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Dress For Sucess At Interview
The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one.. after all, it only takes 3.2 seconds to make a first impression! What impression do you make?
When you go to an interview the first judgment an interviewer makes is on how you look and what you are wearing, energy levels and your smile. That’s why it’s always important to dress the part for a job interview – even if their work environment is casual.
So what’s appropriate dress code for an interview?
You need your first impression not just to be a good one but a great one. In nearly all instances the candidate in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than a candidate in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt How to Dress for an Interview: Here are some tips on what you should wear to give the best first impression possible when you meet your potential employer or when meeting a recruiter.
Men’s Corporate Interview Attire
- Suit (dark colour – navy or dark grey or black)
- Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)
- Belt
- Tie
- Dark socks – Whatever you do.. DO NOT WEAR WHITE SOCKS WITH A SUIT. This is a big no no!
- Clean leather shoes
- Little or no jewelry
- Neat, professional hairstyle
- Limit the aftershave
- Clean neatly trimmed nails
- Portfolio or briefcase
Women’s Corporate Interview Attire
- Suit (navy, black or dark grey)
- If it’s a suit skirt make sure it’s long enough so you can sit down comfortably
- Coordinated blouse
- Conservative shoes
- Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets.. BIG NO NO)
- No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry
- Professional hairstyle
- Light make-up and perfume
- Neatly manicured clean nails
- Portfolio or briefcase
What Not to Do At Interview
- Chew gum
- Have your mobile phone on
- If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home
- Cover any tattoos Interview
Attire Tips
- Before you even think about going on an interview, make sure you have appropriate interview clothes and everything fits correctly
- Make sure you have ironed your shirt/blouse. Crinkled clothing gives the impression you have bad attention to detail
- Dress for the position you want to obtain, not for the position you are currently in
- Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don’t have to spend time getting them ready on the day of the interview
- If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners after an interview, so they are ready for next time
- Polish your shoes
- Bring a breath mint and use it before you enter
The Top 5 Most Common Interview Questions
At CPG Executive Consulting we regularly get asked many questions from candidates to help them perform to the best of their ability at interview.
Please find the top 5 questions we often get asked and our respective answers. Our biggest advice to anyone going for an interview is; ‘You can never be over prepared for an interview’.
1. Question:
I get very nervous before an interview, is there anything I can do?
Answer:
It is perfectly okay and quite normal to feel nervous before an interview.
A good technique is to ask yourself ‘what’s the worst thing that could happen” in an interview? Once you know, ask yourself “could I deal with it happening?” Chances are you could, so why worry.
Always remember a job interview is a two-way process. You should be searching to see whether this is the right fit for you, just as the company are searching to see if you’re the right fit for their organization. It’s important to ask yourself “do I want to work for this business?” and “will I be happy here?”.
2. Question:
Should I have prepared answers to anticipated questions?
Answer:
You should understand your strengths and your objectives. Know your CV inside and out – and also have a thorough understanding of the business you’re interviewing with. Be prepared for common questions, and also understand yourself and your experience enough that you are able to answer unexpected questions as well.
3. Question:
If I don’t know the answer to a question what should I do?
Answer:
Just look them straight in the eye and if you don’t know, just tell them you don’t know. Honesty and candor works, don’t dwell on it, move on and focus on their next question.
4. Question:
Can you provide some useful tips for interviews?
Answer:
Be punctual! If, for some unforeseen reason, you are going to be late, ring the interviewer, apologize and ask if they would prefer to reschedule.
Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a warm smile.
Memorize the interviewers name(s) and ensure that you pronounce it correctly.
LISTEN to the interviewer.
- Answer their questions fully, accurately and keep to the point.
- Be sensitive to the interviewer’s reaction to what you are saying, if you notice that they seem to be impatient or checking the time, then keep your answers brief. If they seem unsatisfied with your answer, ask them if they would like more detail, or if you have answered to their satisfaction.
- If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification. This can also be a useful stalling technique while you prepare an answer to a difficult question.
- Ask questions that demonstrate an interest in the role, the company and career prospects, not only in salary and conditions.
- If the interviewer seems to be rude or abrupt, continue to be courteous and don’t take it personally, they may be testing you (or just having a bad day).
- Be courteous, relaxed, confident and positive – do not be negative or critical about previous employers!
- Make eye contact with the interviewer(s), particularly while listening to them.
- Don’t fidget, cover your mouth, or slouch.
- Try to enjoy the experience!
5. Question:
What sorts of questions do I ask the interviewer?
Answer:
- Why is this position open?
- What is the structure in the department?
- What are the key challenges you see in this job?
- What is the most pressing problem? What would you like to see done in the next 2 to 3 months?
- What are some of the longer-term objectives that you would like completed?
- What freedom would I have to determine my work objectives, deadlines, and methods of measurement?
- What are the key goals for the business?
- What is it like to work in the company – what’s the environment like?
- Where could a person go who is successful in this position and within what time frame?
- How is one monitored & reviewed? What accounts for success?
If you require any additional information or you have any questions please feel free to get in touch with one of CPG Executive Consulting’s dedicated career development consultants today.
Executive Job Search In The 21st Century
Out With The Old & In With The New
For us here at CPG Executive Consulting, the idea is especially relevant when searching for employment.
Job-hunting tactics that worked even a few years ago may appear outdated, while using fresh strategies can help professionals stand out among a large applicant pool.
“It’s easy to get stuck in a rut during the job hunt. If certain tactics aren’t working, job seekers need to switch gears and try new ideas”
Alex Turner – Recruitment Manager of CPG Executive Consulting.
We can offer you the following job search dont’s along with advice for what to try instead:
Don’t :
1. Network solely when you’re looking for a job.
2. Wait until a position is advertised to apply.
3. Limit yourself to full-time employment opportunities.
4. Use a standard CV template.
5. Rule out all “old-school” application methods.
6. Assume they’re not interested.
7. Speak only in general terms or give “canned” responses during the interview.
8. Write a hum-drum thank-you message.
Try this instead:
1. Use tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter regularly to keep in touch with professional contacts. Maintain an up-to-date profile on these sites, and be active with industry associations and events.
2. Scour local print and online publications and follow company social media feeds to find out which businesses are growing and may be hiring. When you see organizations that interest you, contact them proactively to learn of potential job openings.
3. Consider temporary work. Interim assignments provide a source of income as well as a chance to network and build new skills. They also can lead to full-time job offers.
4. Create personally “branded” application materials that speak to your particular strengths. A simple but eye-catching format can attract an employer’s attention.
5. Sending your CV and cover letter on high-quality paper via the post office may seem outdated, but people receive so little mail today that your hard-copy materials could pay off.
6. Follow up via email or by phone within two weeks of submitting your CV. Reassert your interest in the position and explain how your skills can benefit the company.
7. Be prepared to share anecdotes that showcase your skills, personality and how your contributions have impacted the bottom line.
8. Recap the qualities that make you a fit for the role and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Email is acceptable, but a handwritten note can be more impressive.
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