Do's and Don't's of a Job Interview

I recently have had need to interview for a new job. To be frank, I would rather have a red hot poker jabbed into my eye, but you must do what you must. This is one of those times when I wish I were Paris Hilton, but that's for another article.

Time Tips

The time of day your interview takes place can be really important. Too early, and you risk having a grumpy, sleepy interviewer. Too late, and you risk having a grumpy sleepy interviewer. Now, mind you, this is just speaking from personal experience. I'm sure there must be some 300 page book out there written by some human resources expert on the subject.

For the most part, you don't get much of a choice. You're called one day after sending out your 1,000th resume and you're just so glad to get a callback that you agree to anything. You'll get an interview appointment at 8:30 in the morning an hour away from your where you live, right? You don't want to sound difficult before they even meet you, so you agree. If this is your case, get some good sleep the night before. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Get your clothes ready the night before. The less you have to do in the morning, the better. I always try to have my coffee at home before the interview. That way I can brush my teeth and have nice clean breath before I get there. Nobody likes coffee breath. Blah!

Sometimes your interview will be later in the day. I have had those 4 or 5 o'clock interviews. I've learned to try to get in a few interviews on a day like that. By the time you get to your 4 or 5 o'clock one, you're all relaxed and well rehearsed. Of course, the down side to that is that you may be tired and not at your best by then. I try to arrive early and use the restroom before I see the interviewer. Freshen up, if you need to. I personally am not a make-up type of gal, so I can afford to splash some cool water on my face. Don't try that with make-up though, it won't be pretty. J

What NOT to Wear

You would think in this day and age that this topic is a given. You'd be surprised at the things I've seen people wear to an interview. So here are some tips on what NOT to wear to your job interview. Most of these apply to the ladies, but I've tried to include some for the guys too.