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1. PracticePractice and be able to back up your anecdotes. Simplicity isn't always what the employer wants, make sure you can give concrete examples of the qualities you define yourself with. Take in the interviewers questions, answering with only the relative information leading back to the job you're applying for.
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Common Interview Questions
Conducting a Mock InterviewA mock interview is a practice run, in preparation for an actual interview. Mock interviews are important because they give us the amazing ability of attaining constructive feedback before we actually complete the real job interview. Salt Lake Community College offers free mock interviews with our career counselors. If you don't have time for this, a friend or family member will work as well, though the feedback may be better or worse. For preparing for a mock interview, you should dress professionally and bring a notepad for note taking. Make sure you're taking notes of what your reviewer is giving you feedback on, these are the areas you need to work on the most. The main purpose of a mock interview is to gain more confidence in answering common interview questions.
Business ProfessionalBusiness professional dress is quite simple and follows somewhat of a strict dress code.
MEN: It is a requirement that men wear a tie with professional dress a bow tie is acceptable as well. Men are to wear suits, button down shirt, blazer or suit jacket, slacks, or nice dress pants, and dress shoes. You are allowed to mix and match suits/blazers unlike in formal dress where everything must match.
WOMEN: Similar to men women's options are limited to skirt-and-blouse combinations or pant suits. Women should be dressed conservatively for the most part, not being too revealing and the same rule applies to the men. Business CasualIn comparison to professional dress, business casual loosens its reins quite a bit. Though there are still very much rules of dress.
MEN: For men it comes down to whether or not your wearing a tie or not. As men are usually expected to be dressed in a collared shirt, however it does not need to be a full button down, some offices are okay with short sleeve polo's as well. For pants, some offices allow for jeans. However, to play it safe a chino or dress pant is most generally accepted. For shoes, usually a loafer or dress shoe will do, however more lenient working environments are okay with more casual shoes.
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Know Your AudienceSometimes job postings are dry on information, meaning they don't provide you information on what qualities and qualifications they are looking for. Finding this information is important as it tells the applicant what aspects of their resume they should highlight. These are some of the ways you as the applicant can find crucial information beyond the posting.
Websites to Research
What Not to WearAvoid any causal clothing, things such as jeans or work out clothes, sneakers, and shorts. As well as anything offensive or distracting such as t-shirts, rips in clothes, and any excessive jewelry. Be careful to avoid any exposed midriffs or chest regions as well. Especially avoid head-wear if at all possible, hats do not generally belong in a professional setting unless branded only in the case of religious significance is wearing a hat appropriate.
What to WearYou first must figure out what type of dress code the establishment your'e applying to abides by. There are three different types, Business-Professional, Business-Casual, and Business-Formal.
Business FormalClothing is to be neat, crisp, and pressed. No wrinkles should be showing. All suits must be matching as well. Dirty or unmatched clothing are simply unacceptable.
MEN: Not only are a matching pant and jacket necessary, but should be paired with a long sleeve button up shirt and complimentary tie. You should stay away from bright colors or complex patterns as it can be distracting.
WOMEN: Pant/Skirt combinations paired with a blouse are acceptable for women's business formal attire. You can pair it with a jacket that is 3/4 or short sleeved can be worn. Tops are recommended to be dress material or button up. Tops are not supposed to go beyond the hem of your jacket as well not revealing any midriff. Pantyhose are not required, however in the colder months are often worn. WOMEN: Generally women have the options of pants, skirt, or a dress. However, their are regulations for the length of shorts, dresses, or skirts. And its safe to say that to the knee is just that. Obviously depending on profession and culture of the job in question. So far as pants go, its similar to the men's, a dress pant or chino is almost always appropriate. Regarding tops, women are recommended flowy or nicely fitted button up or other nicely ironed top. Similar to men, the neck line must be appropriate. And lastly shoes, generally a close-toed heel, loafer, of cute flat will suffice, in some settings you are allowed sneakers.
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