Next Week

Next week we’ll talk about how to get the most out of your LinkedIn page.

Stayed tuned and we’ll also divulge a website that can trace all public photos and videos of you with a simple Internet search.

If we can find them, your future employers can find them.

Do clothes really make the (wo)man?

Won’t your knowledge shine through your wrinkled suit? I hope so, but only if your first paycheque finances a clothing iron.

In my last post I discussed the information interview, where the dress code is slightly more relaxed. In the corporate world, you want to put your best foot forward. Confidence and pride in your appearance as well as your body language will convey as much as the answers you give to their tough questions.

Dress for the interview. If you’re at Bay & Wellington, a suit and tie, shined shoes are expected. If you’re in graphic design, if you’re expected to work outdoors, if you’re working in fashion, the rules start to change.

Keep your look neutral. Blacks, greys, browns, beiges, keep the colours muted and coordinated.

Ladies: don’t wear the highest heels you can squeeze your feet into, and don’t wear too much perfume.
Gentlemen: don’t select the tie with the most “personality”, and the same thing goes with the cologne.
Jewelry should be conservative, and shouldn’t distract from the rest of the ensemble. Maintain eye contact. It might stop anyone from noticing that small coffee stain.

You’re answers should dazzle brighter than your smile, (and do smile – you’re going to an interview, not to prison). But the rest doesn’t hurt. You don’t need to spend a fortune, and if you’re going through an interview mill, as long as it’s clean and professional, wear that “interview outfit” more than once.

How valuable is an information interview?

During an economic crisis, companies are worried about downsizing, not interviewing new staff. How do you gain more access and knowledge in your field without pushing for a job? What about an informational interview?

With an informational interview you can set your sights really high. Select a company you would dream of working for once you have a few years of experience under your belt.
Call them and ask if they have some time for you.

Be polite, they aren’t gaining nearly as much as you are from this informational interview.
Come prepared with lots of questions, if the conversation flows naturally, great! Otherwise, be ready to fill any silences with questions.

It’s an information interview, not a job interview, so it’s a little more casual – but don’t wear jeans.
That being said, don’t sell yourself the same way you would at a job interview. You're there purely for information.

Tell them what you’re interested in and ask if they can maybe refer you to one of their coworkers for more information.

Information interviews are what you make of them. Aim high, go prepared and in the end you may be one step closer to your dream job.

Always remember to send a thank you note.
Handwriting it and sending it by mail is best, so try and get it done as soon as possible.

A Video Resume?

For any job, your CV is competing with dozens of others. How do you get it to stand out before that first interview?

Many are turning to...the video resume.