Dressing for the Job Interview

Well, your resume worked and now you have an appointment for the all important job interview. You have done your homework. You are confident that you can answer anything the interviewer throws at you. Finally the big day arrives and the final important choice must be made. What should you wear?

It is no secret that how you look has everything to do with the first impression you make. A first impression is made in the first 27 seconds. If you are too formal in your appearance, you might give the impression of being rigid and stuffy. If you are too casual, you may send the signal that you do not take the interview or the job very seriously.

Begin by talking to employees of your potential new employer and find out what the dress code is and how seriously management takes it. If you can't find out this information, you should choose clothing that is professional in the impression it gives.

If you do not already own clothing that will work on an interview, you should go to a store where you can get good advice from the sales person. Be prepared to have the clothes tailored. No human being completely fits in clothes that are off the rack. To make the best impression the clothes must be altered to fit and accent your best features. 

The following ideas can never be neglected:

* Look clean and neat. Make sure that your hair is done appropriately. Women - do not wear wild hairdo's Men - get a trim of head and facial hair.
* Do not wear a perfume or cologne as many people are allergic. Bathing with a good quality bath soap will leave a light scent. You will be nervous and a gentle scent can mask the perspiring you may be doing. An unscented antiperspirant can be used.
* Cover any tattoos and avoid gaudy jewelry. Definitely limit pierced jewelry to ears only. Do not wear nose or tongue jewelry 

MEN
* Wear a suit or sport jacket with color coordinated trousers
* The color should be neutral or dark - blue, black or gray is best
* Wear a tie - even if you will never wear one after you get the job
* Shoes should be leather - clean and polished - black is best
* Make sure your nails are trimmed and that they are clean. 

WOMEN
* Wear a classic suit or a simple dress with a jacket. This is not a time to be provocative or sexy. Some appropriate colors are navy blue, black, dark green, dark red, burgundy, or gray.
* Dress in a higher style that the position calls for but do not attempt to out dress everyone there.
* Avoid wearing clothes that are tight, revealing or trendy. It may be the very latest fashion but it will not impress the interviewer
* Fingernails should be trimmed to a length that doesn't leave an observer wondering how you keep from stabbing yourself. The polish should be closer to a color your mom might wear that to a color that your kid sister would go for. 

Even after you are successful in getting the job, you should continue to pay attention to your wardrobe. Interviewing for that first job is only the beginning in the role clothing will play in your career.

You should regularly add pieces made of high quality, long wearing fabrics. It is best to buy separates that you can mix and match with the pieces that you already own. Each piece you buy adds to the variety of looks you can achieve. You may ask why this is important? The reason is that even after you have the job you sought, you might like to be considered for advancement and promotion. The impression you leave on the job every day will be added to your performance when the boss looks around for someone to promote.

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Handling Illegal Interview Questions

There are several questions that employers may not legally ask applicants. Federal law attempts to ensure that candidates are hired on job qualifications and not by prejudicial criteria. Questions structured to obtain information on race, gender, religion, marital status, age, physical and/or mental status, ethnic background, country of origin, sexual preference, or any other discriminatory factor are generally illegal as grounds for making employment decisions. With few exceptions, these factors contribute nothing to your ability to perform a job, and an employer must substantiate those cases where a direct relationship is thought to exist. Anything that is not a bona fide occupational qualification may not be covered directly, although the interviewer may seek the information indirectly.

So, how do you handle an illegal interview question? First it is important to assess the intentions of the interviewer. Most illegal interview questions are asked in true innocence -- or, better stated, in true ignorance: ignorance of the law, ignorance of what questions are proper, and ignorance of how the information could be used by others in a discriminatory way.

Ironically, most illegal questions are asked when the untrained interviewer is trying to be friendly and asks a seemingly innocent question about your personal life or family background. Therefore, any attempt by the candidate to assert his or her constitutional rights will merely throw up the defense shields and put an end to any future consideration for employment. Warning lights go on, sirens sound, and the interviewer begins backing down from what otherwise may have been a very encouraging position.

