Interviewing/ Senior Exit Interviews

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 is this year’s annual Senior Exit Interview day.  This is a mandatory requirement for graduation.  We take this very seriously here at SOTA.  We have over 35 volunteers from the community and various colleges, businesses, lawyers, judges, contractors, hospital representatives etc. who will be interviewing our seniors.  Below you will find information about the event:

·        All Seniors will be dismissed from 9^th period at 2:30

·        Seniors will go to the Ensemble Theater

·        They will enter the theater through the door in the Foyer

·        Seniors will interview with a community volunteer who is best suited to their (Senior’s) future plans

·        Seniors will be dismissed after their interview

·        Interviews will begin at 2:45 – 5:30

·        Seniors have been told to be dressed professionally

·        Throughout the day Seniors will also be getting their picture taken with their cap and gown and sash – this will be done during advisement periods and lunches.

The 5 Worst Things to Wear to a Job Interview

Ill-Fitting Clothes 

If you haven’t worn your interview outfit recently, you might find it doesn’t fit the way it used to. Don’t try to pull it off, though. You won’t look your best and you won’t feel comfortable -- and it will show.

“Better to wear an outfit that is tailored to suit you, rather than anything that feels or looks too tight or too short,” says Stacy Lindenberg, owner of Talent Seed Consulting. “It may not only give the wrong impression, it may also be distracting. Tugging at your skirt hem, for example, is another distraction that takes away from the focus on you and your skills.”

Overly Casual Clothes 

Even if you’re interviewing at a laid-back workplace, it’s still possible to take the casual concept too far, says Trevor Simm, founder and president of OpalStaff. “Do not wear jeans, tennis shoes, shorts, t-shirts, hats, flip-flops, or any garments with messages or brands written on them,” he says. “For men wearing a suit, do not wear loud, obnoxious colors, busy-printed shirts or overly patterned ties.” Take the conservative approach, and save the fun stuff for after you’ve got the job.

Anything Distracting 

There’s a fine line between standing out and wearing something that’s just distracting. In the interview process, you should err on the side of caution and tone it down. “Better to choose subtle patterns over brighter ones, and dark or neutral clothing versus neon colors or anything distracting,” Lindenberg says. “You should be the focus of the interview, not your clothing.”

“Women should not wear anything too revealing or low cut,” Simm says. “No platform heels, no sun dresses, nothing too trendy. Make up and jewelry should also be toned down. For men

and women both, it's generally a good idea to stick with the basics: a black, blue, or grey suit and the associated conservative accoutrement."

Excessive Accessories 

You might like to make a statement with your jewelry, but the job interview isn’t the time to do so, says Annette Richmond, executive editor of Career Intelligence. “Stay away from jewelry that jingle-jangles, which can be very distracting for an interviewer.”

Experts advise against wearing perfume and cologne as well. “You may feel like something is missing when you refrain from wearing your favorite fragrance, but this is one more thing that can be distracting during the interview,” Lindenberg says. “In addition, many people have sensitivity or allergies to fragrances. Play it safe!”

The Obvious 

“Never attend any interview with ill-fitting, sweat-stained, smelling like smoke, dog or cat hair covered clothing that looks like something you slept in,” says headhunter Michael Mayher. “Never wear the same ensembles you would wear out to a bar or nightclub with your friends.” Mayher also says “ridiculously sculpted fingernails” on women and “pointy shoes and contrasting socks” for men are no-nos.

Interview etiquette

1. Greet your interviewers as Ms or Mr

Most people prefer you call them by their first name. When was the last time someone instructed you to call them by their last name?

So what's the big deal?

Well, it's really not a show stopper, and there is minimal risk you'll offend someone if you do call them by their first name; however, when you call someone by their last name you are showing them respect. In essence you are saying to them, I respect you and you are important.

Do you like to feel respected and important?

Again, it's a little thing, but in a world where there is too little respect going around, it will make you stand out from other competing candidates for this same position.

