Tag Archive for: How to Dress

How to Have a Successful In-Person Interview

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When looking for a new job, hearing back from a company that wants to interview you can be quite the confidence booster. Clearly you nailed your résumé and cover letter, now the final step is to make the best impression you possibly can on the hiring manager to show that you are the right candidate for the position. This can feel intimidating as it puts a lot of pressure on you to do well. Luckily, there are techniques you can put to use to make your interview as successful as possible.

Dress to Fit the Culture

You are probably used to hearing the phrase “dress to impress” when it comes to an interview. While that concept still rings true, it doesn’t have the same meaning it once did. A few decades ago, nearly all companies had a professional dress code as they wanted to be seen as polished and prestigious. In today’s world, many companies take pride in their more casual and laid back atmosphere. When you show up to an interview, it’s important that you demonstrate your understanding of their culture by showing up in attire that matches their company values. Gone are the days of showing up to every interview in a business suit. As you’re dressing to impress, keep the aesthetic of their brand in mind. If you’re not sure what to wear, business casual is always a safe bet.

Arrive Early

When I was in college, one of the best pieces of advice I ever got was, “the secret to not being late is to be early”. I’ll seriously never forget that. When leaving for an interview, it’s best to leave around 20 minutes earlier than you need to. This way, in the case you get stuck behind an accident, caught in unexpected traffic, or accidentally make a wrong turn, you will be able to make up for the lost time without becoming stressed out. The stress of possibly not being on time will only put you in a negative headspace which could affect your performance during the interview.

Being early also makes you look together and well-prepared. If you arrive early, you will be able to observe the office/site a bit and gage the dynamic among future colleagues. You will also likely get to meet more people and will have the time to fill out paperwork if need be, without cutting into actual interview time.

 

Be Cordial

This begins before you even arrive at the office. Be sure that you greet everyone; including the person at the door, people in the elevator, and the people you pass on the way to the interview room. You never know who you’re talking to or what connection the people you encounter have to the person interviewing you. The interactions you have prior to the interview can make or break the entire process. Remember, the interview starts before you even say anything.

 

Pay Attention to Your Body Language

Communication extends beyond just the things you say. Eye contact, posture, and the gestures you make will all make you appear both confident and refined. The interviewer wants to see someone with self-pride and eagerness for the position. That is why it is essential that you present yourself as credible without coming off as too uptight. When in the interview, be sure you are facing the person you are speaking with, are sitting tall, and that your facial expressions emanate that of someone who is engaged in the conversation. Also, don’t forget to have a firm handshake.

 

Come Prepared

There are many different components to this. Even though you know they already have your résumé, be sure to bring at least two extra copies in case they ask for another one to look over during the interview. Also, bring your portfolio of past work and a notebook to write down key information that they may tell you during the interview. This will make you stand out, as not many interviewees’ do this. Additionally, do your research on the company prior to the interview. Know who the executives are and what the company does outside of (what would be) your department. Keep in mind – there is no such thing is being over prepared, especially not for a position that you really want.

Ask Questions

If the person interviewing you says something that you don’t quite understand, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or a little more detail. This shows that you are interested and will make the conversation more of a dialogue. At the end of the interview, when they ask if you have any questions; have at least a few questions you’re prepared to ask them. Ideally, these would be questions outside of when your start date would be or when you can expect to hear back from them. Ask a question about the company that isn’t stated on the website or something about the company culture. The company wants to hire someone who will be invested in them and their mission. Having questions at the end of the interview will indicate just that.

If you are currently in search of a new job, check out our opportunities here.

 

Dressing for a Job Interview in Minnesota Winter

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For Minnesota employers, first impressions are critical for landing the job. While your clothes shouldn’t be the most important thing, we always advise job seekers to look their best. Whether you’re heading to an interview or attending one of our hiring events, you want to dress to impress.

Minnesota winters can make it hard to feel like your most professional self. Between your giant coat, your Vikings stocking cap, and your salt-covered boots, it can be hard to dress practically and professionally in below-freezing temps. Here are our tundra-tested tips for looking professional while staying warm.

Choose a sharp coat

While we all want to be judged by our resumes, it’s a reality that the first thing your employer will notice is what you wore to the interview. You’re likely familiar with the awkward dance of removing your coat and getting settled before sitting with your interviewer, so your coat will be a focal point. If you can, invest in a professional and classic jacket like a wool peacoat. If a puffer jacket is more your style, choose a neutral color. Even though you know you’ll remove it immediately, always wear a coat in good condition with no holes, stains or tears.

Invest in professional winter shoes, or bring back-ups

We advise interviewees to either wear professional boots or arrive a bit early and change into dress shoes. If you frequently attend professional events or have occasion to dress up, investing in a classic, sturdy winter boot will keep you safe and looking smart. Another option is to bring your dress shoes in a bag – a briefcase or bookbag, not your gym bag – and change before you enter the office. Don’t carry your stinky boots into your interview!