So what is the proper response? Any response depends on the particular situation and the personalities and motives of those involved, but overall you have three basic options: (1) answer truthfully if you feel your response will not hurt you, (2) inform the interviewer that the question is illegal and risk offending them and ending your chances for the position, or (3) base your answer on the requirements of the job and your ability to perform it. Here are a few examples of casually asked illegal questions and suggested responses:

Q: Does your family mind the travel required for this position?
A: I am accustomed to significant business travel. In fact, I find being on the road invigorating, and my track record has been very consistent under these conditions.
Q: Are you religious? Will your religion prevent you from working extra hours or on weekends when we have a big project?
A: I suppose everyone is religious in their own way. I do not foresee any circumstances that would interfere with the quality or commitment of my performance.
Q: You have a very unusual last name. What is its origin?
A: It really is a mouthful, isn't it? I've always used my first name and last initial in my business e-mail address, as it is easier.
Q: Are you planning a family in the near future?
A: Currently, I am focused on my career and although having a family is always a possibility, it is not a priority at the moment.
Q: How many more years do you see yourself in the work force (before retiring)?
A: In today's world people don't retire like they used to; some can't. My career and my need to earn an income are priorities that I do not foresee changing in the near future.

How you choose to handle these types of questions depends on the perceived motivation of the interviewer as well as your desire to have the position. However, no matter how badly you want or need a position, always keep in mind that if a company is capable of asking illegal questions before you are an employee, there is a greater potential for mistreatment after you are hired.

Your best bet is to try and keep the interview focused on the qualifications of the position and your qualifications as a candidate. Blatant discrimination does take place. If it does and you are offended, you have the right to end the interview immediately ("I don't think we're a good match. Thank you for your time.") -- you never wanted to work there in the first place!

So, how did Jim in our example above answer the question? He could have said, "It's none of your concern," which likely would have quickly ended a promising interview. But Jim thought about the underlying intent of the company in asking the question, which was "Will relocating an employee who likely has a family be so troublesome that he/she will be unproductive for months?" Considering that, he might have responded, "My family and I are committed to my career, so relocation is absolutely not a problem." But Jim's family of five was used to moving every several years because of his ascending career, so Jim responded: "I've moved my family every three years, and they always consider it a great adventure. I've talked to them about the possibility of this move, and they're very excited."

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what should i say if an interviewer asked me "Tell Me About Yourself"

"Tell me about yourself" is the most common and first question asked in the interviews. This answer to this questions gives the interviewer his next question.

From this answer, the interviewer gauges many things:

Non-Technical 
1) Your communication skills
2) Your confidence and your
3) Body Language
4) Structure of your answer 

Technical
1) Your background
2) Your acheivements
3) Your experience

There are many more things that he/she will gauge in this answer.

So, you may start off from your education may be from schooling, if you have won any competition there highlight that. Tell your % if that is good.
Then proceed with entire education and highlight all the achievements. Any thing is fine as long as it shows that you are a winner. Even if you don't have anything that is find. Just tell your interests and progress.

Then if you have a job experience then tell about your projects and your role in them. Try to highlight the leadership and proactiveness that you showed in your projects. Tell that you have taken initiatives - be honest.

Hope this helps. Note, I am not giving the exact word to word answer as this varies from person to person.

In addition to management interview questions, this page contains effective answers to tough interview questions. Although you never know what type of questions may be asked on an interview, these are the type of questions that give job seekers the most problems.

It is very important to be prepared for an interview. During the course of an interview, you may be asked 30 questions or more. Just one bad answer can stand out and cost you the job. Make sure you are well prepared and have good answers to these tough interview questions.

We will now go over the sample management interview questions. These are the questions that job seekers often ask us about. We also provide effective answers to these tough interview questions.
Management interview questions
You never know what you will be asked on an interview. The following management interview question list will help you prepare. You need to be able to answer all questions truthfully and professionally. Here are the tough interview questions and answers:

Q. Why are you considering leaving your present job?
A. Regardless of the reason, do not bad mouth your current employer. Negativism will always hurt you. Good answers include: “There is no room for growth at my current employer. I am looking for a company with long term growth opportunities”. “Due to a company restructuring, my entire department is relocating to Florida. I was give the option of moving, but do not wish to relocate”. “My current company is not doing well, and has been laying off employees. There is no job security there, and more layoffs are expected”.

