Workbook 6 - Literacy Link South Central

How do you know what to wear? It is a good plan to dress a little more formally than youwould for the job. It isn’t always necessary to wear a suit and tie or a suit and heels to aninterview. If, for example, you are applying for a maintenance position in an industrial plant,you could wear dress pants and buttoned shirt or blouse. Jeans are not appropriate for jobinterviews. If you are worried that your look is too casual, you can always add a sports jacketor blazer which will add a professional touch to your appearance.24Don’t own a suit or jacket? Check out your local thrift store if you don’t want to investDon’t own a suit or jacket? Check out your local thrift store if you don’t want to invest inin something new and expensive. For a very reasonable price (often less than $20) andsomething new and expensive. For a very reasonable price (often less than $20) andthe price of dry cleaning, you will have a very useful piece to add to your interviewthe price of dry cleaning, you will have a very useful piece to add to your interviewwardrobe.wardrobe.Personal hygiene is is also also important for for the the first impression you will create. You will benervous,sonervous,be sure tosousebe surea goodto usedeodoranta goodandantiperspirantmouthwash.andTrymouthwash.and have aTryglassandofhavewaterashortlyglassof water shortly before the interview. If you are a smoker, try not to smoke. Nonsmokersare very sensitive to the smell of cigarettes, and this odour can be a real turn-before the interview. If you are a smoker, try not to smoke. Non-smokers are very sensitive tothe off smell to non-smoking of cigarettes, interviewers. and this odour can be a real turn-off to non-smoking interviewers.The The Night Before: Pre-Interview ChecklistOutfit is clean and ironedShoes are clean and polishedNo spicy food or garlic within 24 hours of the interviewNails are cut and cleanAlarm clock is setWhat to bringWhat to bringIt is a good idea to bring:It is a good idea to bring:• Two or three copies of your resume Two or three copies of your resume• A prepared list of your references A prepared list of your references•A notebookA notebookandandpenpenOftenOftentherethereisismoremorethanthanoneoneinterviewer.interviewer.YouYouwillwilllooklookprofessionalprofessionalandandpreparedpreparedifif youyou havea have spare a copy spare of copy your of resume your resume to give to a second give a second or third or interviewer. third interviewer. You may You not may need not to givethe need employer to give a the list employer of your references, a list of your but references, again, you but will again, look professional you will look and professional prepared ifand prepared if you have them ready. Finally, you will look organized and eager if youyou have them ready. Finally, you will look organized and eager if you have a notebook andhave a notebook and pen and are ready to take some notes during the interview. Bepensureandto makeare readythesetobrief.take someYou don’tnoteswantduringto bethesointerview.busy makingBe surenotesto makethat youtheseforgetbrief.toYoudon’t look want at or listen to be so to the busy interviewer. making notes that you forget to look at or listen to the interviewer.41The Day of the Interview: Pre-Interview Checklist