Your goal, however, is greater than this: it's to make such a fine impression that you'll have several excellent offers to choose from. To achieve this, you need to take the following steps:
- ask interviewers intelligent and well-thought-out questions;
- research a potential employer or the industry the company is in;
- learn about the person who will be interviewing you;
- close the interview on a positive note by asking certain questions; and
- have a good appearance.
Questions Pertaining to the Position
Your questions about the position will fall into two categories; technical and general.
It's beyond the scope of this article to list all the technical questions. Some general ones, however, are appropriate for all positions and will always make a favorable impression on an interviewer. They are: "What are the key tasks and responsibilities of the position?" "What are the most difficult aspects of the position?" "How does the position fit into the organizational structure?" "Starting with my manager (or "Starting with your position," if appropriate), what's the chain of command?" and, "What other opportunities in the company will this position lead to?"
There are other questions, but they are more sensitive and probing and might offend some interviewers. You shouldn't ask them unless you've established a strong rapport with the individual who is evaluating you or you're on a second interview. They are: "Why is this position open?" "Why are you going outside the company to fill the position?" "What are the difficulties you've had in finding the right candidate?" "What is the person doing who used to hold this position?" and (if appropriate) "Why did he fail?" and "What were his strengths and weaknesses?" If the interviewer is the hiring manager, also ask, "What is your management style?"
Appearance
If you have a poor appearance, an interview will never even get off the ground. An interviewer will give you a few minutes out of courtesy and then end the meeting.
Always be neat, clean, and well-groomed. Although all job-seekers claim to know this, it's shocking how often they forget when it comes to their own interviews. Also, dress appropriately for the position and the company. For example, what would be proper attire for a vice-presidential responsibility at a bank would be inappropriate for a creative job at a small advertising agency. The reverse is also true.
Your appearance will never win you the job (unless you're applying for one of those rare positions where it happens to be the most important criterion), but it can easily cost you the job. Make sure your clothes fit well, collars aren't frayed, colors are well coordinated, shoes polished, and fingernails clean. It's best to dress on the conservative side and to select clothing that resists wrinkling. Stripes will make you look taller and leaner, while plaids will have the opposite effect. Don't wear jewelry, pins, or cuff links that indicate membership in a religious, fraternal, or service organization (unless you have advance information that your prospective manager is such a member).
Men should wear only functional jewelry and never any that would make them look feminine. A suit and tie is appropriate for most positions. Cologne should be used sparingly, if at all, and hair should always be combed.
Women should usually wear a dress or suit. Large jewelry, strong perfumes, excessive makeup, and exotic hairstyles are to be avoided.
Drug Testing
Today, an increasing number of companies—large and small alike—are giving drug tests to job applicants. These tests are administered most often when the employee's safety might be at risk due to the type of work involved. If you're asked if you'll agree to take a drug test, don't refuse. The test may never be administered, but refusing one can have your application quickly thrown out.
In the event that a test is scheduled, however, there are precautions to take so that you won't give what's known as a "false positive." This is where the test shows that you have an illegal substance in your system, even though you actually do not.
For several days prior to the test, avoid all foods that have poppy seeds in them as well as pain relievers, cough syrup, and gin. The ingredients in these products can indicate that you've been using an illegal drug. It's also a good idea to have flushed out your system by drinking a good deal of water for two or three days before the test.
Some companies will have you fill out a form that will tell you which over-the-counter and prescription medicines the test will be sensitive to. If a company administers a test and doesn't provide this form, though, always advise the person giving the test of any medicines you've taken during the past three weeks. Some substances can stay in your system that long, and they might produce a false positive result.
