add_action('wp_head', function(){echo '';}, 1); Interview Tips – Creative Consultancy https://creativejobs.co.in HR & Training Programs Wed, 05 May 2021 09:08:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 The Nine Rules of Interview Etiquette https://creativejobs.co.in/portfolio/interview-etiquette/ https://creativejobs.co.in/portfolio/interview-etiquette/#respond Tue, 04 May 2021 12:00:49 +0000 http://themes.goodlayers2.com/flawless/?post_type=portfolio&p=933 Read More]]> Job interview scheduled?

Whether you’re looking for your first job or you’re a seasoned professional, it never hurts to brush up on these etiquette basics.

Follow these rules for making all the right moves before, during, and after the interview, and you’re sure to shine.

1. Rehearse

There are several questions that you’re pretty much guaranteed to be asked during an interview: “Why do you want to work for this company?” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Where do you see yourself in five years?”—to name a few.

So, be prepared with insightful answers for these classics, plus be familiar with other interview questions typically asked in your field, too. Practice looking in the mirror and answering the questions out loud. This prep work will help you clarify your thoughts and make you much more comfortable during the interview.

2. Do Your Research

At minimum, review the company’s website and Google its key players. Find out who you’ll be interviewing with and learn something about them, such as when they were last quoted in a publication or if they’ve recently received an award. Casually reference the information during the interview and quote specifics, such as “I see the company has expanded into several new markets over the past year.” You’ll project the image of someone who is interested, does their homework, and pays attention to details.

3. Brush up on Body Language

Be aware of what you’re communicating through your posture and stance—and make sure it’s good. For example, sitting with your arms and legs crossed sends a message that you are closed-off or feel defensive. If you keep your hands in your lap the entire interview, you could signal that you lack self-confidence. And, twirling your hair can make you look nervous or juvenile.

Next, always stand up when someone else comes into the room. Professionally, you lose respect and credibility by staying seated—it sends a weak and powerless message. Think your movements through ahead of time so you’re not distracted (or distracting) during the interview.

4. Dress the Part

An interview may be the only shot you have to impress the decision-maker in person, so make sure you’re dressed impeccably.

It’s always better to overdress than underdress, but do some sleuthing and find out what the corporate dress culture is before you walk through the door. A dark suit (jacket and pants or skirt) and a crisp white shirt, manicured nails, simple make-up, and clean, professional shoes will be perfect in most cases. And, definitely avoid dangling earrings, too much perfume, and multiple, clanking bracelets.

5. Shake it Like You Mean It

No “fingers-only” handshakes, ladies! The proper, professional way to shake is using the entire hand, extending your arm (first if possible) for a firm, but not overbearing grip, while rolling the index finger around the bottom of the other person’s hand. The “fold” between your index finger and thumb should touch the other person’s.

If this doesn’t come naturally, practice with a friend before your interview.

6. Smile

Yes, a job interview is a high-pressure situation, but freezing up and looking nervous will lose you points in the few critical moments you have to shine.

Smiling naturally (without pursing your lips tightly together) will make you appear confident, friendly, and approachable. Even if you’re not feeling it, fake it. A smile conveys that you’re someone who can get along with fellow employees, wow the boss, and impress the clients.

7. Take the Water

If your interviewer offers you a glass of water, take it, even if you’re not thirsty. This little prop can help buy you time to formulate an answer to a difficult question or just give you a moment to center yourself.

8. Ask Questions

Keep in mind that the job interview is a two-way street. It’s an opportunity for you to sell yourself to the company, but also to learn more about the workplace to see if the position and environment are a good fit for you.

Go in with a few questions, such as details about the type of work that the position entails, the corporate culture, and the typical career path of someone who holds the position.

And, don’t be scared to speak up: not asking questions can signal that you’re uninformed or uninterested.

9. Send a Proper Thank You

Yes, even today, a handwritten note is mandatory. Sending a thank you letter via email is fine when the decision must be made quickly, but always follow up with written correspondence. (A voicemail message doesn’t take the place of a written note, either.) Express your thanks for the interviewer’s time and for the chance to learn more about the company.

No need to go overboard and—please—don’t send a gift or flowers after the interview (yes, it’s been done).

]]> https://creativejobs.co.in/portfolio/interview-etiquette/feed/ 0 The Best Outfits for Job Interviews https://creativejobs.co.in/portfolio/best-outfits-for-job-interviews/ https://creativejobs.co.in/portfolio/best-outfits-for-job-interviews/#respond Mon, 03 May 2021 13:00:00 +0000 http://themes.goodlayers2.com/flawless/?post_type=portfolio&p=932 Read More]]> What’s the best outfit to wear to a job interview? The answer will vary depending on the type of job and company you’re interviewing with. You always want to dress to make the best impression, but the outfit you choose depends on whether you’re interviewing at a company with a formal dress code, at a casual startup, or for an informal summer job or internship.

