The Job Interview
Slice.ca brings you the best tips to scoring that job
You’ve landed an interview for your dream job. After putting together a portfolio, you’re ready to meet your potential future boss. But before you head off to that important interview, consider Slice.ca’s tips to leaving a great first impression.
Basic Instincts
One of the key factors that employers like to consider is whether or not a person will be the right fit for the company. Does the candidate have the right ingredients that will make them excel at their job? Maryam Siddiqi, the deputy editor of the Arts and Life section at The National Post wants to know who the candidate really is. “In the intimidating environment that is an interview, I just want to get to know someone as best I can in that short time,” says Siddiqi. “Chances are they will be nervous, but do they handle pressure well? Can they muster up enough courage for a few minutes of small talk? Because in this business, there's a need to do that a lot.”
Do Your Homework
Always read up about the company before meeting your interviewer. Bringing up the company’s recent work and industry awards are sure to score you some bonus points. Debra Goldblatt, president of Rock-It Promotions, thinks it’s key to getting that job. “It's always important to research the company prior to an interview,” explains Goldblatt. “It's very impressive, especially at a smaller agency like ours, to have a potential candidate show their enthusiasm by bringing up past campaigns or clients that we've worked with, as well as have a good grasp of what we do day-to-day.”
Siddiqi also stresses the importance of researching as much as possible. “If someone is coming into an interview blind, never having read a copy of the paper that I edit, that tells me that they don’t really prepare for interviews, and that’s half the job in journalism.”
Dress for Success
Leave your Ugg boots for taking out the trash in the middle of winter, not for your dream interview. But you also don’t want to get dressed up to a point where you look and feel uncomfortable. There is such a thing as way too dressed up. Goldblatt thinks that it’s crucial to dress appropriately for the job. “Don't show up in jeans for a more structured office environment, but on the other hand, don't show up in a suit for a more relaxed atmosphere.”
The Million-Dollar Questions
When it’s your turn to ask questions, make sure you ask smart ones that will help you and your interviewer decide whether or not the job will be the right fit for you. “Develop some good questions to ask surrounding the job description,” says Matt Standish, a partner and firm founder of Everest Management Network, a recruitment agency. Ask the interviewer about job duties, expectations, and management or communication styles. But don’t bring up the salary or the benefits questions until you’re actually offered the job.
Be Yourself
Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not just for the sake of the interview. It’s important that your interviewer gets to know the real you and whether or not you will work well with the team. Make sure your personality shines through so the interviewer can see how great you really are for the job.
Written by: Samra Habib