Employers keep reporting that they are appalled by the ill-prepared young job candidates they are seeing. Here are some tips to improve the process:
- Dress nicely. One employer said she’d likely hire a young man on the spot if one ever came to the interview wearing a regular shirt and a tie. Forget the shorts, bandannas, sweat suits, bare midriffs, skater pants – and please, don’t have your underwear showing. And, if you have a T-shirt that says, “The Secret to Success is Knowing Who to Blame for Your Failures,” just leave it in the closet.
- Turn off your cell phone. We all know you are very important, but having a cell phone ring during an interview is simply rude.
- Have the facts about your employment history. And bring your own pen or pencil. If you are asked to fill out an application, be prepared.
- Don’t ask, “How much does this job pay?” before you know anything about the position. All jobs pay based on the responsibilities. Clarify what would be expected of you and wait until the interviewer brings up the issue of money.
- Thank the interviewer for his/her time and write an immediate thank you note. You will easily make yourself stand out from the other candidates – and often tip the scale in your favor.
- Know the power of a smile, a firm handshake and good eye contact. Make your first impression a great one.
