It's Showtime! How To Bring Your A-Game To The Job Interview
You need to really perform in a way to convince them that you are THE BEST candidate for the position. And you really only have one shot. So step into the spotlight with a spot-on performance.Appearance is key and simple is the best way to go. You are presenting you. No distractions. Ò Right now in this first meeting, you do not want to give them ANY reason to put you in the "no" pile. Even if casual attire is the norm, raise the bar in your attire. You will never be at fault for over-dressing. But if you under-dress, that is what they will remember.
Speaking of dressing, cover up. A first interview is not the time to show your toes, your cleavage, or anything too personal. No overwhelming cologne, cover your tattoos if you can, and take out any piercings. And please, turn off that cell phone. NO distractions.
You may be thinking right now that you have been stripped of your personality and won"t stand out. Not true, because here is where your personality comes in. Spotlight, please.
You need to be the person they want to see every day when they walk in to the office. People with personalities that mesh with the team are often selected over someone with the strongest skill set.
So when you interview, are you basically going in and begging for the job? Or are you clearly understanding their need and explaining to them how you can help them? Go as far as saying, "I really think I can help you." Regardless of how bad you need that job, perform in a way convinces them that you are the right choice. Be enthusiastic and eager, not desperate and groveling. People want to hire someone they like and can do the job. It is very important to talk about how what you have done in the past applies to this job. And how well you are going to fit in if hired.
So polish those shoes and get ready to perform!
This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.
Ò©2010 Catherine Lang-Cline, Portfolio Creative, LLC.
Catherine Lang-Cline is co-founder and owner of Portfolio Creative, a workforce innovation firm that was named the 326th fastest growing company in the U.S. by Inc. magazine in 2009.Ò Portfolio Creative helps companies streamline and innovate their creative work to save time, energy and money.Ò www.portfolioiscreative.com.