How To Be Professional During An Interview

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Job interviews can be really intimidating and scary, especially if you’re the nervous type. I am a junior in college, which means interviews will be coming for me shortly! Ahhh! It’s crazy that soon I will be out in the real world of jobs. No matter what job environment you work in, there is always a level of professionalism that you must maintain, especially on an interview. In this post, I will be sharing my top 4 tips on How To Be Professional During An Interview.

Tip # 1 Research The Company 

At least a week before the interview, you should research the company/brand you are applying for. You never want to show up to the interview having no idea what the company stands for, does, etc. Research them. Most companies will have a website, scroll through it and write some key things down that interest you, or that you want to know more about. That way you can ask them questions during the interview. You can also go on LinkedIn and look for the company profile. Usually they will have the head bosses listed there as well. Also research the job you are applying for and make sure you are 100% or 90% qualified for it.

Tip # 2 Dress The Part 

Dressing for an interview is extremely important and may be the most challenging part of the whole process. A place like google, wears jeans and t-shirts to work everyday so what do you wear to the interview? It can be really hard to figure out the dress code of the place, especially if you’ve never been there before. Try looking it up on their website or just follow this tip – Dress The Part. I’m not saying to go out and buy a whole new outfit just for the interview, there are many things you can do to put a quick professional outfit together. My go-to interview outfit is a pair of black dress pants with a white button down collared shirt. If you are not a heel girl, like me, then do not wear heels to your interview! Stick with what’s comfortable, for me that’s flats. Always bring a sweater or blazer with you as well. As far as jewelry goes, do not be gaudy, stick to dainty pieces. The most important thing is to cover up any tattoos and or piercings you may have. I have 7 tattoos, 8 ear piercings (4 on each ear = 8 total) and my nose pierced. On interviews, I always make sure to be covered and take out my nose ring. I am one of those people that don’t agree with others when they say tattoos and piercings make you unprofessional, but we won’t get into that. I make sure to cover up because I know it is the right thing to do and is the professional way.

Tip # 3 Body Language 

Body language is so important in everything, but especially during an interview because it can completely change their decision. You want to make sure your posture is straight, do not cross your arms over your chest, make sure to maintain eye contact, try to smile (not crazy amounts though), do not touch your face and or hair when speaking, try not to fidget too much, and definitely make sure you have a firm handshake.

Tip # 4 Speak Through Your Resume

Resumes = everyone’s nightmare. Resumes are very stressful to write and put together. Everyone has a different opinion and preference on how they should look, so getting others input on them may be very hard. You want your resume to stand out during your interview. Let the words come right off the pages and speak for how you work. Never lie on your resume. Lying on a resume will most likely cause major problems not only for you, but potentially for the company as well. Always be honest. You don’t want to lie and say you know how to do something or that you have done something when you really haven’t, because when asked about it you’ll look like a fool when you have to tell them you never actually did that. You most likely won’t get the job if you lie on your resume.

Know your resume. Don’t just sit down, write your resume and then never look at it again. You have to study it. Know exactly what you put down. You may forget that you wrote something and when asked about it, you’ll be completely confused. Another important tip is, update it frequently. As a student, I have to update my resume with my current GPA after every semester. Always update your resume with current dates, positions/titles and skills.

Well there you have it! Those are my top 4 tips on How To Be Professional During An Interview. I hope these tips help you during your next interview & good luck!