We know from our own experience, dear friend, that looking for a job can become a horror movie if you lack patience or time is running out. However, one of the main problems at interview time is that people often arrive prejudiced, closed-minded or impatient. We have even encountered hostile candidates, frustrated after participating in several recruitment processes without results.
For this reason, I would like to give you some recommendations for your job interview.
- Relax: Arriving stressed, irritable, hostile or closed-minded gains you nothing. If your recruiter lacks the necessary training, time or patience, they may reject you in the blink of an eye.
- Research: When told about company X, investigate its activities, location, philosophy, main products and market. Crucially, find out its dress and conduct code if possible.
- Make a list of questions: During a job interview, bring questions for your recruiter too. You need to know whether the company fits your way of life, beliefs, customs and so on. Just as they will ask you everything down to your shoe size, ask all the questions you need: the more, the better.
- Wear a standard outfit: this does not mean wearing a suit everywhere, but business attire: trousers or a skirt, a shirt, a jacket and dress shoes. Men, NO white socks, please! Keep everything pressed and neat, including shoes, which we men often neglect. Stick to standard business colors: navy blue, black, gray and khaki. Do not combine more than three colors at once.
- Bring two printed copies of your CV or job application: They should already have them, but if not—note that this reveals the company's recruitment process's seriousness—you can be prepared to provide the information needed.
- Bring a black pen: if you need one, you will not have to borrow it. It always makes a good impression.
- Take care of your appearance: Style your hair. If you have eaten beforehand, clean your mouth or use breath mints, not gum. Check that your teeth and face are clean. Dry any sweat and avoid arriving with sweat stains under your arms or on your chest or back: they create a poor impression.
- Control your nerves: Learn to breathe and relax. Nerves often betray us in interviews, preventing clear thinking or making us say something senseless—or something we never intended to say. Stay calm! We know this is an important opportunity. Do not lose it because your mind gets the better of you.
- Smile: Above all, always smile. It creates a good impression, encourages the other person to smile and helps you relax too. Smiling people are perceived more positively and appear more open and friendly than those who do not smile.
- And if, in the end, it was not for you… do not worry. New opportunities will come; keep working toward them.
Finding work, friends, is difficult and full of twists and turns. Do not lose your head: it is a full-time job. If one opportunity disappears, new doors will open. The worst thing you can do is lose faith. I wish you every success.
Stay alert!
