Interview Strategies (Part 2 of 5)

Research

It is important to remember that the interview process begins long before your actual meeting wit the interviewer.  For every potential employer you are interviewing with, it is always extremely important that you gather as much data as possible prior to your interview. This information will be helpful to you in answering the question:

"Why do you want to work here?"

A mediocre answer would be: "...because your organization has a good reputation and you value your employees." An outstanding answer would be:

"...because in the last three years you have introduced four new product lines which exceeded sales expectations and because the organization has initiated strong steps to ensure total quality and service to the customer particularly in the area of order fulfillment which parallels my experience directly. I feel strongly about my ability to contribute significantly in the goals of the organization."

Additionally, your research may uncover areas of concern that you may need to address after you have received an offer. Your knowledge of the company will set you apart from other candidates and give you and edge.

Here are some ways to gather some information:

• Google (what do we not use Google for?)
• Hoovers
• LinkedIn and your Network
• Glassdoor
• Public companies - You should be able to find Annual Report, 10k, and Proxy Statements online
• You can also contact the company and request information on their products and services.  In some cases you can identify and contact their customers or vendors.

Body Language

As the major percentage of your credibility in communication (55%), your body language can convey a stronger message than your words. Proper body language is critical in business situations. Your entrance, handshake, and eye contact all make an impression.

A confident entrance is a good start to any business situation. When entering someone's office, check your posture, hold your head up, make eye contact and smile.

Always initiate the handshake, as it will make you appear more in control. Handshakes are often an indicator of a person's frame of mind, so practice your own handshake and be conscious of the return handshake you receive. Handshakes have traditionally been a western tradition but it is recognized throughout most of the world and a strong and firm handshake conveys confidence, control, and assertiveness. If this is not part of your culture or up-bringing, consider these facts and if you have a weak handshake, consider some hand strengthening exercises and practice! 

Maintain eye contact. It is important in our culture to look at the person to whom you are speaking approximately 80% of the time. Americans place a high value on eye contact and generally interpret it as a gesture of trust and confidence. During an interview, make eye contact when you are talking - particularly when making an important point as well as when you are listening. Nodding is another gesture of support and agreement. It is a good compliment to make eye contact.

Before your interview, practice your body language with someone you know and with whom you feel comfortable. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, and determine what you can do to improve. You may need to brush up on these points for your job search, but they will be tools you need throughout your career.

Above all, remember that your positive attitude is key and that positive non-verbal behavior naturally results from that kind of attitude. Your verbal and non-verbal communication will be congruent and your message received as you intend it.

Negative Tell-Tale Body Language

Candidate's Body Language Typical Interpretation

Avoiding eye contact  Evasive, indifferent, insecure passive, nervous

Scratching your head Bewildered

Biting your lip Nervous, fearful, anxious

Tapping your feet Nervous

Folding arms Angry, disagreeing, defensive, disapproving

Raising eyebrows Disbelieving, surprised

Narrowing eyes Resentful, angry

Flaring nostrils Frustrated

Wringing hands Anxious, nervous

Shifting in seat Restless, bored, apprehensive

Presenting a Professional Image

In your job campaign you are marketing your skills, abilities, and interests. It is also crucial that you make your physical appearance an important part of your marketing strategy. Your appearance is the first thing a prospective employer will notice about you, regardless of your talents.

Research shows us that approximately 55% of what we believe about each other is based on our observation and interpretation of non-verbal signals. People who are well dressed and well groomed are often better liked than their counterparts who are not concerned about their appearance. They may also be considered more intelligent, successful, and competent, and earn more money. We have all been guilty of judging a book by its cover, but it is often that critical first impression that makes the difference. 

In a job interview, appearance is important. Human Resource directors and Hiring Managers admit that they use visual cues to narrow down their group of applicants. Job interviewing studies show that when the decision not to hire an applicant is made very early in the interview, it is made primarily on the basis of unsuitable appearance.

During your job campaign, you should look professional at all times. You never know whom you may meet and where. Looking professional does not mean you have to look like everyone else. It is critical, however, to dress for your audience. Every style sends a message, and that message should be addressing the industry you are targeting, as well as reflecting your personal taste. For example, there is a great difference between how an investment banker should dress for an interview and how a software engineer might.

Anyone can develop a professional image. Here are some ideas on interview dress for both men and women, based on research about what interviewers expect from candidates.

For Men

The basic rule is very simple: find out as much as you can about the style of the people or company who will be interviewing you, so that you can fit in with it or at least not clash with it. This makes sense in more ways than one, since it can give you a small clue as to how you might fit in if you do wind up working with them. If you are interviewing for a job in an industry you know, then you already have an extra advantage on your side. But if in doubt, or if venturing into unknown territory, consider the following well tried guidelines:

• For most industries, opt for conservatively tailored, well-made suit. Quality is the key - the suit should be made of wool or a good wool blend that fit you perfectly.
• Shirt color preferences are white and light blue. Pink or pin-striped shirts are generally not good selections for a first interview, although in more casual or fashion conscious industries, they would be acceptable choices. A man's tie is the most important part of his outfit. It is his only chance to add contrast and his own sense of style. A good silk tie can totally upgrade a man's suit, so it is well worth the investment. Ideally, your tie should contrast with your suit. Avoid wearing a solid tie with a solid color suit.
• Accessories are an important part of your total look. Shoes and belts should be good quality leather and should match in color. Black, cordovan, or brown are the best color choices.  Either laced shoes or slip-ons are appropriate.  Socks should be worn high enough so that your legs don't show when you sit or cross them. Interviewers react negatively to flashy buckles and ornaments on shoes, so these should be kept as simple as possible. Follow the same rule with belts. Briefcases and portfolios should be leather.
• Jewelry should be kept simple, and limited to either a wedding or signet ring. Although tie clips and cufflinks may be appropriate after you have the job, they are sometimes found to be inappropriate, as are pocket handkerchiefs. Watches should also be simple - just a dial face and leather band. Heavy watches with a lot of functions should be left at home.
• Your grooming must be impeccable. There is no question that the clean-shaven look is safest for a businessman. It makes most men look younger, cleaner, and more efficient. In addition, many people have negative reactions to mustaches and full beards. There are always exceptions, of course. A neat, well-trimmed mustache may make a man look more mature and in control. A full beard still falls into the high-risk area in corporate America. In more creative professions, such as college teaching, architecture, psychology, and advertising, beards are acceptable.
• Your hairstyle should be kept neat and up-to-date. A good stylist is key to giving you a cut that is easy to care for as well as flattering to your facial features.
• Finally, avoid after-shave and male colognes, sorry that bottle of Axe won't work either! Fragrance and whether to wear it at all is an intensely personal choice, and you should not risk imposing yours on a complete stranger you are trying to impress.

For Women