Show up, dress up, impress

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: CANDIS BROSS
Dressing for success is just one thing that might land you a job.

Originally, applying for a job was a simple process. It involved looking for a Help Wanted sign, handing in a resume and/or filling out an application and waiting for a phone call. Then came the interview, and finding out if you got the job.

But employers have made the process more thorough in recent years.

Most companies ask you to first fill out an online application and submit a resume, and provide a list of references. Many online screening processes also involve questionnaires that ask how you would react to different scenarios in the workplace such as witnessing an employee stealing from the company, or dealing with disagreements between co-workers. If your answers are the ones they’re looking for, a recruiter will follow up with a phone call, or possibly a phone interview.

Often a preliminary phone interview can lead to an in-person one, but some companies even use programs like Skype for an extra step to be sure that you are the person for the job. Make sure that you are alert and prepared if you’re expecting a phone call from your prospective employer.

During a phone interview you may be offered similar scenarios to those in the initial online process, or if interviewing for a sales position you may be asked to come up with a pitch for a product on the spot.

Make sure to dress professionally for a video-chat interview, even if you’re still at home, to make a good impression. If you are asked to come in for an in-person interview it will most likely be at the company’s location, but it may require meeting the interviewer somewhere like a coffee shop, depending on the job.

In preparation for your formal interview, you’ll want to know everything you can about the company and the position that you’re applying for, and be able to speak well about your previous job experience and achievements. Think of examples of how your experience will help improve the company’s productivity. Think of the questions that you might have to answer, and have a couple of your own on hand to show your interest.

If you are asked to come in for an interview, make sure you know where it is and how to get there. It’s good to be a few minutes early, and to keep eye contact and shake your interviewer’s hand when introducing yourself.

Upon arriving at your interview, you may have to take an aptitude test for that specific job such as a math test for a shipping/receiving position since you’d be dealing with different quantities and weights of products.

If applying for an administrative position, you may be tested on your computer and typing skills. For jobs in the media you may be asked to bring in a demo tape, or a portfolio if you are an artist, graphic designer or photographer. A portfolio is also a good idea when applying for a writing job.

Make sure to maintain enthusiasm throughout the interview, but keep things professional. At the end of the interview be sure to ask for your interviewer’s business card in order to follow up, or if you have any further questions that didn’t come to mind earlier.

Obviously things may be different depending on the type of job you have applied for, whether it’s in retail, food service, labour or a corporate setting, but being polite and enthusiastic during the interview process, even if it is a longer drawn out one, will always go a long way and give your prospective employer a good impression of you.