Ms. Career Girl

Top Menu

  • Home
  • Media
  • About
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact
    • PR and FTC Disclosure
  • Subscribe

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Careers
    • Productivity
    • Career Confessions
    • #SideHustle
    • Job Search Advice
    • Resume Optimization Tool
    • Job Board
  • Lifestyle
    • Life After College
    • Health & Beauty
    • Style
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Product Reviews
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Working Moms
  • Specials
    • Real Career Girls
    • Style Your Life
    • Book Club
    • Giveaways
  • Home
  • Media
  • About
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact
    • PR and FTC Disclosure
  • Subscribe

logo

  • Home
  • Careers
    • Productivity
    • Career Confessions
    • #SideHustle
    • Job Search Advice
    • Resume Optimization Tool
    • Job Board
  • Lifestyle
    • Life After College
    • Health & Beauty
    • Style
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Product Reviews
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Working Moms
  • Specials
    • Real Career Girls
    • Style Your Life
    • Book Club
    • Giveaways
FeaturedJob Search
Home›Featured›4 Tips for Bringing Your Most Professional Self to an Interview

4 Tips for Bringing Your Most Professional Self to an Interview

By Alissa M. Trumbull
Sep 4, 2015
17884
0
Share:

I spent a few days this week doing staffing for a new business. Some interviews were scheduled, some were open call style. I don’t know if I’m getting cynically critical or appropriately more selective, but I am finding that the more staffing I’m involved in, the narrower my window for the acceptability of certain behaviors becomes. I was shocked by the number of applicants who came in looking disheveled, without a resume in hand, or unclear about what position they were even showing up for.

Take these tips to shine even brighter in your next interview.

 

Look Your Best

professional woman 0117

It doesn’t matter what kind of position you’re applying for, clean up. While an interviewer cannot comment on your appearance, it doesn’t go unnoticed. Show the person you’re meeting and the position you’re looking to obtain some respect. You don’t have to put on makeup if that’s not your thing, but don’t look like you rolled out of bed and through the door of the office as an afterthought.

 

Curb the ‘Tude

While culture fit is becoming an increasingly important part of the interview process, this still means you need to bring some respect to the table. The way you sit, talk, and exude certain aspects of your personality can make or break an interview. This doesn’t mean you have to become stodgy and straight-laced – in fact, it is critically important to let your true self shine thought – but be courteous and speak professionally. The way you behave in an interview shows someone how they can expect you to interact with customers and coworkers. A bad or pompous attitude won’t get you anywhere.

 

Come Prepared

updated resume 0126

At a minimum, bring several hard copies of your resume. It doesn’t hurt to also bring a copy of your cover letter, your portfolio, and any other supporting documents that might be relevant to the position. Don’t assume that because you emailed your resume it got printed. If you have time, research the company and the requirements for similar positions. Have questions ready. The level of your preparedness for the interview tells the person assessing you a lot about how you are as a person.

 

Be Honest

Don’t accept a callback if you decide a company or position isn’t right for you. An interviewer might be disappointed to lose a shot at your talents, but will appreciate you not wasting their time. Your disinterest in a position might not show in those interviews, but if you take a job you don’t really want, it will be noticed in your work ethic right away.

TagscareerinterviewJob Searchjobswork
Previous Article

Sleeping Habits Around the World

Next Article

5 unexpected health benefits from healthy eating

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0

Alissa M. Trumbull

Alissa M. Trumbull recently co-founded #BizGalz, a Twitter chat starting in September 2015 geared for women in all stages of life and career. She is also one-half of the Social Outlaws, a new blog dedicated to the areas of social media and social business. Passionate about business ethics, Alissa seeks opportunities to strengthen individuals and organizations through the application of best practices and human understanding. She is also a graphic designer, voracious reader, and fitness enthusiast. Always remember that the more love you pour into the world, the greater your reward. Don't be afraid to risk for what's important!

Related articles More from author

  • Career ConfessionsLife After CollegeSelfWork

    A Tale of High Achieving Career Ladies

    Oct 24, 2013
    By Ms. Career Girl
  • work in sales
    Life After CollegeSelfWork

    Why an entry level sales job is a great way to kickoff your career

    Dec 15, 2013
    By Ms. Career Girl
  • #SideHustleLife After CollegeSelfWork

    Get a Modern Day Career Path Dream Catcher

    Feb 7, 2014
    By Ms. Career Girl
  • #SideHustleSelfWork

    Get Your Creative Juices Flowing Today with a Creative Project

    Nov 15, 2013
    By Ms. Career Girl
  • DatingLife After CollegePlus OneSelfWork

    Are Your Expectations Realistic?

    Nov 13, 2008
    By Ms. Career Girl
  • #SideHustleWork

    Featured Lady Fridays: Melissa Alvarez, Founder of The Nanny Tree

    Nov 14, 2008
    By Ms. Career Girl

  • Career ConfessionsLife After CollegeSelfWork

    A Tale of High Achieving Career Ladies

  • work in sales
    Life After CollegeSelfWork

    Why an entry level sales job is a great way to kickoff your career

  • #SideHustleLife After CollegeSelfWork

    Get a Modern Day Career Path Dream Catcher

As seen on

career advice blog badge oriel badge

Featured On

  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Resume Optimization Tool
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
© Copyright 2021 Ms Career Girl