Anyone who has successfully completed a term of service in the armed forces has more than enough confidence to talk intelligently about their background and experience. Confidence is great, and it will help you in presenting your qualifications, but you aren't going to beat out the competition with confidence alone. Interviewing is a complex process that requires careful planning, an organized approach, and a good measure of rehearsal. Here you will gain some insights into the tricky process of the interview so that you don't wind up getting ambushed on the final path to success.
The purpose of the interview is to allow you to present your qualifications. The interview is not an office visit or a friendly conversation, but an exchange of views and ideas between you and the interviewer in which your qualifications will be matched against the requirements for the job. It is the interviewer's responsibility to control and guide the interview toward that goal. You also have some responsibilities. You must ensure the interviewer gets enough information to make a decision, and you must listen to ensure you answer each question completely. It is also your responsibility to stay on track.
Interview Clothes
Your first step in getting ready for the interview is to get yourself into the proper uniform. There is a uniform in corporate America, and you really have to comply with the dress standards just as you did in the military. If you doubt that, pick up a copy of the annual report of any major company that includes photographs of the executives or the board of directors. See how they're dressed. Those are the people who set the standards for the company. The first rule for interviewing is to remember that the interviewer will judge your appearance based on his or her standards, not yours! It doesn't matter what your impression of stylishness may be. It's the interviewer's standards of taste that matter most.
Imagine the interview as the annual general inspection, soldier-of-the-quarter, or sailor-of-the-year competition. It is an event in which you strive to ensure everything is as near to perfect as possible.
So your first task is to do some more research. There are some excellent books on the subject of dress, such as Dress for Success. But the best way to find out about dress standards is to go and look. Visit a place where you will find business people in your industry. Sit in a coffee shop and observe what people are wearing. Take note of shirts, ties, suits, shoes, dresses, and other accessories. You will probably see very few of those three-piece suits with plaid vests. What you will generally see are people who dress conservatively, and who all dress alike.
You might find that the people in your industry do not dress formally. For example, if you are going to work in a position that requires you to work with your hands, such as an equipment operator or a mechanic, don't show up for the interview in a suit. The employer will feel you might not be willing to get in there and get your hands dirty. On the other hand, don't show up in blue jeans, sneakers, and a t-shirt.
You should be able to put together a reasonable wardrobe that will let you fit in with the rest of the crowd. It's not hard to put an interview wardrobe together for a minimum amount of money. There are many discounts clothing stores around if you watch for sales, and the exchange on base usually offers a pretty good selection for both men and women.
Clothing Tips
The following are some suggestions that will allow you to fit in with most business situations. Something else might work, but these tips are pretty standard.
- Dark suits are best, in blue, gray, or perhaps brown (the brown suit was resurrected by President Reagan).
- Pinstripes are also okay, as long as the stripe is tasteful and doesn't resemble the suit of a mobster. The suit should be conservatively cut and should not look as if you're headed for the disco.
- The same advice applies to women. A conservative business suit is best for the interview, and the hemline should be at mid-knee or slightly below. A wider variety of colors and shades is fine for women but not for men. Dresses are acceptable as well, but a business suit goes over better.
- Wear a white shirt with a plain collar-no button-downs or little gold collar pins. Plain collars give a neater appearance, and you won't have to worry about losing the pin or a collar button just before you go in for the interview. The tie should be conservative and the color matched to the suit. Have someone else-a civilian-look at this for you, for the only colors you know about are blue, green, and white. The blouse for women should be middle of the road: not too frilly, but also not too severe.
- Accessories should complement the outfit. Again, remember that you are going for an interview and not out on a date. Don't wear excessive amounts of jewelry, such as a diamond pinky ring or a gold nugget wristwatch band (especially if you are going to work for a bank). The only lapel pin you should wear is the American flag or your military service pin. Others, such as those representing fraternal groups, could evoke some of the personal prejudices from the interviewer.
- Shoes should be appropriate for the event. If you are going into a position where you will work with your hands, wear a substantial pair of work boots. In all other situations men should wear a dark-colored business-type shoe, such as wing tips, or a plain single toe cap. Be sure they are well shined and sole dressing is used. Women should wear a dark, plain, medium-heeled, closed-toe pump. Don't wear your Gl-issue uniform shoes.
