I have a job interview coming up soon and I want to take copies of my resume in a portfolio. My problem is my portfolio had the logo of my current job on it. Should I just use this one or purchase a new one without a logo on it? I had of from College, but I'm not sure I know where it is.
Also, it has been a long time since I had a job interview. I am planning on wearing gray dress pant, a black top and high heels. This is a business job so totally different than what I am used to right now. Should I try to wear a suit instead? I know if I get the new job I will be in dress attire every day compaired to my jeans, t-shirt and flip flops that I have on now. I really want this job and want to make a good impression.
ANY advice that you other Mama's can give me would be great! I plan on sending a thank you card as well for them taking their time to interview me.
Momma L. suggested the websites (not that it matters, just want to give her the credit!) Thanks Momma L.
Thank you for all the good pointers. I love the one to remember to brush my teeth. LOL I will have to sneak my toothbrush to my current job and then to the bathroom to get this accomplished, but it is doable. :)
Definitely add a jacket!
And if the logo is small, go ahead and use it. It's not like you're going to be handing them the portfolio--just getting the resume out, right?
- Get a new portfolio without a logo
- Wear the suit - when in doubt, over dress. You can NEVER go wrong wearing a suit - you can be underdressed, however. A suit is the most professional of all attire, and this is a professional job you are interviewing for. Go for the suit.
- Know the company! You should always do a little background research on the company you are interviewing for, as well as the person interviewing you (if you know in advance, of course).
- Go in to that interview KNOWING you can do this job and do it well. So many people come in to my office for an interview scared shi*&#ss and don't give a good first impression. HAVE CONFIDENCE - that is the best advice I can give you.
- Good call on the thank you's - just be sure to send them quickly, as in that day. You are going to do great!!
LOL! - If someone else got credit for one of my posts, you can bet your butt no one would correct it and give me credit. Oh, how life works.
As a person in HR, I look at how a person presents themselves. First, wear a suit. Buy a new portfolio. Take two copies of your resume. One for you the other for the interviewer. Don't go in and bash your current company. Answer all questions honestly. Be honest on the application. If you had a DUI from 20 years ago, put it on. Some companies go all the way back (we do) and if you don't put something on the application minor or not, I then wonder what else you are hiding. Relax! Go in with a positive can do attitude. GOOD LUCK!!!
Use a new portfolio. You can get decent ones for cheap. Make sure you have a nice dossier made up for it as well. A nice blazer would sound good with your outfit.
My husband bought a simple portfolio with his cover letter, resume and dossier (curriculum vitae... where you research the company and list how your qualifications specifically meet their needs). He brought two to every interview. One for him and one to give to the interviewer to read and keep.
Lots of good interview/resume advice here:
https://www.ldsjobs.org/ers/ct/stakes---wards.jsf?name=jo...
https://www.ldsjobs.org/ers/ct/stakes---wards.jsf?name=th...
Ditch the logo-stamped portfolio, the dress pants and nice top sounds absolutely perfect as the only thing missing from the "Suit" is a jacket and it's April so leaving it at home is more than appropriate. Good luck!!
I agree with all of Scarlett's advice below and have bookmarked the websites she suggested.
I view it that I am also interviewing the company to see if I like the job. Ask about:
1) why the position is open - did someone leave, if so why? Did the company grow? If so, who else is doing the same job and can you talk to them to get an idea of the day-to-day tasks?
2) What would a person have to do in this job in order to be considered to be excelling at the job?
3) Where does the company see itself in a few years? If there will be changes, does this mean the job functions you are interviewing for will change?
4) They will ask where you see yourself in 5 or 10 years. Make sure you have thought about this. Even if it is not in the position that you are interviewing for, be honest and know what you are good at and what type of work you enjoy.
5) Make sure you have the short story about yourself that you can deliver naturally.
6) Not sure what kind of job you are interviewing for but in my company, a lot of people have a short powerpoint presentation that they give as an interview since we are in marketing and have to do a lot of presentations. Being prepared for something like that would be a good idea. Even if you do not have to give it, it will make you practice how to present yourself. They are often presentations about something you know lots about, not the products of the company you are interviewing with.
7) Do you have a linked-in page? It is a networking website for connecting with colleagues and coworkers to keep in touch with them and the market needs.
8) I always ask the interviewer to describe the culture at the workplace to me. If each person who interviews you sees it very differently then I would ask that so-and-so described it as abc and you say xyz, can you explain why that would be?
Mostly - be confident, be attentive, be curious, be happy, talk slowly, brush your teeth and be yourself. Good luck!
I agree with the other ladies, get a new portfolio and definitely wear a suit! Even if they had casual dress in the office I would wear a suit to the interview just as a sign of respect to the interviewers that I really want to work to impress them. :)
A trick that I learned while working in public relations is: Study their website and the way they write about their company. Know what their business is all about but also pay attention to how they describe themselves. If you use the same type of language to describe yourself in conversation (by gently throwing in their buzzwords and phrases) it puts you and them on the same wavelength. By subtly mimicking their terminology and phrasing people often feel like you are already on common ground with them. :)
Good luck on your interview!! You'll be great, it sounds like you are working hard to be very prepared.
Good advice from others. I just have one suggestion... follow up with the thank you cards, but send a thank you email right away. Also, Scarlett mentioned researching the company and person interviewing you... you might try looking them up on LinkedIn. Someone told me once - always dress for the position you want not just the position you are interviewing for =)
Good Luck!
One thing you can do is call the receptionist and tell her you have an interview and ask what their dress code is. Business casual, business formal or what not.