If you wear a suit to an interview for a camp counselor, or a T-shirt to an interview at a bank, it’ll send the message that you don’t truly understand what’s involved in the role.

Find out what to wear for interviews at every type of company:

Professional / Business Interview Attire

Business man and woman using a digital tablet and having a meeting, coworkers
Lisa5201 / Getty Images

Generally, a job interview calls for you to wear professional, or business, attire.

For men, this might mean a suit jacket and slacks with a shirt and tie or a sweater and button-down. For women, a blouse and dress pants or a statement dress is appropriate.

You can also incorporate some modern style trends into your outfit. All interviewees should consider color when selecting an interview outfit and avoid wearing anything too bright or flashy that will distract the hiring manager.

 

Interview Outfits for Women

Woman leaving job interview
  Luis Alvarez / DigitalVision / Getty Images

The more important thing to consider when you’re dressing for a job interview is that you should look professional and polished regardless of the type of position you’re seeking.

Even though your interview attire depends on the role you’re applying for, no matter what the position, you should go to the interview looking neat, tidy, and well-dressed. Here’s how to make the best impression at every interview you go on.

 

Interview Outfits for Men

Businesswoman welcoming man to meeting
Morsa Images / Getty Images

It can be challenging to put a professional interview outfit together. Here are some basic tips for men on how to dress for an interview, including what colors to wear, whether to wear a tie (and what kind), and more.

 

Non-Professional / Business Casual Interview Attire

Group of business people working on computer
Pando Hall / Getty Images

If you have a job interview in a more informal work environment, you might wear a business casual outfit. Business casual outfits are less formal than a suit, but they are also more professional and polished than, say, a T-shirt and shorts or a sundress and sandals.

Of course, make sure you know the dress code before you assume that business casual is acceptable. If you aren’t sure, call the office and ask the administrative coordinator, or contact the person who scheduled the interview and ask them for advice.

Always dress a bit more professionally than the average employee at the company. If everyone is wearing shorts and T-shirts, for example, you might wear khakis and a Polo shirt or button-down.

 

Casual Interview Attire

Start-up Team
Georgijevic / Getty Images

If you have an interview at a startup company, nix the head-to-toe formal business attire. You want to look appropriate and professional, but not too formal.

Rather than showing up in a black suit and dress shoes, opt for something that is relaxed but still presentable: relaxed-fit khakis, dark-wash jeans, and a nice top, for example.

 

College Job Interview Attire

College students
Delmaine Donson / Getty Images

Make sure to dress professionally when interviewing for a professional job or internship as a college student. It’ll show that you’ll know how to behave in a professional manner if you’re hired.

Less formal attire is acceptable when interviewing for campus jobs and more informal workplace jobs. However, you still want to dress professionally for most positions, even if they are entry-level. Review these tips for college women and college men on what to wear to an interview, as well as what to wear for an interview for an internship.

 

Internship Interview Attire

Young woman using a smartphone
Geri Lavrov / Getty Images

Internships are an important part of career development, and as with any job, acing your interview is one part of getting the position you want. Making a great first impression–coming across as polished, professional, and attentive–is important when it comes to your internship search.

Here’s what to wear for an internship interview based on whether the company environment is formal, casual, or somewhere in between.

 

Summer Job Interview Attire

Restaurant manager reading resume and interviewing young woman for job
Steve Debenport / Getty Images

Are you interviewing for a summer job? Typically, these jobs are more casual and do not require professional attire. You can skip the suit. However, you still want to look polished and professional.

Here are tips on what to wear to make the best impression, including interview attire for male and female applicants, what to bring with you, and how to dress for a casual interview.

 

Warm Weather Interview Attire

Two women at a job interview
Tim Kitchen / Stone / Getty Images

Do you have an interview in the hot summer months? There are a few things you can do to look professional but still feel cool in a job interview.

Review tips on what to wear for a warm-weather interview depending on the work environment and type of job.

]]> https://creativejobs.co.in/portfolio/best-outfits-for-job-interviews/feed/ 0 9 Things You Shouldn’t Wear to a Job Interview https://creativejobs.co.in/portfolio/wear-to-a-job-interview/ Sun, 02 May 2021 11:50:41 +0000 http://themes.goodlayers2.com/flawless/?post_type=portfolio&p=931 Read More]]>

A big part of getting a job is making a good first impression, and a big part of making a good impression is how you dress for the interview. While you don’t have to spend a lot of money on your wardrobe, putting in a bit of extra effort pays off in the long run. Before your next interview, make sure you’re not making any interview attire mistakes by avoiding these fashion don’ts.

