Interview Moves (Like Jagger)

Winter break is quickly approaching and with it comes prime job hunting time.When it comes to the interview, we've had posts on how to land one, proper attire, and even informational interviews. However, we haven't given as much attention to the body language we use.

We know that body language speaks just as loudly as our verbal communication and we're aware of obvious movements we should not use...but what exactly should we do? A recent article on Mashable pinpointed several very useful tips to keep in the back of your mind while trying to score your dream job. The following are just a few that I personally found surprising and may help you as well.

• Don't make direct eye contact. "Um, excuse me?" I said the same thing. Although most of us have been taught to do this, too much direct eye contact can be a bit unsettling for the interviewer. Instead, opt for what the article calls "direct face contact." Choose several different points on the face to focus on for seconds at a time for a more natural gaze.
• Show your palms. Studies have shown that when your palms are facing up, it sends a signal to our limbic brain communicating honesty, engagement, and positivity. Patti Wood, a body language expert, says, "It’s one of the reasons we shake hands, to show the open palm. It’s so tied to survival instincts ... If we don’t see open palm gestures, it puts us on our guard."
• Plant your feet on the ground. This tip is also grounded (no pun intended) in science. Apparently keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground makes it easier to think quickly. It allows you to move between the limbic reptilian brain (creative thought) and the neocortex brain (rational thought) to answer highly complex questions more quickly. I suppose that's where we get the phrase "Think/quick on your feet."

For the complete list and even more tips to put you a step ahead of the rest during interview season, read the rest of the original article here. Best of luck!

Three Tips for a Smooth Interview

We are all eventually going to be graduating and will have to face the nerve-wracking process of going on interviews. I figured, why not conquer the art of interviewing so this process will be a little less strenuous. Oh yeah, landing your dream job wouldn’t hurt either. During this blog, I will be discussing threetips that will make the interviewing process that much easier:dressing professionally, being confident, and do not eliminate yourself.

Dressing professionally seems like common sense, but it’s not. When going on an interview dress appropriately. A suit is preferable for any gender. It is always better to be overdressed then to be underdressed. Your clothing is a reflection of your character. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. So make it count!

Being confident is also key to the interviewing process. Even if you are not, appear to be confident. Make sure that your body language reflects your confident attitude. Shake hands firmly, make eye contact with the employer, and keep your posture upright. Be cautious of not coming off too confident.There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.

A lot of interviewees eliminate themselves by saying foolish things. Look at the interviewer as a media reporter. Anticipate what they will ask you the week before the interview and plan your answers in advance. This way your answers will be correct and make sense.

If you follow these three tips, your interview will run smoothly. Interviews are not meant to stress you out.  “Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.”– Napoleon Bonaparte

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Ransford Whaumbush. 

Tips for a Telephone Interview

The first step in the interview process after sending out your resume and getting a response is often a phone interview.  The interview could be with a person from human resources who just wants to ask a few general questions, or it could be with the person who is going to be hiring you. It could be five minutes; it could be half an hour.  The point of a preliminary phone interview is for an employer to figure out if they would like to bring you into the office for a face-to-face conversation.

Here are some tips from an article that can help you prepare for a phone interview:

1. Hold your interview in a quiet space

2. Provide details

3. Be prepared

4. Don't be afraid to speak up

5. Avoid rambling

6. Be confident

7. Listen carefully

8. Take your time

9. Don't get flustered

You should prepare for a phone interview the same way you would prepare for a regular interview.  This is your chance to provide your potential employer with information about yourself that will make them want to meet you in person.  As a bonus, phone interviews are a great way to showcase your phone etiquette since it is such an important part of PR.

Do you have any other phone interview tips? Let us know!

Why You Should Be Evaluating the Interviewer Too

The night-before jitters strike. Picking the perfect outfit and making sure you are well prepared for your interview are common behaviors. The moment you have been waiting for arrives and you’re ready to go. But what happens when your interviewer appears to fall short? Unfortunately, there are many components of a faulty interview. A meaningful understanding of the interview provides a foundation to determine your future working environment. Take into consideration the following telltale signs after your interview. 

1. “Tell me a little about yourself, I haven’t had a chance to look at your resume” - If that is the case, run. This is a negligent approach to an interview. It shows little thought and lack of interest of a prospective employee. After all, you’ve done your research on the company, so it is only fair that they reciprocate.
2. Easily Distracted - The interview has been scheduled for a specific time. Lunch and snacks should have been taken care of, and the utmost attention should be present by both the interviewer and interviewee. If the interviewer continues to look around, answer emails, or complete other tasks, then it is clear that they are inattentive.
3. “I’m not sure.”- The interview is reaching the end, and it is your turn to ask a few questions. The last response you want to hear is “I don’t know.”  If an interviewer or outside resource cannot give adequate answers to your questions, then it shows that there is a lack of familiarity and knowledge within the company.

Reflect and evaluate your first encounter with your potential employer as soon as you leave an interview. If you do not feel comfortable or satisfied, write a pro and con list to assist you before reaching a decision. The internal communication and culture of an organization or company is ultimately the most influential component in cultivating your future productivity, teamwork, and overall happiness. 

Share your favorite interview story with us!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Caitlin Kummeth.

How To: Dress For A Summer Interview

With the temperature rising as we continue into the summer season, dressing for summer interviews gets a bit tricky. Summer is the season of bright colors, short-shorts, light tank tops and airy sundresses. Interviews call for dark hues, stiff blazers, long pants and stuffy button-down shirts.

The best advice I have ever received in regards to interview wardrobes was "Dress to impress," Even if you are interviewing with a company that tends to dress a little more casual, always stick to a business casual approach.

Although the summer weather may make dressing in a suit or blazer uncomfortable, it is always important to dress up instead of dressing down. You should always look well-groomed and neatly dressed for an interview, no matter what season. 

Here are three essentials of a summer interview outfit:

Blazer: Summer calls for blazers, which are more casual than suit jackets but are still professional. Try to choose a neutral color, perhaps a light color. 

Button Down Shirt: A white, cotton button down is key for any summer interview outfit.

Dress Pants: Pants should also be a neutral color. Khakis are key for summer interviews. Women can substitute pants with cropped pants or ankle-length skirts.  

The Importance of Interview Questions

As aspiring PR professionals, we have learned that being prepared with questions to ask the interviewer during an interview can make or break whether or not you will get hired for the position. However, I’m sure that at least once when we were asked “Do you have any questions for me,” we may have replied with a disappointing “I don’t think so.” This is not something that we want to do. Here are some key reasons why asking questions in an interview is important:

Shows you are genuinely interested in the position:

If you come into the interview and have done your research on the company or person performing the interview, asking questions will let them know that you care about the company and aren’t just looking for any old job.

Questions leave a good impression:

Being prepared with great questions for the interview will set you apart from other candidates who did not ask informed questions. This will leave the interviewer impressed and they are more likely to want to hire you.

Helps you make a decision about the company or position:

An interview is not just for the company to decide if they want to hire you; it is also for you to decide if you would like to work for the company! Asking questions is your chance to find out whether the position will be a right fit for you.

Now that we have reviewed why asking questions during an interview are so important, what are some good questions to ask? Check out this article I found on PR Daily titled“6 interview questions that will make any employer want to hire you” with some great question ideas to prepare you for your next interview! http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/14122.aspx

What are some questions you find are important to ask during an interview? Share them with us!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Kaitlyn Mashack.