I'm throwing resumes and cover letters out to everyone hoping that someone will give me an interview opportunity. In the mean time, I'm wondering what kind of attire I should wear at the interview provided I get one. The jobs I'm applying for are office jobs with the state and county. Should I get an interview I want to impress the interviewer and making myself look better than competing interviewees. I'm thinking a suit. Is there a style I should go with? Colors? Pinstripes? 3 piece? For anyone reading this that has human resource experience, please lend me some advice of what you what like to see in a candidate upon entering for an interview. I'm so nervous and stressed right now it's not even funny.
Calling all HR Professionals-Need 1st Professional Interview attire advice
- Thread starter Mr. O
- Start date
I too have a mad bomber hat for when I do our snowblowing. With the way our subdivision is laid out I always have to blow the snow into the wind.
Why do I miss Floyd R Turbo?
Why do I miss Floyd R Turbo?
Im not in HR but Im a VP and hire and fire so I have a good idea.
I recommend dark color suits except for black. Blue's or charcoal is a great choice. 2 button or 3 button? I'd say if it's your first suit but what you can afford. Solid white shirt, with a simple pattern tie. Nothing crazy. Red tie with white stripes for blue with white stripes. Also shoes that are shined not leather club wearing shoes.
As for presentations once entering the interview. Acknowledge everyone in the room by introducing your self (first last name) and repeat their name if they reply back. I love it when at the end of the interview they say my name along with a thank you.
Always prepare your closing statement. That is your time to shine and make up for any trip up you may have had. Sell yourself and why you deserve it. If there are any accomplishments that were not gone over in the interview, bring them up at this point. 1 minute tops. And when you thank everyone, acknowledge everyone who is in there with a handshake, "thank you Mr.---"
Best of luck and shoot me a message if you need anymore tips.
I recommend dark color suits except for black. Blue's or charcoal is a great choice. 2 button or 3 button? I'd say if it's your first suit but what you can afford. Solid white shirt, with a simple pattern tie. Nothing crazy. Red tie with white stripes for blue with white stripes. Also shoes that are shined not leather club wearing shoes.
As for presentations once entering the interview. Acknowledge everyone in the room by introducing your self (first last name) and repeat their name if they reply back. I love it when at the end of the interview they say my name along with a thank you.
Always prepare your closing statement. That is your time to shine and make up for any trip up you may have had. Sell yourself and why you deserve it. If there are any accomplishments that were not gone over in the interview, bring them up at this point. 1 minute tops. And when you thank everyone, acknowledge everyone who is in there with a handshake, "thank you Mr.---"
Best of luck and shoot me a message if you need anymore tips.
Oddly enough... regardless of what people may say with changes in fashion trends, these rules do not change.
Wear a Two or three-button suit (not a 3 piece) in either a dark grey (charcoal) or a dark navy blue... wear a pressed white shirt that is "white" (not dingy with a crisp collar and cuffs). Wear polished conservative black shoes or burgundy/cordovan if it matches your dark navy suit. Your tie should either be a red or blue tone with a muted pattern. (Think what US Presidents and heads of state wear... very conservative and classic)
Essentially, they should not remember what you wore at all. And if they do, it should because you were well groomed and what you wore was conservative and classic.
Dont chew gum
Dont take off your jacket
Bring copies of your resume
Wear a watch
Bring a nice pen
Don't wear cologne
Do SHAVE!!!
Dont say "Um" and "You know" a lot...
I hope you do well...
Wear a Two or three-button suit (not a 3 piece) in either a dark grey (charcoal) or a dark navy blue... wear a pressed white shirt that is "white" (not dingy with a crisp collar and cuffs). Wear polished conservative black shoes or burgundy/cordovan if it matches your dark navy suit. Your tie should either be a red or blue tone with a muted pattern. (Think what US Presidents and heads of state wear... very conservative and classic)
Essentially, they should not remember what you wore at all. And if they do, it should because you were well groomed and what you wore was conservative and classic.
Dont chew gum
Dont take off your jacket
Bring copies of your resume
Wear a watch
Bring a nice pen
Don't wear cologne
Do SHAVE!!!
Dont say "Um" and "You know" a lot...
I hope you do well...
garyg
B&B membership has its percs
+2 Don't say You Know or Um at all, the sartorial tips are classics, always dress above the job you are interviewing for, and make sure everything is clean & pressed. Know as much as you can about the company and position going into the interview, ask open ended questions of them .. and anticipate their usual questions .. Good luck
Kudos Azmark - very excellent advice.
Blue is always the safe bet for an interview suit. Charcoal is good to, but personally I think it works better for people with darker or olive skin and I'm not one of them
Remember to maintain eye contact, relax and don't fidget when listening to others speak. Keep your arms relaxed. Do not fold them or keep your hands in your pockets. Know you are worth it and see the interview as much as a chance for you to check them out as for them to check you out.
This topic has come up before, and there was an EXCELLENT thread filled with great advice when Endcycle was job hunting. Spend a couple of minutes and read it:
Endcycle's "Job Interview this Friday" thread
Good luck!
Endcycle's "Job Interview this Friday" thread
Good luck!
Sage advice.
So true, made me wish there was karma on this board.
+1
Also, delete, "ya know" and "ya" from your vocabulary. Paralinguistic behavior is normal due to being a little nervous but try to concentrate and avoid to much throat clearing, adjusting your posture and hand fidgeting. If they interview as I interview, they will make a note of the question asked when you make those stress relievers and come back to them and take it as a sign of deception.
Im also an expert in uncovering deception in interviews. One of the best my friend, one of the best.
- Thread starter
- #12
Great advice guys, thank you very much. A couple things, I've only been comfortable at an interview one time ever in my life. I think it was due the fact the job was a side job to pick up some fast cash.
When I get nervous my hands sweat. Is there anything that I can use to overcome this? Or should I develop a nonchalant way of patting my hands on my pants to rid the sweat?
I read the other thread linked in this thread. There is a ton of info that I need to digest and dissect such as "what are your weaknesses" to find my answers.
Should I take a handheld planner with me to write a possible 2nd interview date? I would think this act would make me look that I'm organized, which I am when it comes to my job.
When I get nervous my hands sweat. Is there anything that I can use to overcome this? Or should I develop a nonchalant way of patting my hands on my pants to rid the sweat?
I read the other thread linked in this thread. There is a ton of info that I need to digest and dissect such as "what are your weaknesses" to find my answers.
Should I take a handheld planner with me to write a possible 2nd interview date? I would think this act would make me look that I'm organized, which I am when it comes to my job.
I know some folks get nervous and they sweat. I'm not sure what you can do to keep your hands from sweating.
Always carry a journal and pen. I don't know how many times candidates come in without a legible copy of their resume, journal and pen. Go prepared and good luck.
Carry a handkerchief in your pocket.
Lots of good advice above...I would just reiterate, make sure your shoes are shined and not worn. You don't need to go splurge on a new pair, just make sure the heels aren't worn down or shabby.
Don't remember where I read this, but I saw a tidbit that said when a man leaves an interview, everyone in room looks at his shoes as he leaves.
When a woman leaves an interview, everyone (including women) looks at her backside.
Don't remember where I read this, but I saw a tidbit that said when a man leaves an interview, everyone in room looks at his shoes as he leaves.
When a woman leaves an interview, everyone (including women) looks at her backside.
They didn't exactly need to conduct a study on that, did they?
Conservative business attire is the standard advice. A bit of research into the company you plan to interview with would be helpful. I've always tried not to over-dress, but I do wear the best and most appropriate attire I have.
LOL. Probably spent thousands on it...
Wrong thread?
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