"Out of Practice" - The Business of Furniture 3/09/16 - Stephen Says




Dear Stephen,

FROM: Out of Practice

I am a man, early 40s, looking to change companies. I like my job fine, but am looking for a pay bump and maybe something new. It seems like everyone is hiring right now, and I should at least be snooping around to see what's out there. I haven't been on an interview in years though and more than being out of practice, I am concerned that I am out of touch with the times. I know how to answer the questions and how to explain what I've done, but it's the more basic things like what to wear and the etiquette of following up that makes me nervous. It feels like I've forgotten everything I once knew. Can you give me some Interview 101 prep? I just don't want to go in and embarrass myself. Help!
 

Stephen replies:

The secret is that not much has changed. All the conventional wisdom and etiquette that I'm sure you already know, or at least you think you know, still applies. Some things though have changed, so here are some of my most basic tips that will help anyone in any interview.

The first of these tips — and people always laugh when I tell them this: Crest White Strips or the tooth-whitening brand of your choice can be very important. There is simply no excuse for not having white teeth and a confident smile today. No need to spend lots of money at the dentist either, whitening strips will put you on your way. Yes, it may sound silly to you, but it really does make a difference.

Now onto the dress, always the most-asked question. Scope out the culture of where you are interviewing. This is actually the most important piece of advice for all elements of the interview. You need to know the place where you're interviewing inside and out, including the dress code. The look and vibe of a company is often reflected in the way employees dress. That being said, the rules are, of course, different for men and women.

In sales jobs, most men still wear a tie and jacket on interviews. This is one case where not standing out is the goal. Remember you're on an interview, it's not a social occasion. Even if your interviewer isn't wearing formal attire, it doesn't mean that he or she doesn't want you to be. There's no downside to men wearing suits and ties to sales job interviews. On the other hand, in A&D firms, formal attire is generally not the norm, nor is it necessary for an interview unless it is for a partner-level position. However, my secret is to throw on a jacket for even the more casual interviews. This makes you look serious and put-together without being too stuffy. And for goodness sake, no matter what you're wearing, polish your shoes.

For women, deciding what to wear is trickier. A good rule generally is to go with whatever outfit your friends tell you flatters you the most. I know, it's a terrible thing to say, but as long as it is being whispered in board rooms, I'll be writing it out for everyone to see. Women have more options: Dresses, skirts and pants can all be OK so long as you dress them up or down appropriately.

Often employers will tell you "we are business casual," but it is still an interview for you, so "business casual" means a tie and jacket for men and something formal and flattering for women. Remember, unless you're interviewing at a tech startup, you'll never be removed from consideration for a position for being overdressed. The same cannot be said for being underdressed. Never interview in anything that makes you look lazy or unkempt.

Next I'll offer the two-step plan I call "Making a Paper Trail."

Step one: Always bring several hard copies of your resume, preferably printed on nice paper. I know you sent one, and they have it, but it may be marked up or lost. Make it easy: Bring a fresh one. The person you are meeting with may give you a business card. If they don't offer one, ask for one, but all you need to give them is your resume. You are not there for a business meeting. It's an interview, and the last thing they are expecting from you is a business card. They're interviewing you and have your full resume right in front of them.

Step two: The pesky follow-up letter. Sometimes you don't know the e-mail address and titles of everyone you meet. That is why it is so important to ask for business cards before leaving. Do not wait for them to offer. You want to make 100 percent certain you'll get that card. When you get home, send a follow-up e-mail that night or the next day. It makes no difference exactly when, so long as it's within 24 hours of the interview. Many people of the older generations ask whether they should send snail mail or e-mail. Really? Do you think you want someone to think you are so old you don't know how to send an e-mail? With the hard copy resume and the follow-up email, the interviewers see you when they look on their computers or when they shuffle through papers on their desks. The goal is to stick in their brains, and there is no better way than making a good paper trail.

I'll end this small tutorial with a couple of quick-hitting simple suggestions. I always tell men to stay away from cologne and women to stay away from perfume when interviewing. Save it for a date. And lastly, and most importantly, millennial or boomer, man or woman, remember my trademarked slogan "Viagra handshake!" Make it firm and keep eye contact.


Good luck.
 

You can send your workplace questions to Stephen at: StephenSays@bellow.press.
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Stephen Viscusi is a bestselling author, television personality, and CEO of The Viscusi Group,
global executive recruiters located in New York.
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