Keep Bright, Flashy Colors to a Minimum

Woman in a red dress with a shopping bag
Getty Images

Be mindful when choosing clothes.  A short hemline and plunging neckline aren’t acceptable for a job interview, and if an outfit is also in a bright, flashy color (like red), it will accentuate the clothing’s inappropriateness for an interview setting. If you plan to wear a daring color, make sure the overall design of your outfit acts as a counterbalance.

For instance, wear a bright red shirt, but pair it with a black suit. There are other less-dramatic colors that work well for business interviews. And, it’s a good idea to avoid short hemlines and skin-tight fits altogether.

A Blazer Doesn’t Upgrade the Rest of Your Outfit

Hispanic male using smartwatch in street
Tamboly Photodesign / Aurora Photos / Getty Images

While a blazer is a good go-to choice for almost any interview, be mindful of what you wear underneath. Inevitably, the deep-v formed by the blazer’s lapel creates a plunging neckline. If you’re going to wear a camisole or a shell underneath, make sure it covers you appropriately. Of course, layering with a button-down is a no-fail option, too.

This tip also applies to men. Unless you’re interviewing in a casual environment, like at a startup company, wearing a blazer on top doesn’t give you the excuse to wear a tired t-shirt underneath. Take the extra effort and put on a button-down or v-neck sweater.

Go Light on Perfume and Cologne

young woman at job interview

Take it easy on the perfume and cologne, as you never know if your interviewer might have an allergy or aversion to strong scents. Either way, you don’t want your overwhelming spray of perfume or dab of cologne to be the first or last thing your interviewer notices about you.

Leave Your Headphones at Home

Businessman in train with cell phone, headphones and tablet
Westend61 / Getty Images

What’s wrong with this picture? At first glance, it doesn’t seem like much, as the young man is dressed in a dapper suit and tie. But, take a closer look: the headphones have got to go.

While it’s fine to listen to music on your commute to the interview, take them off before you enter the office, and stow them away before you’re called in for the appointment. Otherwise, you risk seeming distracted and unfocused — you certainly don’t want to be fumbling with tangled cords or wireless earbuds as you meet and shake hands with your interviewer.

Be Careful About Casual

Businessmen shaking hands in cafe
Sam Edwards / Getty Images

It can be hard to figure out what to wear for a summer job interview. No one wants to suffer in a heavy suit when the weather is warming up. But warmer temperatures don’t mean that you can throw professionalism out the window and wear casual shorts or a sundress.

Fortunately, because many summer jobs tend to be more “business casual” than especially dressy, most likely you won’t have to dress in a dark wool suit or heavy blazer. Both men and women can consider wearing tailored khakis, a nice polo shirt or button-down and a pair of sensible shoes— but no flip-flops!

Avoid Looking Too Dated

Businesswomen standing together outdoors
UpperCut Images / Getty Images

In a competitive job market, everything matters — including your overall appearance. If your wardrobe is outdated, or if you have been out of the workforce for a while and your closet reflects it, invest in some modern, fashion-forward clothes to wear to your interview.

Don’t forget about shoes, either. Throwing on a pair of sneakers, an old pair of pumps, or beat up dress shoes certainly won’t make you look polished or professional. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on your wardrobe because you can easily find great pieces at discount stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, or major chains such as Target and Old Navy. You might be surprised by how much your shopping trip will pay-off.

Don’t Overdo Your Makeup

Woman wearing too much make-up
Plume Creative/Stone/Getty Images

While it’s important to look your best, loading on makeup is not the ideal way to go about it. Keep your look natural by avoiding dark eyeshadow, bright lipstick, or heavy foundation. Your best bet is to stick with a light coat of mascara, a touch of powder, and some tinted lip balm. Aim to look refreshed and awake, without looking too done up. Interview makeup do’s and don’ts will help you get the perfect look.

Traditional Ties Make the Best Impression

Man comparing ties in the store
moodboard /Cultura/ Getty Images

Now is not the time to pull out that novelty tie you got last Christmas. Even if you think your tie will make a statement, err on the side of caution and stick with something that’s more traditional. A pattern with conservative colors is perfectly fine — like subdued stripes or tasteful paisley — but don’t try to be the funny guy who wears the tacky tie.

Keep Accessories to a Minimum

Woman fastening a layered pearl necklace
Jamie Grill / Getty Images

Both women and men should keep accessories to a minimum. Ladies should avoid excess jewelry; instead of big hoops or chandelier earrings, opt for classic studs. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing flashy necklaces, large sunglasses, or anything bedazzled.

While accessories aren’t so much of an issue for men, it’s important to be mindful of your cufflinks, your tie clip, and your belt; don’t wear anything you might wear out to a club, for example.

Regardless of the accessories you choose to wear, just remember that you want to look polished and professional. Don’t let your outfit detract from the focus on the interview: you, your work experience, and how you would be the best fit for the job you want.

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