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Landing that job: The interview
Shelley Gillespie

Monday, July 12, 2010

Several issues ago, The Communicator published information supplied by two of Maricopa’s largest employers, the City of Maricopa and the Maricopa Unified School District, on how to apply for a job. If an interview is coming up, the following information on how to prepare should be invaluable.

Tom Beckett, Director of Human Resources for MUSD, and Karen Shaffer, Support Services Director for Maricopa, provided the following suggestions for job candidates.

Beckett stressed that advanced planning, by researching the job and company or organization includes, “Being able to quote significant not trivial facts about an organization, once again shows the interviewer that you care enough to move beyond the minimum preparation.”

What to wear

Both Beckett and Shaffer agreed that first impressions in an interview were critical and planning is essential. This extends to what you wear and what you say in an interview.

Beckett commented that candidates should be “appropriately dressed.” The appearance of the candidate is the second impression after the written application. Statistics state that many hires are decided within the first few minutes of the actual interview. Image is very important and it should not be trivialized as superficial. Many jobs have a “public face” and an employer who is cognizant of that fact will see the value of a positive image from all of their employees.

Shaffer offered specific advice, differentiated based on the type of position being sought. For men applying for a management, supervisory, or paraprofessional position, she suggested that a solid colored navy or grey suit with a long sleeve shirt that coordinates, plus belt, tie, dark socks, and conservative leather shoes would be best. For grooming and accessories, she said that little or no jewelry, a neat, professional hairstyle, limited aftershave, and neatly trimmed nails are the standards. A portfolio should complete the look.

Woman should follow the above code (but a black suit could be an option), but with a skirt suit that fits well and is long enough “so you can sit down comfortably.” Avoid dangling earrings.

For a non-supervisory or non-technical position, Shaffer’s only differences in dress would be the shirt (neatly ironed or polo), and slacks or Dockers.

How to act

People can get very nervous before an interview. Beckett says, “Fear is a great motivator. The proper mixture of anxiety and confidence is important.”

Shaffer states that candidates should, “Show confidence. Be sure of your abilities without appearing narcissistic.” It’s a juggling act with an effort to “Point out your accomplishments in your field while remaining a little humble.”

Beckett offers additional suggestions such as to be “Assertive yet not aggressive. Inquisitive yet not challenging. Qualified yet teachable. (Clear concise answers as opposed to long rambling, repetitive, redundant, rabbit-trailed responses.) Formal yet friendly. Eager yet not desperate.”

Shaffer reminds interviewees to keep a “positive attitude …smile…maintain eye contact.” Also, if interviewing with more than one person, look at all panelists. And, she cautions to “Watch body language…avoid biting lips…avoid fidgeting…don’t shrug your shoulders.” Avoiding discussion of personal and family things, and staying professional are important. Other things to avoid include: chewing gum or eating breath mints, speaking in slang, and don’t talk too much.

Since most employees will need to interact with others, Beckett reminds everyone to exhibit behavior that shows you can “maintain good relationships” by a “smile, shaking hands, remembering names, good eye contact, and a friendly demeanor.” Being a team player is what it’s all about. The ability to fit into the organization should be demonstrated during the interview.

After the interview

Once the interview is completed, your homework is not done. Shaffer reminds candidates to “Send a thank you card to each interviewer. Don’t call them; they will call you if they are interested. Patience really is a virtue. Only call if you have another job offer and you want to know whether you should accept it or another offer is forthcoming.”

At all costs, candidates should make sure they don’t copy Shaffer’s “worst case scenario” with the “Young man came in with white wrinkled shirt, slouched down in chair, and answered questions in very short manner with approximately five word answers. “

Beckett suggests that everyone looking for work should watch the film, The Pursuit of Happyness to reinforce the importance of tenacity, “to remind themselves first of the preciousness of life but also the importance of every meeting, every conversation, and of course … every interview.”

Good luck at the interview!