Not sure about what to wear ? Imagine you were delivering an important presentation to management in this organization. You would want to feel comfortable but look great. What would you wear? Dress appropriately for the culture. Is it hip? Conservative? Freewheeling? What is the industry sector? Choose accordingly.
If in doubt, dress more conservatively. However, if the dress code requires clothes that make you feel ill, you probably do not want to work there anyway. If you are still not sure, you can also ask the recruiter about the dress code.
Face the panel
Public-sector organizations often use panel interviews. You need to impress each member. Make initial eye contact with the person asking the question, then with the rest, as you would in a presentation. (Refer to members by name if you can.)
The interviewer
If you have been working for one employer for a long time or are relatively new to the employment market, you may make certain assumptions about the interviewer's skill, job knowledge, and comfort level. Skilled interviewees know that the interviewer may be uncomfortable with the interview process. The interviewer may not have been trained to ask good questions, or they may have a limited understanding of the work role and challenges associated with the role. And no, most interviewers do not want to see you squirm. (If they do, you probably do not want to work there.)
Decode the corporate culture
How are people dressed? How do they interact with each other? What kinds of conversations do you overhear? Look at everything around you – the artwork, furniture, and office aesthetics. What is the organization or department communicating about itself? Does it say, "I'm big and arrogant?" "Creative and freewheeling?" "Struggling but having fun?" Consider, for example, the difference between a department housed in the basement where everyone looks depressed and one where clerical staff sit by windows and you hear a lot of laughter.
Note to lifestylers: Check out the number of cars in the parking lot at 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
After the interview
The interview is not really over when it is over. That is when you assess how it went – as a way of preparing for the next one, at the same company or somewhere new.
Record your own assessment of how the interview went as soon as possible. Is there information to be gleaned to improve in future interviews? Make notes about your impressions of the organization. And do not forget to send a brief thank-you note. Summarize how you can make a great contribution.
Managing your references
What former colleagues, staff, or bosses say about your skills and work style can play a critical role in determining whether you get the offer.
• Identify three or four people who can talk positively about your "style," skills, strengths, and accomplishments relevant to the work. As well as previous bosses, consider more senior managers to whom you did not report directly, current and/or former co-workers, external consultants, and, if you are just starting out, professors.
• Sound them out as references. Are they willing? Will they say good things? How will they answer the question about weaknesses? Outline the position and key points you would like them to communicate about your skills. Update referees you have not spoken to in a while on your career progress and goals.
• If the employer has a policy of not giving references because they do not want to be exposed to legal liability, is there a former employee of that organization who can give you a reference instead?
• If you need a reference from a former boss you did not get along with well, approach them and say: "I know we had our differences, but I would appreciate it if you would be willing to talk about what I achieved in…"
Page 2 of 3 - Read page 3 to find out what not to do during an interview
Excerpted from What Next?, copyright 2009 Barbara Moses/DK Publishing. Used by permission of DK Publishing.All Rights Reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.
