with a matching jacket. A basic suit can take you through several interviews if you purchase different blouses and scarves to coordinate with it.

Navy, gray, taupe, tan and beige are still prevalent; keep in mind, however, that the darker the color, the more authoritative the look. In less traditional professions, you might also try textured tweeds and subdued plaids and checks.

Your jewelry should be conservative, complement your outfit and be kept to a minimum. A single gold chain or strand of pearls and flattering earrings go well with daytime suits and dresses. Of course, a watch is a necessity (leave the diamond-studded one at home), and limit your rings (no cocktail sparklers) to one per hand.

Avoid heavy perfumes or colognes and excessive makeup. Makeup should be worn, but it should be subtle and natural looking ñ no heavily frosted eye shadow, blush or lip color. The right makeup can add the final touch to your image.

Also pay attention to your hair, nails and hands. Avoid extreme hairstyles choosing, instead, a cut and style that are both flattering and businesslike. Nails should be well manicured and clean. Clear polish is always appropriate, but if you choose a color, select a subtle shade. Avoid the dried-blood look!

Last, but definitely not least, make certain your shoes are shined and in good repair. A conservative pump or slingback with a medium heel that matches your garment or darker is appropriate. Pantyhose should be sheer and in a neutral shade or shade that blends with your shirt and shoes. (Limit colored hose to navy, gray, off-black, or off-white.)

ADVICE FOR MEN: The basic suit for an interview is still a solid or navy/gray pinstripe. Depending on how conservatively the people in your field dress, you may opt for shadow plaids, multicolored pinstripes or tweeds.

The straight-leg, no-cuff, gently sloped shoulder, single breasted, two-piece suit ranks as No. 1 among businessmen. Manufacturers and retailers are no longer emphasizing the three-piece suit, because many men find a vest uncomfortable and dated looking. However, in some fields and geographic locales, the three-piece suit is still relatively popular.

The white shirt with a straight or button-down collar is best for the interview. Ties should be silk, in a subtle pattern or stripe, and in a color that coordinates with your suit (stay away from too-bright colors). A white handkerchief or silk pocket square tucked into the suit breast pocket is a good way to add a touch of individuality. This accessory, however, is optional. Check with retail personnel at the finer men's stores in your area for tips on mixing and matching suits with shirts and ties.

Your belt color should match your shoe color, and your socks should coordinate with the color of your pants or shoes, whichever is dominant. Socks should be mid-calf or over-the-calf to avoid exposure of leg when you sit or cross your legs. Your best bet for shoes are conservative lace-ups, modified wing tips or tassel loafers in black, dark brown or cordovan. Always make sure your shoes are polished and in good repair.

Pay attention to hair grooming (no greasy kid's stuff or dandruff flakes). If you wear a mustache and/or beard make sure they are also well groomed. And remember, the key words for aftershave and cologne are light and sparingly.

If you wear a watch, make sure it does not detract from your business look. Highly decorated or oversized watches are out of place in a job interview. Stick with a simple conservative watch face and band. Also, limit your rings to one per hand, and if you usually wear a bracelet, leave it at home on the day of your interview.

Some extra tips:

• Your garments should be comfortable. If you're pulling and tugging, you'll not only be miserable, but you'll diminish your self-confidence.
• If you've purchased new shoes, break them in beforehand so you are free from pinched toes (or nerves).
• On the day before your interview, try on your outfit and check yourself out in a full-length mirror. Stand straight, with your head high, and smile as though you were greeting the interviewer. Do you like the way you look? If not, perhaps you should try another outfit. You don't have to be fabulous looking or glamorous. The image you want to project is one of well-groomed, self-confident competence.
• A leather portfolio is ideal for carrying extra copies of your résumé. A classic gold or black matte pen adds a professional touch to your interviewing tools.

In the final analysis, the way you present yourself is the single-most powerful nonverbal statement you can make. Even if you personally believe that too much emphasis is placed on appearance, it's human nature for an employer to be more favorable inclined towards the well-qualified job candidate who also looks the part.

KNOW THE COMPANY: Before going on an interview, learn as much as possible about the company. The more you know, the easier it will be for you to carry your half of the interview and relate your skills to the company's needs. How do you go about researching a company? If it's a small firm, much of the desired information can be obtained from someone who works for or who has knowledge of the company. Ask among your friends until you find such a person. Most people will be willing to help when you explain that you're collecting information for a job opportunity.

If it's a large organization, you can get useful information by asking the company's public relations office to send you an annual report, information sheets, newspaper clippings and trade publication articles about the company. Better yet, if you can, go to the office to collect the material yourself. You'll have the added benefit of chatting with employees, observing the work environment and style of dress so you can get a feel for the company.

Your local or state library is another gold mine of information. Consult leading trade publications and business reference books, such as Dun and Bradstreet's Million Dollar Directory, D&B's Middle Market Directory, Standard & Poor's Register of Corporations and the Thomas Register of American Manufacturers. Industry directories can provide useful information as well. Ask the librarian to steer you to the directory that is appropriate for the company you are researching.

During the course of your research, find out as much as you can about the nature of the job. This will help you gather more information about the position.

If possible, also find out a little about the interview procedure. In most small companies, there is one interview, usually with the person for whom you will work. In larger organizations, there may be multiple interviews, beginning with the personnel department and ending with the head of the department in which the vacancy exists. Better to know ahead of time that you may be subjected to three or four interviews than to be thrown off guard at interview time.

REHEARSE THE INTERVIEW: The employment interview is the single- most important event in the job search process. Yet interviewers are constantly amazed at the number of applicants who drift into interviews unprepared, having only the vaguest idea of what they are going to say. Honing your interview stills takes practice. Think out your answers to the kinds of questions you know will typically be asked. Review your job skills, major accomplishments and outside interests, placing an emphasis on how you can use these experiences to aid the interviewing company.

