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Marketing
Yourself is a Big Part
Of the Job Interview Process
Marketing yourself during the job interview process is all about image
and "what you can do for the company"
This comes in many forms, to include dress and appearance and how a
person carries himself/herself throughout the job interview process.
Here is some guidance to follow with respect to marketing yourself.
Remember, we're not only talking about skills and abilities, but the
entire package.
Appropriate
dress and appearance for an interview
- Enter the interview with a neat and clean
appearance.
- In general, dress conservatively.
- Avoid heavy makeup and strong perfume and
cologne.
- Avoid trendy and flashy clothes and jewelry.
- Suit should be a solid color (black, navy or
dark grey) for both women and men.
- Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with
the suit), belt and tie
for men.
- Coordinated blouse, conservative shoes, neutral
pantyhose and neatly
manicured nails for women.
Things to
avoid
- Gum. Don't chew gum during the interview.
- Cell phone. One of my pet peeves is cell
phones.
- If your phone goes
off while you're in an interview with me, you're out of there. Sorry.
- Avoid bringing in soft drinks or coffee. Use
your best judgment if
you are offered one.
- I would kindly decline. Last thing you need
to
happen is to spill your drink all over the nice carpet (or table).
- If you have a tattoo, cover it up.
- Invest in a breath mint and use one right
before you enter the
building.
Marketing
Yourself mean Being Prepared
- Research the company prior to the interview.
- Get a good night's sleep before the interview.
- Know the name of the interviewer and how to
pronounce it.
- Practice your questions and opening comments.
Be aware of
your body language
- Offer a firm (but not a crushing) handshake.
- Sit down only after you are asked to.
- Lean forward slightly in your chair and try and
relax.
- Use eye contact (for each interviewer, if part
of a panel interview).
- Smile. The best smiles are natural. Don't force
it.
Bring a
portfolio
(a binder-like folder to carry your documents in)
- Include the following:
- A few copies of your resume.
- Job application form (if you were asked to
fill one out prior).
- Letter(s) of recommendation.
- Any notes you may have for the interview.
- Any correspondence you have with the company.
Marketing
yourself involves the entire package. You want the hiring
manager and employers to "want" to hire you. Make yourself stand out.
Once the job interview goes well (and it will), you are ready for that
employment job application
and job
offer.
Having a good understanding of what to
expect will go along way.
Also, for additional job
interview advice, don't forget to check out the interview preparation,
interview
technique and interview
tips sections.
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