How to Dress Your Best for a Job Interview!

Did you know that dressing inappropriately for an interview can actually prevent you from getting hired for that particular job? It is imperative that you make a good first impression when you go for your job interview. Here are some valuable tips and illustrations for dressing appropriately for an interview.



 

APPROPRIATE INTERVIEW ATTIRE
You should keep in mind that you will need to dress in professional business attire for your initial interview, regardless of the company's dress code within the organization. Both men and women should dress appropriately and look professionally groomed for your interview. Once hired you can then conform to the dress code permitted for that particular company (e.g. casual dress, company uniforms, jean Fridays), but not before then. 

MEN
Men should wear a navy blue (or slightly lighter shade), black, or dark gray business suit and conservative shirt with a necktie. And should wear dark shoes and dark colored socks. You should wear minimum cologne and jewelry. You don't want to cause any major distractions during your interview so you should avoid wearing body piercing, nor should you show any body tattoos. If you have visible body tattoos, you will be able to cover them with a long sleeve shirt, a suit jacket, and 

WOMEN
Woman should wear a navy blue, black, gray, or beige conservative pant suit or skirt suit with a conservative blouse. Dark comfortable closed-toe conservative shoes will do fine. You should avoid wearing loud perfumes and wear minimum jewelry. Cover any body tattoos with a long sleeve conservative jacket and pant so that they are not visible. 

 

INTERVIEW
So now that you are dressed appropriately, you can go to your interview with confidence. You will make a good first impression and increase your chances of getting that job. You should proofread your resume carefully beforehand to make sure that it is free of grammatical and typographical errors. And be sure to do a thorough research on the company beforehand as well. And last, don't forget to turn off your cell phone before you begin your interview.

TIPS

*Utilize the spell-check before printing your resume. Have someone proofread your resume for you.

*Some companies will allow BUSINESS casual attire for interviewees, I suggest you inquire beforehand- if in doubt go for professional business attire as stated above.

*Never wear jeans to an interview! Never wear gym shoes, if needed for comfort while traveling, be sure to remove them before your interview.

 

 

How to Meet and Beat Work Deadlines

Do you struggle every week and month-end trying to meet your deadlines at work?    Meeting work deadlines successfully will help boost company profits, job efficiency, and overall job enrichment.  It’s important that you meet your deadlines as someone is depending upon you to do so…whether it is internal or external staff, clients, or co-workers. If you properly plan ahead and work effectively you can actually meet and even beat your work deadlines.  Here are some proven techniques that will help you achieve your goals.
Get Clarification
1. First and foremost, you will need to get clarification on the dates and times for submitting your work before the deadlines.  Don’t second guess but contact the right individual(s) who can give you the specifics of when you need to have your work in.  Bear in mind that this information is very important…so make sure you get it right.
Create a schedule
2. After you know when you are required to meet your deadlines, you should create a calendar and visibly mark the dates in which you are expected to complete your work.  You should place your calendar in a place where you can view it every day.
Follow your schedule
3. Next, you will need to make a conscious effort to work toward meeting your deadlines in advance.  Do a routine check to ensure that you are on schedule. Implement a system that works best for you.  For example; if you know you have to meet deadlines every Thursday, you should start early in the week…gathering all of the necessary components to make it happen.
Simplify task
4.  Break down your task to make it easier to complete.  Concentrate on the most urgent and demanding work first- but be sure to complete other less-urgent assignments as well in a timely matter.   Set goals for completing work and meeting deadlines.
Plan and start early
5. You should plan to start early to meet your deadlines.  This means that you might want to come in extra early, stay late, or come in on the weekend for a couple of hours or so- to process and execute job assignments ahead of time  When you start early enough you will more than likely meet your deadlines and in some cases you will beat your deadlines.
Use latest technology
6. Make sure that the equipment that you use to process and complete your work is in good working condition.  You will need to upgrade software and replace equipment that is unreliable and breaks down repeatedly.  Your company should invest in the best and latest technology in order to process work more efficiently and to stay competitive.
Stay abreast
7. You will need to stay abreast as to when changes are made to your normal routine and work schedules.  Stay abreast by checking your e-mail, your voicemail, and by communicating with internal and external staff and clients.
Institute a back-up plan
8. It’s imperative that you have a back-up plan in place in the event of unforeseen circumstances that could hinder or alter your original plans.  You should also train and appoint someone else to do your job when you are out. 
Tips:
*Seek competent assistance in the event you fall behind schedule
*Notify appropriate individual(s) in the event you are behind schedule

How to Properly Prepare for a Job Fair

JOB FAIR

Job fairs are great opportunities in which job seekers can meet with potential employers who are looking to hire within their companies at some point and to also network with other job-seekers.  It is imperative that you properly prepare yourself so that you can make a good first impression.  Remember there will be hundreds of other applicants and you want to make sure that you stand out in a positive way.  Not only should you bring your resume list your hard skills, but you should also be prepared to demonstrate your soft skills (interpersonal skills) as well.  Here are strategies that will help you properly prepare for your job fair.

Step 1

Research to find out which employers will be participating

First of all, you should research to find out which companies will be attending the fair beforehand. Contact the organization that is sponsoring the event to acquire a list of the companies that will be present. You can also obtain information about the companies of your interest by visiting the companies’ websites.

Step 2

Pre-register, if possible

Check to see if you can register for the fair online beforehand.  You will more than likely be instructed to submit your resume during the registration process.  This will allow all interested employers a chance to review your resume before the event.  Be prepared to interview with employers who might be interested in your work credentials.

Step 3

Bring plenty of resumes, a portfolio, and business cards

Make sure you bring plenty of resumes to the event.  Your resumes should be professional looking and free from grammatical errors and spelling typos.  It would be wise to have someone proofread your resume for you. It’s simply more professional looking to carry a portfolio to keep your resumes, business cards, and business references.  You want to present material that is clean, neat, and professional looking.

Step 4

Dress for success

You should only wear appropriate business attire to a job fair.  You should never wear jeans or gym shoes.  Remember you want to make a first good impression, so dress for success.  See my article “how to dress you best for a job interview”, link posted at end of article.

Step 5

Network with employers and other job seekers

Not only should you network with potential employers but you should also try to network with as many other job-applicants as you can.  By doing so, you can find leads to other job opportunities that may interest you as well.  Be sure to exchange business cards with other job seekers that you meet.

Step 6



Brief summarization about yourself

You will need to brush up on your presentation skills so that you will be prepared to give a brief summary of who you are and your career background when you approach a recruiter.   Greet each recruiter with a firm handshake and direct eye contact.  Be courteous at all times.  This is an excellent opportunity to display your soft skills such as your social skills and communication skills.  Keep in mind that these are important aspects in recruitment selection.  Be sure to present your resume at some point during your meeting with recruiters

Step 7

You should seek out those employers that you are interested in

You do realize that recruiters will be busy meeting with hundreds of job-seekers, so it’s important that you arrive early so that you can get a chance to meet with as many recruiters as you can.  In the event you cannot meet with all, you should leave your resume and take company brochures and other relevant information with you and follow up with them later.

Step 8

Send thank you cards

Be sure to send thank you cards to all companies that you had the opportunity to meet and interview with. This is also an opportunity to express your further interest in working for them.

Tips:

*Plan to arrive early

*Be sure to turn off cell phone and all other electronic devices

*Be prepared to have a brief interview(s) with interested employer(s)

*Approach only companies that you have interest in working for first, for time sake

*Follow up with employers that interest you