I obtained my first part-time job at sixteen years old. Since then, I have interviewed and worked for a good amount of companies. I learned many valuable tips and tricks from my own experiences and from others as well. I truly believe I know what interviewers look for and am proud to say I have gotten every job I have applied to since I was sixteen. Here is why:
1. My Resume was Enticing
The first step in getting any job is to have an impressive resume. In order to ensure your resume even gets considered, you need to make it look professional. While some may think that a bigger or fancier font might draw attention to their resume, these people are very mistaken. This is usually quite a turn-off to hirers because they see it as unprofessional. They also look for quality as opposed to quantity. Having a long list of jobs on your resume may seem admirable, but to interviewers, it shows lack of dedication. One of the top priorities of a company is to gather a group of committed individuals that are in it for the long run. If all of this is very new to you and only have a babysitting gig or an unpaid internship to mention on your resume, display them proudly! Each job provides you a reference, and references from any job are key. The people your hirer talks to can make or break your chances of attaining the job you are striving to get!
2. I Did my Research
Even if the job you are applying for is simply a part-time restaurant job or a receptionist at a hotel, showing your interviewer that you have taken the time to get to know the company they are involved with is very important. If it is a well-known company that you are applying to, really dig through their website and get some good information. Even looking at a company’s Yelp page can provide good details. Do not be afraid to slip in what you have learned throughout your interview, because each fun fact will make the hirer view you more positively. You will be perceived as devoted and driven, and there is nothing better than an employee who shows a passion to learn more about the company.
3. I Looked Like a Pro
While deciding what to wear may hardly seem like a concern for an interview or even dropping off a resume, how you present yourself is significant. There are essential “do”s and “don’t”s when it comes to this topic. Do look put together. A key tip that I learned is to dress one level higher than the person you will be interviewing with, or at least match his/her attire. Don’t wear blue jeans – ever. Black jeans barely make the cut, but blue jeans dress an outfit down like no other, no matter how dark. While some less-important jobs might not see this as much of an issue, post-grad jobs definitely will, and getting in the habit of dressing properly is a good idea. Try to stick to black jeans, or better yet, some fitted slacks. And definitely do not wear leggings. Do make it simple. While sporting red lipstick or wearing hot pink heels may be allowed for employees at the company, you are not yet an employee, and need to make a proper first impression. Try to stray away from even winged eyeliner or a fancy hairstyle. Sticking to neutral colors like black, white, grey, brown, and nude show that you are a professional.
4. I Had a Good Handshake
We have all been told that a handshake is important, but really, it is very important. It is one of the first things your interviewer will notice about you. Putting effort into giving a good, firm handshake can say a lot about a person. I am sure we have all met someone at some point in our lives that has had that “dead fish” handshake, and I think we can all agree it was very uncomfortable. If you have that flimsy handshake, your interviewer will be very put off. Instituting the handshake is a great idea because it shows great initiative, so strive to reach your arm out and introduce yourself first before the interviewer gets a chance to ask for your name. And of course, do not break eye contact.
5. I Was Not Afraid to Brag
Lastly, display yourself proudly and be confident! Do not be afraid to really show your interviewer what you are made of because that is what they are hoping to hear from you. Why would they asked you for an interview in the first place? I know it can seem strange to brag about your good qualities, but more often than not, the hirer will ask you to do just that in the interview. And when that question arises, do not be shy! List away, because the more favorable qualities you mention, the more of a chance you are going to say just what he/she wants to hear!
I hope these tips help you out, and I wish you luck in all of your occupational endeavors. You got this!
Image via Ace Employment Services