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  • Research information about the company or business on the internet.  Learning what you can about the company and being able to ask informed questions at the interview will help lift you above the competition.  Information to look for depending upon the level of position you are seeking can include:

    • Years in business

    • Services offered or products manufactured

    • Competitors within the industry

    • Ranking within the industry

    • Growth pattern

    • Reputation

    • History of the company

    • Size of company

    • Sales

    • Projects

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  • If using publications, make sure the publications are current.

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  • Utilize your network of professors or instructors, career services, and peers as they may have some insight into the company and the position for which you are applying.

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  • Verify where and when the interview is.  Be sure you have directions for getting there and account for delays when making your travel plans.  Arrive at your interview 15 minutes early.
     

  • Know the name and title/position of your interviewer if possible.  Being familiar with names ahead of time will make it easier to connect in person and it will also give a more personal touch to the thank you notes you write following the interview.
     

  • It is to ask how many people will be involved with the interview.  If you can get their names and title/position as well, that is helpful.

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Manage Your Professional Image

There are three important aspects to consider when managing your professional image.

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Email and Voice Mail

Utilize a professional email address.  When emailing employers, remember that this is an example of your written communication skills. Use proper grammar; do not use slang, abbreviations, text messages, etc. Always proofread before sending.  Ensure your phone message is appropriate, as well. 

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Social Networking Sites

Remember your online image. Some employers may search social networking sites or the Internet for information on job candidates.  Never post anything you wouldn’t take into a job interview. It is also a good idea to Google yourself to learn what information is out there and correct misinformation if possible.

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Physical Image

As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.  Some important tips to consider

 

  • Hair should be clean and well groomed, while hair color should be a natural color and pulled back or styled conservatively.

  • No five-o’clock shadow—trim or shave facial hair.

  • Nails should be cleaned and trimmed.  If wearing nail polish, make sure it is a simple color.

  • Do not overdo the make up.  A nice natural appearance with a touch of color is perfect.

  • Do not overpower with cologne or perfume.  A subtle fragrance or no fragrance at all is best.

  • Do not wear excessive or flashy jewelry.

  • If you are a tobacco user, don't smoke within hours before an interview because of the smell that will linger.

  • Cover any tattoos and remove excessive body piercings.
     

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Dress for Success

It’s important to dress for the job you want.   If in doubt, it’s better to slightly overdress than to risk appearing too casual.

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Business Professional Attire

For most professional interviews, wear a two-piece matching business suit. However, rules may vary depending on the industry.

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Business Casual Attire

Business casual clothing should be clean, crisp and fit you properly.  Business casual is a classic look, not a trendy one. 

If you would wear it to a bar, the gym, a sporting event, a cocktail party, or a picnic, don’t even think about it!

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  • No formal attire (i.e., tux, cocktail dress, sequins)
     

  • Shirt should be tucked in, starched, clean and unwrinkled
     

  • Avoid anything that is tight or has gaping buttons
     

  • You should not be able to walk on the hems of your pant legs
     

  • The waist of your pants needs to sit at the natural waist
     

  • No shorts, jeans or anything really trendy (unless you’re going into fashion or a related field)
     

  • Avoid a peep show of your undergarments
     

  • Dress shoes only — no flip flops, boots or tennis shoes
     

  • Be sure your shoes are polished and in excellent shape

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Women's Attire

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Men's Attire

 

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Professional Etiquette

  • Be nice to everyone, especially the receptionist or greeter; your interview begins as soon as you leave home — you never know who you may meet before the on-site interview begins.
     

  • Offer a firm handshake — no one likes a dead fish or a bone-crusher.
     

  • Smile, have good eye contact and speak clearly.
     

  • Have some general conversation topics ready at all times — you may want to have at least five current event topics available to talk about; avoid negativity and controversial topics such as religion, politics, etc.
     

  • Wait to sit until invited by your host.
     

  • Do not chew gum during the interview.
     

  • Sit up straight and don’t fidget!

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Dining Etiquette

Meals are a common part of both the job search process and working with clients in the business world. Below is a list of tips to keep in mind when dining for business.

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  • Be courteous to everyone, including restaurant staff.
     

  • If possible, let the employer take the lead in ordering and order along the same price range as the host or choose an entrée in the middle of the price range.

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Interview Preparation
Professional Image
Dress for Success
Professional Etiquette
Dining Ettiquette

  • It is best to order food that can be easily eaten with a knife and fork. Finger foods can be messy and are best left for informal dining.
     

  • Do not order alcoholic beverages. If your host orders drinks for you, limit your intake to one (if of legal age). However, you are not obligated to drink it. Drinking too much when dining out is unprofessional and can damage your credibility.
     

  • When dining at a formal table setting, a good rule of thumb is to begin with the outermost pieces of silverware and work towards the plate.
     

  • When in doubt about the table setting, always remember solids on the left (bread plates) and liquids (drinking glasses) on the right. Think “BMW”: Bread- Meal-Water.
     

  • Wait to eat until everyone at the table has been served and your host has started his/her meal.

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  • Eat at a moderate speed and don’t make others wait for you to finish. Remember — your first priority is the business, not the food.
     

  • When you are not eating, keep your hands on your lap or resting on the table with wrists on the edge of the table. Elbows on the table are acceptable only between courses, not while you are eating.
     

  • Used silverware should never touch the table; rather, it should rest on your plate.
     

  • If a piece of your silverware falls on the floor, pick it up if you can reach it and let the server know you need a clean one. If you cannot reach it, tell the server you dropped a piece of your silverware and ask for a clean one.
     

  • Don’t make a big fuss if you spill or break something on the table. Wipe it up with your napkin if it is small or call the waiter.
     

  • Place your napkin on your chair if you leave the table during a meal. Place your dirty napkin near your plate only when everyone has finished and you are ready to leave the table.
     

  • You should not leave the table during the meal except in an emergency. If you must go to the bathroom or if you suddenly become sick, simply excuse yourself. Later you can apologize to your host by saying that you did not feel well.
     

  • Say “no thank you” if you don’t like or want something.
     

  • It is inappropriate to ask for a doggy bag when you are a guest. Save the doggy bag for informal dining situations.

Preparation

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Interview Preparation

Key to excelling at anything is practice.  Practice is preparation for your end result.  There are several things to do before the actual interview.

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