Questions commonly asked by an interviewer:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths? Your limitations?
• What is your long-term objective? (or) Where do you expect to be in five or 10 years?
• What do you consider to be your chief accomplishments in each of the jobs you have held?
• What can you contribute to this job? (or) Why should I hire you?
• What are you seeking in this job that you are not getting in your present/previous job?
• Discuss some of the problems you have encountered on the job.
• Of all the aspects of your last job, what did you like the most? Least?
• In your previous/present job, how much of your work was done on your own, and how much was done as part of a team?
• What were the reasons for leaving each of your previous positions?
• What things do you look for most in a job?
• What are the state-of-the-art technologies for our industry?
• What do you do in your spare time?

Act out the interview, having a friend play the role of the interviewer. You don't want to memorize answers, but you'll find it much easier to respond to a question without stumbling and hesitating if it's not the first time you've expressed your thoughts out loud. Practice until you can respond easily and enthusiastically without a lot of uhs and you knows. If you have solid answers prepared for the typical interview questions, you can often adjust them to answer new or surprising queries.

If you have access to videotaping equipment, use it. Seeing yourself hunched over or squirming in a chair, fiddling with your hair or clothing as you stutter along can motivate you to practice until your actions are more suitable to the situation. If a VCR is unavailable, use a full-length mirror to evaluate your posture and gestures, and a tape recorder to listen and to judge your voice.

One final word: Interviewing is a skill. That means it can be learned. All it takes is motivation, practice, feedback and a sense of humor. Now go in there and knock 'em dead.

Miscellaneous tips:

• Get exact directions, and leave early enough to allow for traffic and the unexpected.
• Arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of time. This gives you a chance to freshen up, review your rйsumй and relax.

DURING THE INTERVIEW: Now is the time to put your best foot forward. Stand tall, smile, have a firm handshake, sit only after being asked, place no personal items on the interviewer's desk, call the interviewer by his last name, maintain good eye contact and have a positive attitude.

Be prepared to like the person interviewing you. As one employer said, It's hard not to like someone who likes you.î (Thomas Brinsko comment: ìI go further and suggest you try to psych yourself into pre-believing the interviewer is a good friend of yours.) Do not, however, try to psych the interviewer. He is generally a reasonably bright individual who has seen it all before.

Occasionally, you will encounter a poor interviewer. Never fight with this person or overdirect the interview. If the interviewer insists on talking much of the time or asking poor questions, let him. Pacing an interviewer and not resisting his style is always the best overall strategy.

Be prepared to listen to the interviewer and to pay attention. Respond fully to each question, and ask for clarification if you do not understand a question. Keep the job for which you are being interviewed in mind at all times, and talk about your strengths and qualifications most appropriate to that position. If asked about a negative aspect of your background, do not become belligerent. Maintain equilibrium and self-confidence.

If you can, keep the interview moving forward. Ask questions of your own. Remember, this is a 50-50 situation. Develop a list of questions, and use them. However, put off questions about fringe benefits, vacations and salary until you have a firm offer.

Questions that may be asked by the interviewee:

• What are you looking for in the person who will fill this position?
• Is this a newly created position? (or) Why is the position available?
• With (and for) whom would I be working?
• What are the major responsibilities of this position?
• On what basis will my performance be judged or evaluated?
• What are the opportunities and criteria for promotions?
• What is the probability of being relocated? Where?
• What kinds of training programs are available within your organization?
• How would you define your companyís management philosophy?
• If you were to encapsulate the publicís view of the organization, what would it be?
• Does your firm have an awards or incentives system for new ideas and suggestions?
• How do you see this organization growing within the next five years?
• Would it be feasible for me to take a short, escorted tour to view the work area?

Above all, continually emphasize your competence. The message you should convey loudly and clearly is: I can do this job, and I can do it well!

Reasons for interview failure:

• Poor or inappropriate personal appearance.
• Passive or indifferent attitude.
• Lack of tact, maturity or vitality, ill-mannered.
• No knowledge of organization or position offered.
• Lack of eye contact.
• Evasive or hedging answers to questions.
• Late for interview.
• Limp or bone-crushing handshake.
• Poor expression, diction or grammar.
• Overbearing, overaggressive or conceited attitude.
• Lack of confidence and poise.
• Overemphasis on money.
• Condemnation of past employers or school.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW: (Thomas Brinsko comment: If you want the job, be sure to ask for it before you leave. All other things being equal, the employer will likely hire the candidate who is more enthusiastic about the opportunity. The last impression you want to leave is that you have the qualified skills to do the job and that you want the job. Mr. X, this sounds like a great job and I know I can do it well. Won't you please give me a chance?) Thank the interviewer for his time, and express your interest in the job. Before you leave, clarify what the next step should be and who will take it. As soon as you're home, fill in an interview log with the date, the person with whom you talked, the outcome and the next steps to be taken. It is advisable to send a brief, well-worded, handwritten or typewritten thank you note for the courtesy extended to you during the interview. This also allows you to mention a favorable aspect of your discussion and helps reinforce the good impression you have made. Mail the note no later than 48 hours after the interview. Finally, be prepared for rejection. Every job seeker can expect to hear a no or two before receiving a yes. Some tips for combating and dealing with rejection are:

• Take a realistic view of job hunting. Have positive expectations, but remember that no one expects to win all the time.
• Talk with people about their job-hunting experiences. They will probably have some interesting experiences to share with you.
• Look upon each job interview as a positive adventure. Keep your career objectives in mind. Following an interview, examine your impressions. You should have learned something, if only what not to do the next time around.
Now that you have landed that special job for which you are just right, itís time to begin working on being as successful as you can be.

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