Thursday, October 9, 2008

Interview 101

These days unemployment is skyrocketing and getting a (new) job can seem extremely daunting. There are many things you can do to set yourself apart from the crowd. One of the most important things you can do is to be aware of the industry culture and the individual company culture of your potential workplace. Research the company with which you will be interviewing.

Here are some things to think about before you go to a job interview. Aside from mentally preparing for your interview and selecting a well-planned and well-coordinated outfit, you may want to give consideration to your makeup for that day also. Indirectly, your makeup may affect how well you do in the interview.

1. As stated above, be aware of the industry culture and individual company culture. Is your potential workplace conservative, artsy, laid-back, etc.?
2. How do you want your potential employer to view you?
3. For what type of position are you interviewing?
4. "Dress" for the job you want, not necessarily for the job you may get, yet without being over-the-top or flashy.
5. If you show up wearing black (or even bright pink) lipstick and heavy black eye liner to an interview at a conservative corporation/company, the interviewer (who may be your potential boss) may judge you as not sharing company beliefs and values simply because of the way you appear. If the workplace seems conservative (like large corporations, financial institutions, attorneys' offices, etc.), try softer, more natural shades of makeup. Think "professional" and fresh. You can always wear your dark/bright colors on your days off.
6. If the workplace seems a little more artistic or free-spirited (such as advertising agencies, dot-com companies, some retail chains, etc.), you may be able to wear brighter/darker makeup colors without a problem. Workplaces where you would be more creative tend to be a little more tolerant of wardrobe and makeup creative expression.

Here are some pre-interview tricks:
* Be prepared to answer tough questions with confidence. Make eye contact and smile.
* Fix/Style hair in a clean and neat way so you seem pulled-together and professional.
* Wash face and moisturize at the very least. You want to look alive and ready to work, not tired or easily distracted. You also want to appear clean, organized and prepared.
* Makeup is optional. Remember that makeup can help hide blemishes, under-eye circles and so forth. Makeup can help you appear more put together (and can hide the wild night before or lack of sleep). Unfortunately, people do often judge based upon looks.
* If you wear makeup, keep it minimal and mostly natural-looking.
* In addition to perfecting your resume, it is important to perfect your image as well (appropriate clothes, makeup, good hygiene, professional body language, smile, eye contact, etc.).
* Reduce eye puffiness with a cool cloth, chilled cucumber slices or chilled eye cream.
* Cover under eye circles with concealer to hide your lack of sleep.
* Use black-brown mascara on your top lashes, and focus on the outer eye lashes so you appear more awake.
* Skip eye liner on your bottom lash lines if you have dark circles or still look tired.
* Use oil blot sheets or a toilet seat cover to pat off excess oil. Shiny skin is not 'in.'
* Eat breakfast and stay hydrated (this is extremely important for your skin and your body).
* Think at least 5 positive things about yourself, and be confident. Start your day right!

Congratulations on your interview and good luck! Go get 'em! :)

(c) 2008 CB All rights reserved.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey you =)

Like I said on youtube, I absolutely love this post! And it is so true, you should really reflect within yourself when applying for jobs. I used to work as a recruiter for Verizon Wireless and you are right on about all your tips =)

Great what you're doing here, keep up the great work hun!

Catherine Swanson said...

Thanks so much hun! I really appreciate the feedback.