Whether you’re staying at home this summer, or jetting off stateside, the dreaded job interview is an unavoidable process. Preparation is key, so before you head out the door take a look at our three tips to rocking your one on one.
Dress to impress
One thing I was told that stuck with me was that what you wear won’t get you the job, but it could stop you from getting it. No employer is going to see someone in a Ralph Lauren blouse and go ‘wow, amazing shirt. Probably an amazing person’. But I can guarantee if you turned up in a tracksuit they’d be thinking ‘lack of effort, they clearly don’t take this seriously’. So stick on a nice blouse for skype, even if your still in your PJ bottoms. In person there’s no need to buy fancy slacks, simply wear your clean and presentable Sunday best.
Brain Map your CV
Whether you’ve had twenty or two past employers it doesn’t matter. Quality not quantity, isn’t that what they say? The interviewer is hoping to hear about your work ethic and personality through how you discuss your past roles. So instead of ‘yep, correct, I worked there’, be able to discuss your roles responsibilities and what your time was like there. If you can, prepare an anecdote that either showcases initiative you took or how you were a great (and friendly) team player.
Be yourself
A lot of the time for retail and service industry jobs the person interviewing you could be your floor manager for four months. Of course they want someone that they don’t have to baby and get straight to it, but keep in mind that their checklist could also be finding someone who is easily tolerable (and potentially enjoyable) to have around for the summer months.
Michelle Martin
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