Men and Women
- All clothes should be neatly pressed.
- Conservative two-piece business suite (solid dark blue or gray is best)
- Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
- Clean, polished, conservative shoes
- Clean and well-groomed hairstyle
- Clean, trimmed fingernails
- Minimal cologne or perfume
- Empty pockets - no noisy coins
- No gum, candy or cigarettes
Men
- Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern
- Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best); clean and polished
- Dark socks (black is best)
- Short hair always fairs best in interviews
- No beards - mustaches are acceptable (keep neat and trimmed)
- No earrings
- No heavy cologne
Women
- Always wear a suit with a jacket; or a sheath dress with a jacket
- Do not wear extremely high-heeled or platform shoes
- Do not wear open-toe shoes or mules (they are more casual)
- If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color
- One set of earrings only
- Conservative makeup
- No heavy perfume
- No heavy cologne
Things To Avoid In An Interview
- Poor personal appearance
- Lack of interest and enthusiasm
- Over-emphasis on money
- Criticism of past employer
- Poor eye contact with interviewer
- Late to interview
- Failure to express appreciation for interviewer's time
- Asks no questions about the job
- Unwillingness to relocate
- Indefinite answer to question
- Overbearing, aggressive, conceited with 'know-it-all' complex
- Inability to express self clearly; poor voice, poor diction, poor grammar
- Lack of planning for career, no purpose or goals
- Lack of confidence
- Failure to participate in activities
- Expects too much too soon
- Makes excuses
- Lack of courtesy, ill-mannered
- Lack of energy
- Lack of maturity
- Sloppy application form
- No interest in company or industry
- Pessimistic
What to Say
- Introduce yourself with a smile and firm handshake. Maintain good eye contact during conversation.
- Demonstrate to the recruiter what you want to and can do for the employer today, based on employer research. Give two minute commercial.
- Answer questions with:
" Yes, for example (accomplishment/result statement)" and
" No, however (accomplishment/result statement)" - Show interest in what the interviewer is saying, by nodding your head and leaning toward him/her occasionally.
- Give positive answers to negative-based questions.
- Ask the recruiter prepared questions.
- Initiate the next step by asking what the next step is.
- Ask for the recruiter's business card for future contact. Immediately after you leave make notes of important points of discussion.
What To Do
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
- Use time wisely to review employer research information.
- Have pen and paper. Asking to borrow a pen indicates lack of preparation.
- Be enthusiastic. Recruiters remember a positive attitude.
- Listen carefully to the interviewer's complete question before responding.
- If needed, pause and take time before answering difficult questions.
- Keep going even if you feel you made a mistake.
- Carry extra resumes, references, etc. organized in a portfolio Unless asked, do not discuss salary and benefits.