It's all about first impressions

After way too long without one, I have a job interview. Even though I am extremely excited about it because it is a job that I really want, I am equally scared for the exact same reason. You spend so much time searching for jobs and internships, applying, networking, doing informational interviews and so much more. Then, when you get an interview you don't know what to do. You've been in one mode and now it's time to switch gears.

So what do you do next? Preparing for an interview can be very taxing. It's the waiting that gets me most. Really, you just want to talk with the employer, share your experience and get more info about the company and the job...now. It's hard to wait a week when you are so excited. I'm like a kid on Christmas morning waiting for my parents to get out of bed. So as I was preparing for my interview I was thinking about all that I needed to do before the date and thought it might help my fellow hunters if I shared some interview info.

Most of these tips come from the book Basic Black by Cathie Black.

One: Be persistent when trying to land an interview. Don't wait for the company to call you. Call them first. This shows initiative and lets the employer know that you are really interested in the position.

Two: Do your research on the company and the person or people interviewing you. You should know what the company does, what the department you’re applying to work in does, who the people are, what they do at the company, what they did before and how to spell their name correctly.

Three: Look Great. You should be dressed appropriately for the job you are interviewing for, and it is always better to be over dressed. Don't wear a mini skirt with stilettos, or either of them alone, actually. Do you hair and nails, iron your clothes, don't go overboard on the perfume, if you wear a skirt wear nylons and always wear closed toed shoes. If you look professional like you are there for a purpose will be taken more seriously as a candidate.

Four: Get there early, but not too early. Make sure you know where you are going and give yourself enough time for traffic, check-in lines and restroom breaks. If you run in at the last second out of breath you might be a little uneasy and they might see it. However, you don't want to arrive too early and be waiting in the lobby for half an hour.

Five: Get the answers to your questions. Make sure you find out what you want to know about the company, who you will report to, what your role will be and anything else that is important to you. It's not just about impressing them, it's also about finding a good fit for you.

Six: Don't talk too much or overstay your welcome. Take cues from them and wrap it up when you need to.

Seven: Be yourself. They would not have called you in for an interview if you weren’t qualified so the best thing you can do is just be yourself.

Eight: Follow up. Send a thank you note immediately following the interview. The note can be hand written or via email. Hand written notes are rationally preferred but many people prefer email notes so it is best to find out what your interviewers prefer.

Have a great interview!!

Helpful job hunt tips from a fellow hunter

I have, it seems, been on a blogging hiatus that lasted way too long. When I say too long I really mean it. I started this blog in October for a college class and have now been a college grad for about five weeks with no posts in the meantime. My return to the blogosphere is long overdue, but I am back in full force.

I, like many of my friends have yet to land a post-grad job and have started to get somewhat discouraged in my job search. As a PR student networking was highlighted as an important tool not only within a job but also to land a job. So I met people, kept in contact with old friends and employers and professional I had met along the way. Even though I did all of this I was still left looking for open positions in the paper and online.

I’m sure many of peers have had the same problem and I am here to help. Even though none of your contacts could help you land a job there is still hope. My advice to you is to make new contacts, while of course maintaining the old ones. Join your local PRSA chapter and other professional groups. Attend social or networking events. Talk to friends who work at places you’re interested in and ask for the name of someone you can contact. Set up informational interviews and keep in contact with your interviewer afterwards. These are all things that will allow you to make new contacts and bring you closer to the job you want. I know that it sounds difficult and can be intimidating but I assure you it will help. Also, look at tips on sites like Monster and Career Builder. They always have helpful articles about job search, improving your cover letter and resume and honing those interview skills. For more tips check out this article.