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David
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
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Job interview ?
What are some things I should do during a job interview that will make me look more professional?
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4 answers
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
499
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi David,
How to Look Professional During a Job Interview
First impressions are crucial, and professionalism can make you stand out. Here’s some practical advice:
Before the Interview
- Research the company: Understand their mission, recent news, and the role details to show genuine interest.
- Plan your route: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to avoid stress and appear punctual.
- Prepare your materials: Bring extra resumes, a notepad, and a pen in a professional folder.
- Check your appearance: Wear ironed, appropriate business attire and be well-groomed.
- Test your tech: For virtual interviews, check your camera, microphone, lighting, and internet connection.
During the Interview
Body Language & Presence
- Make eye contact: It shows confidence and engagement.
- Sit up straight: Good posture conveys confidence and respect.
- Offer a firm handshake: Not too strong or weak, for in-person interviews.
- Smile genuinely: It helps both you and the interviewer relax.
- Minimize fidgeting: Avoid playing with your phone or pen.
Communication
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace: Don’t rush or mumble.
- Listen actively: Wait for the interviewer to finish before responding.
- Avoid filler words: Minimize "um," "like," and "you know."
- Answer thoughtfully: Pause before responding to avoid rambling.
- Use professional language: Avoid slang and casual language.
Answering Questions
- Be specific with examples: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.
- Stay positive: Even when discussing challenges or past jobs.
- Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate interest in the role and company.
- Ask clarifying questions: Politely ask if you don’t understand something.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t interrupt: Let the interviewer finish speaking.
- Don’t check your phone: It's disrespectful.
- Don’t badmouth previous employers: It reflects poorly on you.
- Don’t overshare personal information: Keep it work-related.
- Don’t lie: Honesty is essential.
- Don’t ask about salary immediately: Wait until it’s brought up.
At the End
- Ask thoughtful questions: Like "What does success look like in this role?"
- Thank them: Say, "Thank you for speaking with me today. I'm very interested in this opportunity."
- Offer a firm handshake: End professionally.
- Follow up: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, mentioning specific points from your conversation.
Quick Professional Checklist
- Appropriate attire for the industry
- Well-groomed appearance
- Confident posture and eye contact
- Clear, professional speech
- Prepared and researched
- Positive attitude
- Active listening
- Thoughtful questions
Remember, interviewers want someone who is capable, reliable, and a good team fit. Being professional shows you value the opportunity and respect their time. You've got this!
How to Look Professional During a Job Interview
First impressions are crucial, and professionalism can make you stand out. Here’s some practical advice:
Before the Interview
- Research the company: Understand their mission, recent news, and the role details to show genuine interest.
- Plan your route: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to avoid stress and appear punctual.
- Prepare your materials: Bring extra resumes, a notepad, and a pen in a professional folder.
- Check your appearance: Wear ironed, appropriate business attire and be well-groomed.
- Test your tech: For virtual interviews, check your camera, microphone, lighting, and internet connection.
During the Interview
Body Language & Presence
- Make eye contact: It shows confidence and engagement.
- Sit up straight: Good posture conveys confidence and respect.
- Offer a firm handshake: Not too strong or weak, for in-person interviews.
- Smile genuinely: It helps both you and the interviewer relax.
- Minimize fidgeting: Avoid playing with your phone or pen.
Communication
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace: Don’t rush or mumble.
- Listen actively: Wait for the interviewer to finish before responding.
- Avoid filler words: Minimize "um," "like," and "you know."
- Answer thoughtfully: Pause before responding to avoid rambling.
- Use professional language: Avoid slang and casual language.
Answering Questions
- Be specific with examples: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.
- Stay positive: Even when discussing challenges or past jobs.
- Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate interest in the role and company.
- Ask clarifying questions: Politely ask if you don’t understand something.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t interrupt: Let the interviewer finish speaking.
- Don’t check your phone: It's disrespectful.
- Don’t badmouth previous employers: It reflects poorly on you.
- Don’t overshare personal information: Keep it work-related.
- Don’t lie: Honesty is essential.
- Don’t ask about salary immediately: Wait until it’s brought up.
At the End
- Ask thoughtful questions: Like "What does success look like in this role?"
- Thank them: Say, "Thank you for speaking with me today. I'm very interested in this opportunity."
- Offer a firm handshake: End professionally.
- Follow up: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, mentioning specific points from your conversation.
Quick Professional Checklist
- Appropriate attire for the industry
- Well-groomed appearance
- Confident posture and eye contact
- Clear, professional speech
- Prepared and researched
- Positive attitude
- Active listening
- Thoughtful questions
Remember, interviewers want someone who is capable, reliable, and a good team fit. Being professional shows you value the opportunity and respect their time. You've got this!
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
221
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Show up extra early just in case of any traffic or car issues or whatever. Learn the star interview method. Its great. Remember, when they ask you "Tell us about yourself" They want to know about you as it applies to the job requirements. Good luck, you will do well.
Matthew Ibalio MBA
4
Answers
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hi David great question! Aisha gave great advice already so here are some additional quick tips.
First look - dress pants, button up dress shirt, a tie, a suit and a fresh hair cut. You want to make a great first impression because that'll set the tone for the rest of the interview.
Practice - Use ChatGPT or Google Gemini to come up with answers to the questions
"Tell me about yourself"
"Why did you apply to this role"
"Why did you apply to this company"
It helps build your career story. This is important since the interviewer will want to understand who you are and who you might be.
Practice your answers daily. Practice them standing, walking, heating up your lunch, driving, and before bed.
If it comes down to you versus another candidate with a better resume but they can't communicate themselves confidently and properly but you can, you'll land the job.
Good luck!
First look - dress pants, button up dress shirt, a tie, a suit and a fresh hair cut. You want to make a great first impression because that'll set the tone for the rest of the interview.
Practice - Use ChatGPT or Google Gemini to come up with answers to the questions
"Tell me about yourself"
"Why did you apply to this role"
"Why did you apply to this company"
It helps build your career story. This is important since the interviewer will want to understand who you are and who you might be.
Practice your answers daily. Practice them standing, walking, heating up your lunch, driving, and before bed.
If it comes down to you versus another candidate with a better resume but they can't communicate themselves confidently and properly but you can, you'll land the job.
Good luck!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2403
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Review the job specification thoroughly and identify area you can meet the requirements and areas that you need improvement
2. Think about the answers of popular questions below and plan for the answers:
- Introduce yourself
- What is your strength and weakness? How can you improve?
- What is your career aspirations?
Highlight he areas you can meet the requirements from Point 1
3. Do research on the company and the interviewers
4. Dress appropriate
5. Arrive the venue punctually
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Review the job specification thoroughly and identify area you can meet the requirements and areas that you need improvement
2. Think about the answers of popular questions below and plan for the answers:
- Introduce yourself
- What is your strength and weakness? How can you improve?
- What is your career aspirations?
Highlight he areas you can meet the requirements from Point 1
3. Do research on the company and the interviewers
4. Dress appropriate
5. Arrive the venue punctually
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!