Wear layers to keep cool

We know all too well that interviews can be sweat-inducing events. It may be freezing outside, but the heat in your interview room is blasting and your nerves are cranking up your body temperature. If this sounds familiar, wear a blazer or cardigan that you can remove if you get warm. Have an interview-appropriate shirt or blouse underneath so you aren’t comfortable. If you’re worried about overheating, don’t wear your thickest wool sweater and socks. You’ll give your best interview if you’re comfortable.

Arrive fashionably early

It’s always important to arrive early for an interview, but if you’re worried about the weather wreaking havoc on your professional outfit, add 10 more minutes. Head to a coffee shop or the building’s bathroom so you can warm up, remove the snow from your hair or reapply makeup if needed. Taking a minute to check your appearance in the mirror can give you the confidence boost you need to crush your interview, instead of worrying whether you look like the Abominable Snowman.

Winters aren’t the best part about living in the Twin Cities, but we know how to survive them. Don’t let a little snow ruin your next big opportunity.

Speaking of job interviews, have you checked out our job opportunities lately? We have plenty of openings where you can apply these tips for winter job interviews.

The Minnesota Way to Dress For a Job Interview

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If you dress well for an interview, no matter what type of job it is, you are more likely to be hired. Here are some of our tips on how to dress for an interview.

Dress For Success-

When you go in for an interview, you want to make the best first impression possible.  In other words, what you wear matters!  Choose professional clothing that doesn’t show too much skin. Men can’t go wrong with some nice slacks and a button-down shirt. Women can’t go wrong with a cute business skirt or slacks and blouse combination. Before you go into your interview, iron your clothes or have them dry-cleaned to make sure they’re not wrinkled

Be Mindful of Tattoos and Piercings-

If you have a lot of visible tattoos and piercings, it’s a good idea to remove them before the interview. Regardless of whether or not it is fair, some companies will make judgments and associate tattoos and piercings with being irresponsible or reckless. Even if this is not the case, you want to make sure you remove them so the interviewer can get to know the real you and not fixate on your tattoos and piercings. Furthermore, in light industrial jobs, excessive piercings can sometimes create a safety hazard.

Keep Hygiene in Mind-

When you’re trying to make a good first impression, you always want to keep hygiene in mind. Part of good hygiene includes brushing your hair, showering, washing your face, and brushing your teeth. You wouldn’t want your interviewer to have a wrong impression of you based merely on how you look or smell. Spend a few minutes before you have to leave for your interview focusing on hygiene, and your interviewer will be able to focus on what you’re saying.

Add Tasteful Accessories-

Wearing tasteful accessories to an interview can accentuate your overall appearance and presentation. An example of an elegant accessory for a man would be a nice watch. An example of an elegant accessory for a woman would be a necklace or some earrings. Adding an exquisite accessory, without overdoing, tells your interviewer that you care enough to take that additional step and are responsible enough to find a balance. If you have an interview, you are seriously being considered for a job. You can increase your chances of being hired if you dress well and present yourself positively for your first interview.

If you need help finding job interviews, contact Award Staffing.  We will be able to help you find a job that is the perfect fit for you and your unique skill sets. Our team of hiring professional located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota are here to help you find you your next new job opportunity!

Why You Should Invest in Your Appearance at Work

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Regardless of whether you are currently working or trying to find a job, one of the most significant ways in which other people judge you is through your appearance. To make a good impression, you need to be mindful of your hygiene, clothing choices, and body modification choices. Here are the reasons why you should invest in your appearance:

You Will Feel Better –

It has been proven that when you dress better, you feel better. This improved self-confidence will manifest itself in many different ways, including how you act around your coworkers and supervisors. You will most likely stand up a little straighter, act a little more confident, and be more likely to speak up when you feel good about the way you look.

You Will Attract Respect –

If you are dressing well and have cleaned up nicely, other people at work will respect you. Since you took the time to invest in your appearance, they will feel like they owe you the same professional courtesy. People will also take you more seriously when you invest in your appearance and will respect your opinion. 

You Will Stand Out Amongst Others –

Not everyone takes the time to invest in his or her appearance. Therefore, if you invest in yours, you will automatically stand out amongst others. You can use this to your advantage when you are in job interview settings or trying to impress a supervisor to be considered for a promotion.

You Are Presenting Yourself Professionally –

The most important reason why you should invest in your appearance is that you are presenting yourself professionally. Nice clothes and routine personal hygiene appointments are an investment that will pay off for you in the professional world.

If you have already invested in your appearance and need help finding a job in the light industrial field, contact Award Staffing. We will help you find a job in which your self-investment will be recognized and help you land your next job opportunity. If you are interested in learning other ways When Work Works visit our other blogs.