By Porsche Miles Grant
It may seem like common sense, but common sense is not so common. Therefore, it’s no shock that how you dress, what you say, and how you conduct yourself can either lead to an increase or a decrease in finances.
Have you ever heard first impressions are everything? This is true! In life, many times you only are given one opportunity to make a great first impression. This is especially true when interviewing for a job. Everything from your resume, cover letter, posture, attire, jargon, expressions, and gestures can have an impact on whether or not you land the job. This means that it is imperative that you make your next move your best move and conduct yourself in a professional manner. Your finances are counting on you! What you have to remember is your interviewer does not know you as an individual. They don’t know if you have a good heart, nor do they know your intent. In fact, you are a complete stranger to them, and the only clues they have about you being a potential candidate for the job, are those that you give them in your resume, cover letter, and interview.
In the interviewing process, employers are very cognitive of your intent and observing everything. Are your clothes appropriate? Ladies, are your skirts the correct length? (No more than 3 inches above the knee) Are you nails properly groomed and a decent length? Are your heels too high? Do you have more than one ear piercing in each ear, and are the earrings bigger than quarter size. Is your hair what employers would like to call “circus colors”? How much jewelry are you wearing? It is important to realize you are not going on a date or to a concert, but rather a professional interview where it is essential that you are taken seriously, and seen as reliable, responsible, and business savvy. Fellas, are you wearing a belt? Are your clothes ironed? Do you have visible tattoos? Are your shoes cleaned? Did you put on too much cologne? Are your nails, hair, and facial hair properly groomed? Wearing a nice suite and tie is ideal for a business interview. You want to make sure that you are dressed for success and giving off the best possible impression of yourself.
With that being said, it is also mandatory that you watch what you say. Discussing politics, religion, or personal views are always a no-no. When you are asked, “Tell me a little about yourself?” Your response should always be professionally driven. Sharing personal information such as I have 5 kids, I’m a Republican, and enjoy nice rides in the park are not exactly the answers they are looking for. They want to know about you professionally. What can you bring to the table, how are you the best candidate for the job, what are your qualities and skills. When asked about the worse boss you have ever had, it is a poor decision to actually bash your last or current employer. In doing so, you show your character and make potential employers skeptical. Below are more tips on things that should be avoided when interviewing:
• Never ask about pay before being offered the position. Research the pay before the interview to decide whether or not this is the job for you.
• Be cautious of talking too much
• Failing to answer the interviewers question
• Interviewing intoxicated
• Using slang
• Appearing uninterested in what the interviewer is discussing
• Being too modest
• Avoid personal opinions, politics, and religious conversation
Landing a job is your vehicle to more finances, and more finances enables you to live the life you desire. Thus, put your best foot forward and give all you have…. Professionally that is.
Porsche Miles Grant is a Certified Financial Counselor and Certified Paralegal. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree. She may be reached at Porsche.miles2288@gmail.com or 313-753-2696. You may also find her at
https://www.facebook.com/financesandeducation.
This article was printed in the June 12, 2016 – June 25, 2016 edition.
