8.2: Part II- Interview Day and Follow-Up

The Day of the Interview

First impressions impact various aspects of life, particularly in professional and social contexts. Within seconds of meeting someone, we form initial perceptions based on appearance, demeanor, and communication style. Positive first impressions can significantly influence job interviews, networking events, and business meetings. They set the tone for how colleagues, superiors, and, importantly, potential employers perceive you, your personality, and your character; they are crucial in establishing trust, credibility, and a positive rapport.

A confident and well-presented introduction creates a favorable foundation, leading to increased likelihood of success. Your attire, grooming, manner, and early arrival all affect the first impression you make on your interviewer.

Here are a few tips …

You will probably dress in “business attire” or “business casual attire.” Try to find out which is most appropriate by visiting the company or asking someone there, such as the receptionist. Yes, it does depend on the type of business. You probably won’t wear a suit to interview for a retail clerk job at the Surfboard Center on the beach.

Professional or Business Attire. Professional attire does not mean “dressed up.” “Business attire” most often refers to what is worn to an office setting–suit and tie for men, suit with skirt, pantsuit, or conservative dress for women.

“Business casual” means a balance of traditional business attire and comfortable casual clothing. For men, this often includes dress pants or khakis paired with a button-down shirt or polo shirt. Ties may be optional, and jackets or blazers may be worn depending on the workplace (no suit and tie for that surf shop job, for example). Footwear choices can range from dress shoes to loafers or polished, non-sporty shoes–not sneakers or flip-flops.

Women's business casual attire usually consists of knee-length dresses or pants (not blue jeans) or skirts combined with blouses, sweaters, or conservative tops. These should not be sleeveless. Flats, loafers, or heels are appropriate, and accessories should not be too flashy. The key is to maintain a polished and professional appearance while incorporating a more relaxed and comfortable style. Whatever you wear, be sure that it is clean and tidy.

Grooming. Appropriate grooming for a job interview is a critical component of presenting oneself in a polished and professional manner. A well-groomed appearance enhances the overall impression and reflects attention to detail and respect for the opportunity. For both men and women, hair should be clean and well-maintained, neatly trimmed. Men with long hair should tie it back rather than let it hang loose.

Impeccable personal hygiene is essential, including clean and trimmed nails, fresh breath, and use of deodorant. Use of cologne or perfume should be minimal and subtle. Makeup for women, if any, should be minimal and tasteful. Men should be clean-shaven or the beard or mustache should be freshly clipped and clean looking. Ultimately, the goal is to project an image of professionalism and self-care, allowing the interviewer to focus on qualifications and skills rather than distractions stemming from personal appearance issues.

Arrival time. Plan to be early! Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Arriving late for an interview communicates disinterest, lack of respect, and poor planning. Be sure to allow for traffic or other unexpected delays. If possible, check out the location days ahead of the interview, including identifying parking locations and walking distance. Arriving early will give you a moment to collect your thoughts and become familiar with the surroundings. (Do you know where the bathroom is?)

The Interview. Don’t be nervous! That’s easier to say than to do, isn’t it? Your thorough preparation, including rehearsing potential questions and responses, will help reduce nervousness. Deep-breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques before the interview can help calm nerves and focus your thinking. Positive affirmations and visualization of a successful interview outcome can shift your emotion from anxiety to optimism. Embracing nervous energy as a natural part of the process and reframing it as excitement for the opportunity can turn anxiety into a positive force. Tell yourself, “I’m excited to be here,” rather than “I’m nervous.” And remember to do a power pose before leaving home.

Greet people with a smile and handshake. When someone tells you his or her name, repeat the name clearly. Ask for help with pronunciation if need be. If someone hands you a business card, take a moment to look at it and read it, delivering the message that the person is important to you,

Be courteous and professional. Maintaining a sense of humor is good, but never make jokes. Avoid being either overly quiet or too talkative.

Effective participation in a job interview requires a combination of verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Use active listening (see Module 9) by paying close attention to the interviewer's questions and responding thoughtfully. Avoid interrupting. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. Maintain good eye contact throughout the interview to convey confidence and engagement. Be mindful of body language, ensuring that it reflects openness and interest. Non-verbal cues, such as a firm handshake and a genuine smile, contribute to a positive interaction.

Use a moderate and natural tone of voice. Be concise in your responses, providing enough detail to answer the question without going off-topic. Asking thoughtful questions about the company or role demonstrates interest and preparation. Finally, exhibit a positive attitude and show gratitude at the conclusion of the interview, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications and the potential fit for the position.

Start here! Preparing for the Interview

Here are the steps you learned in this module that will help prepare you for a job interview:

• 1. Research the employer and make notes.
• 2. Review your relevant skills and experiences.
• 3. Prepare two strength stories.
• 4. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer(s).
• 5. Print several resumés.
• 6. Select attire and decide on grooming.
• 7. Plan to arrive early (timing & transportation).
• 8. The night before: get a good night’s sleep.
• 9. That day: eat a nutritious breakfast.
• 10. Prepare yourself with a positive mindset. Show confidence in yourself and demonstrate that you care about others.

Interview Follow Up and Thank You Letter

Following up after a job interview demonstrates your continued interest in the position and reinforces your professionalism. Here's how to follow up:

Send a Thank You email. Within 24 hours of the interview, send a concise and personalized thank you email to each person who interviewed you. When possible, send the email to individuals, not to everyone who interviewed you at once. You may write in the body of the email or you may write a separate letter and attach it to the email. Keep the letter to less than one page.

Thank You Content

Use Proper Salutation. Use the interviewers’ last names (if known) and address people by formal titles, as in: Dear Professor Green; Dear Ms. Hope; Dear Mr. Munoz, etc.

Express Gratitude. Express gratitude for the interview opportunity, reiterate your enthusiasm for the position, and briefly mention a specific aspect of the interview that you appreciated or found interesting.

Reaffirm Interest. Reaffirm your interest in the position and the company. Mention how the interview reinforced your belief that your skills and experience align well with the requirements of the position.

Highlight Relevant Points. Use the follow up email to highlight any key points or qualifications that you may not have emphasized during the interview. This is an opportunity to reinforce why you are the right candidate for the job.

Clarify Any Unaddressed Issues. If you feel you didn't answer some questions as effectively as you could have, or if there are additional points you'd like to make, address them in this email.

Express Eagerness for Next Steps. Politely express your eagerness to move forward in the hiring process. Mention that you are looking forward to the possibility of contributing to the team and that you are available for further discussions.

Remain Professional. Keep the tone of your followup email professional and positive. Strike the right balance between enthusiasm and professionalism; avoid being too casual or overeager.

Use Proper Closing. Conclude your email with a professional salutation, such as "Best regards" or "Sincerely," and include your full name. Make sure your email signature is complete with your contact information.

Remember that following up is not a one-time action. If you do not receive a response within the timeframe they mentioned for the next steps, send a polite email inquiring about the status of your application or the timeline for the process. Nonetheless, avoid being too persistent or impatient; the hiring process can take more time than you expect.

Start here! Elements of a Thank You Letter

• Heading (or Subject line)
• Salutation (Greeting)
• Introduction
• Body
• Closing
• Topics in the Body
  • 1. Express gratitude.
  • 2. Reaffirm interest.
  • 3. Highlight relevant points or qualifications,
  • 4. Clarify Any Unaddressed Issues.
  • 5. Express Eagerness for Next Steps.

Practice Zone

Write a thank you letter to the company you selected for the previous PRACTICE ZONE. Include the five topics listed in the box.