Tips
DO pay special attention to grooming.
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Men: Make sure your hair is neatly trimmed and combed. Also, make sure your face is clean-shaven, except for a well-trimmed beard or mustache.
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Women: Err on the conservative side when deciding about makeup, jewelry, hairstyle and fingernail polish.
DO dress appropriately.
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Men: In most cases, a well-cut black, navy, or charcoal business suit, with dress shirt and tie is appropriate. If you do not have a suit, wear a blue blazer. Remember also to wear a belt.
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Women: Dress conservatively. If you choose to wear a skirt suit, practice sitting in various chairs and make sure that the skirt maintains a conservative length. Also, if you are wearing a skirt, be sure to wear pantyhose. Since both pant suits and skirt suits are considered professional, choose whichever makes you the most comfortable.
DO pay attention to footwear.
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Men: Stick with well-shined black or brown lace shoes or dress loafers (and socks).
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Women: Opt for leather or suede pumps, avoiding casual sandals or open-toed shoes, even in the summer.
DO NOT go overboard when it comes to fragrance, makeup and jewelry.
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A clean and refreshing mild scent is recommended, if anything at all.
DO NOT speak negatively about a former employer or school.
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Your focus should be on the experiences and skills you obtained from a position, rather than about any personal dissatisfaction with the previous employer or school. You never know who knows whom.
DO NOT dominate the interview.
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Assertiveness and decisiveness are admirable qualities to convey, but arrogance and self-absorption are not. The line between them is thin. Try to strike a balance between providing thorough information so that the interviewer may evaluate you, and having a pleasant two-sided conversation.
DO NOT interrupt the interviewer.
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In your nervousness or anxiousness to make a point, do not speak over the interviewer.
DO NOT bring up personal issues or crises.
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The interviewer will not want to hear excuses for problem areas in your resume or background, but instead will want to see that you have thought through how to handle both the question and the situation itself. Focus on the positive.
DO NOT bring up salary before the interviewer does.
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If you are genuinely interested in the position, you can demonstrate that with relevant questions about opportunities for advancement and responsibility.