Q. What are your goals for the future?
A. “My long term goals are to find a company where I can grow, continue to learn, take on increasing responsibilities, and be a positive contributor”.

Q. How do you handle stress and pressure?
A. “I find that I work better under pressure, and I enjoy working in an environment that is challenging.” “I am the type of person that diffuses stress. I am used to working in a demanding environment with deadlines, and enjoy the challenges.”

Q. What do you know about our company?
A. This question is used to see if you have prepared for the interview. Candidates that have researched the company are more appealing. Companies like prepared, organized candidates.

Q. We have met several candidates. Why are you the one we should hire?
A. Give definite examples of your skills and accomplishments. Be positive, and emphasize how your background matches the job description.

Q. What are your greatest strengths?
A. Be positive and honest. “My greatest strength is maximizing the efficiency of my staff. I have successfully lead numerous teams on difficult projects. I have an excellent ability to identify and maximize each of my staffs strengths.” Give examples.

Q. Tell me about your greatest weakness?
A. It is very important to give a strength that compensates for your weakness. Make your weakness into a positive. “I consider myself a 'big picture' person. I sometimes skip the small details. For this reason, I always have someone on my team that is very detail oriented.” Another good answer: “Sometimes, I get so excited and caught up in my work that I forget that my family life should be my number one priority.”

Hopefully these interview questions and answers will help you. It is important to customize the answers for your specific background and experience.

Now that we have gone over the tough interview questions and answers, you need to be aware of important resources that can make your job search easier and more thorough. 

And make your future bright. Good Luck..!

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introductory questions-5

1. Why should we hire you?
2. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
3. Why did you leave your previous jobs (if any)?
4. What do you know about our company?
5. Tell me about yourself?

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introductory questions-4

1. Describe a situation in which you had to lead a team of people over which you had no formal authority.
2. How well do you work under pressure?
3. What qualities should a successful manager possess?
4. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
5. Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?
6. What major challenges have you encountered and how did you deal with them?
7. In what kind of a work environment are you most comfortable?
8. What jobs have you enjoyed the most? The least? Why?

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introductory questions-3

1. Imagine you were going to spend the weekend at a friend's houseon a little island off the coast of Maine. There are no shops onthe island and you won't be able to leave while you're there. Also,you've never been to this house before, so you can't assume it willhave more than any house might.What, besides clothes and toiletries, do you make a point of packing?
2. Do you like cats or dogs? Suppose I am a [opposite of your answer] person. Convince me to become a [your answer] person in 5 minutes.
3. Give me an example of a revolutionary technology. If you were the inventor, how would you market this technology? What existing technology would you displace, and why? If you were the owner of that displaced technology, what could you do to survive or continue to grow?
4. What would be the first thing you would do if hired?
5. Describe an ethical dilemma you resolved in working with groups.
6. What are your expectations from this job?
7. Specific questions on the projects listed on your resume.
8. What would your present boss say your greatest weakness is?

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introductory questions-2

1. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
2. What irritates you about co-workers?
3. Are you willing to work overtime? Can you work late nights and weekends?
4. Which is more important to you: money or work?
5. Are you a team player?
6. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
7. Tell me about a problem that you have had with a supervisor
8. These are the To Do tasks in your list which you have to do and complete within 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. how you would manage your time:
   
   • Meet Client A at morning to take the specifications which will take 1 hour
   • Update Client A on the process and present in the evening at 4p.m. which will take around 3 hours
   • Interview a candidate which will take 1 hour
   • Lunch with another prospective client B will take 1 hour
   • Update status to the manager which will take 1 hour
   • Generate data on specific requirements from the repository which will take 4 hours
   • Have to convince girlfriend/boyfriend (after last night’s fight), she/he will not be available before 9a.m. and after 5p.m

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