Recently I was given the task of hiring a second hostess at the fine dining restaurant i work at. After posting an ad on Craigslist.com, over forty men and women arrived for the open call interview. I am a college student working a part time job at a restaurant, therefore I am by no means a professional corporate employee or business woman (one day I hope). However, after going on several job interviews myself in the past I was able to experience for the first time what it's like to be on the other end. I observed many things some even a bit shocking. With over forty job applicants applying for one position, I realized how important it is for a person to present themselves in the best possible light. Here are some things i observed during the interviews that might help others:
1. Do dress the part. Unless you are applying somewhere beginning with the word moonlight, body, nude or girls, please don't come dressed like an exotic dancer. One woman arrived to the interview with a dress that left very little to the imagination, along with bright yellow and orange glitter eyeshadow. I didn't hear a word she was saying because I was to busy squinting my eyes from her bright makeup. Frankly, I was even a little worried she was going to pull a Janet Jackson on me at the Super Bowl. Listen, I'm all for looking and feeling feminine, yet when you dress like your going out to a club, especially in the middle of the day, it takes the focus away from you and your qualifications for the job. If you are one of those who are trying to get a job through your sex appeal, consider the person interviewing you might be a woman, and then you'll be screwed. To stay on the safe side, dress in neutral colors and don't show to much skin. Keep makeup and jewelry to a minimum.
2. Think before you speak. For many years woman held protests, burned their bras and wore extremely thick shoulder pads all in the name of equality. Woman have fought for equal rights and paved their way into the work force. Woman have come a long way from the housewife role, and there's no turning back.Yet there will always be a few bad apples that will still view women as sex objects or second class citizens. For example, one gentleman walked in for an interview and took a seat across from me at the table. Before handing me his resume, he paused and with a smirk on his face and he proceeded to blurt out, "Wow i feel like i'm on a date with you right now." Hmmm, somehow I doubt if I was a male interviewer you would say that. Needless to say, his resume was quickly thrown out. To sum it up: Don't act like a chauvinist pig!! Especially if a woman is interviewing you!!
3. Always bring a resume. It might or might not be the job of your dreams, it might not even pay enough to cover all your expenses. However, it's a job and you obviously need it if you are going for a interview. Some employers don't use job applications during hiring, Therefore come prepared with a resume. First impressions are very important--an employer must figure out if you will be a potentially valuable employee within the short amount of time they get to know you. A resume helps the employer keep track of your name, location and qualifications. It gives a small glimpse of who you are and what you have to offer. If someone were to come in without a resume, I have very little to remember them by, and essentially their contact gets lost beneath the pile of resumes. Thus, an employer is more likely to go back and look at resumes on file for future emploment opportunities.
4. Make sure to read the job description before arriving for an interview. Many jobs require different hours, skills and such. Therefore, if a job description states full time then thats what it means. Don't show up only to explain during the interview that you have another obligation and can only work 2 to 3 days a week. In addition, do not apply for a position that you obviously don't have the skills for. One lady who applied spoke very little to no English, and throughout the interview she stared around the room while I spoke because she wasn't understanding half of what I said. It's obviously difficult to learn a new language and takes time, which is absolutely understandable but considering the job primarily has to do with interacting with customers in person and over the phone, it's best to make sure you have the bare minimum qualifications before applying for the position.
5. Don't forget to smile and lend a hand. Most people get nervous before and during a job interview, its a lot of anxiety. You must be well dressed, make sure you don't forget to bring a copy of your resume and hope you wont blank out on all of the questions. Smiling helps hide your anxieties and releases an aura of confidence. I helps everyone in the room relax a bit. You might be sweating bullets underneath your jacket, but when you walk in a room, smile and extend a handshake. It shows you have confidence and leadership skills which are all assets to an employer.
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