2. Make sure your cell phone is off...not on vibrate

The last thing you need is a distraction during one of the most important meetings of your life. People can still hear your cell ring in vibrate mode. 

Right now there is nothing more important than your interview. This could be a life changing moment for you and your family. BTW--How did we survive all those years without cell phones?

3. Look people in the eye...and smile

Body language is an extremely important detail of proper job interview etiquette.

Communication experts tell us that 80% of our communication with others is non-verbal.

One of the best ways to connect with people and build trust is to look them in the eye. Eye contact is also important during a group interview.

Throughout my executive recruiting career, I've occasionally had candidates arrive at an employer thinking they were going to be in a one-on-one interview setting, only to be ushered into a conference room with 4 to 5 hiring authorities asking them questions one after the other.

Most people when they're under pressure, don't smile, and appear nervous and lacking in confidence. It's amazing how something as simple as a smile can project confidence and leadership...even if you're a nervous wreck.

Have you ever heard someone say, I didn't trust that guy. He didn't look me in the eye?! Your eyes are the windows to your soul and often convey to others that you are trustworthy and real.

4. Firm handshake

This is another non-verbal way to connect with people.

It seems ludicrous to be judged negatively by a limp handshake, but people do it all the time.

Even so, be careful with this advice.

You don't want your handshake to be too firm--especially if a man is shaking hands with a woman.

5. Let the company take the lead during your interview

Sometimes when your interviewer is soft spoken or laid back you may feel the urge to keep things moving. So, you start taking back some control and the next thing you know, you're rambling.

Resist this. Let the interviewer run the show.

If there are periods of silence...just sit there in the silence. If you are well prepared for your interview, relax, you have nothing to worry about.

One of the most common interviewing mistakes is talking too much. It's easy to ramble and over explain things if your interview is a person of few words and there are periods of silence. Resist this and simply let them set the pace of the interview.

6. Don't step on the last 3 words of someone's conversation

I've noticed a disturbing trend these days.

When I'm talking with someone, often times they will step on the last 2-3 words of my sentence and talk over me without extending to me the courtesy of finishing my sentence.

Has this ever happened to you? Annoying, isn't it?

Reporters and TV talk show hosts do it all the time. It is especially prevalent among Type A personalities.

Let your interviewer finish making their point, pause for 1-2 seconds; then, respond to their question or add to the conversation.

7. Sit up straight and lean slightly forward

 Good candidates can be rejected because  they were too laid back in their interview...literally. 

Disgracefully, job seekers are often prejudged as lacking in drive and ambition; be on guard against being too casual or relaxed.

Sitting up straight and leaning slightly forward sends the following non-verbal signal: I'm listening intently. I'm interested in what you have to say. I have a lot of energy and I'm ready to go to work.

It's hard to believe that in a few seconds you can make this kind of impression, but it's true. So ignore this slice of interview etiquette at your own peril.

8 Pursue even if your interview is going badly

You might be enduring an awful interview experience quietly thinking to yourself, this is the last place I'd ever want to work...get me out of here!

The best  advice is to be professional and finish what you started to the best of your ability. No one has a gun to your head to take this job. 

 As a general rule, wait until you have all the facts before making your final judgment about an individual or a company.

Pearl of Wisdom: You never know who you are going to meet or how a total stranger might positively affect your career downstream. Leave people with a positive impression of you. It could pay dividends in the future.  

In a few cases, I've known hiring managers to watch candidates from their office window as they exit the building and get into their car. People can do some pretty outrageous things like spitting, lighting up a cigarette, arranging themselves, yapping on their cell phones for 20 minutes while leaning on their car, chowing down on a sandwich in their car, and other things you would not believe.

So, stay in professional mode until your tail lights are out of sight. Also, you may also be observed arriving for your interview.

9 Arrive early, never late.

10 Promptly send a thank you note after your interview  (read below)

This is a MUST on your job interview etiquette list. Not only is this a common courtesy, but it also keeps your name in front of those who interviewed you.  No, you won't need to do that tomorrow, but make a point of saying thank you and tell them you appreciate their taking time.