Outdated vs. Timeless Interview Tips

We went down the rabbit hole searching 80's interview tips (dress to roles senior to who you are, power suits, shoulder pads). Obviously, so much advice from back then is no longer relevant today, but some interviewing tips are timeless.

Take a look at our interview advice that, unlike “lighting a cigarette during an interview only if the interviewer lights one first,” will never go out of style.

 
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INTERVIEW TIPS FROM “BACK THEN”

 
“You will never, ever, as long as you live, wear a short sleeve shirt for any job interview, or for any business purpose!”

The quote from Joe Hodowanes in his “Dressing for Interview Success” reminds us of the seriousness Corporate America took business dress.

Remember power dressing of the 1980’s? Men, this meant pinstripes and double-breasted suits. Women’s power suits had fierce shoulder pads and tweed fabric, later brighter colors (think: 9-5, Working Girl, Murphy Brown).

What interview advice was circulating around the time of the power suit?

  • Resumes should include personal details, including race, weight, height, family and marital status, health condition and whether you owned your own home.

  • Hide any tattoos and piercings. Hair color needs to be a natural tone.

  • If the interviewer lights up a cigarette, that’s your signal that it’s okay to also smoke.

  • Dress two levels up from the job you want. Men, this means a suit and tie, Women, this means pantyhose and heels. No open-toe shoes!

  • Don’t offer to pick up the tab at an interview lunch or dinner (especially women).

  • Get a business card and exchange one with everyone you meet.

 

TIMELESS INTERVIEW TIPS

 

Whether you’re having a ZOOM or an in-person interview, these tips are timeless and never to be forgotten.

Before the Interview:

  • Do your research on the client in addition to what the recruiter gives you. Look at their work and be prepared to share a specific project that moved you and why. Understand their culture, landscape and challenges.

  • Prepare your elevator pitch - 5 or 6 sentences that describe your capabilities, including hard and soft skills that directly apply to the job you’re applying for.

  • Dress for the company culture. If you show-up in a suit to a start-up, you might be deemed a cultural misfit.

  • Don't try any new make-up, lipstick, perfume, shoes, or outfit for your interview.  Apply what is already proven, what you are comfortable with. New shoes can be a disaster if you aren't used to wearing the heel or had to walk further than expected from parking.

At the Interview:

  • Arrive early to get settled: park, use the bathroom, etc. before your assigned time. For a Zoom interview, be ready at your computer at least 10 minutes before your interview begins. Test your microphone and camera angle.

  • Bring paper copies of your resume and references.

  • Be pleasant to everyone. PEOPLE TALK. This of this as a networking opportunity - be friendly and genuinely interested in meeting everyone.

  • No need to exchange business cards (save trees!). Connect on LinkedIn after you meet.

  • Relax, and listen to the questions to the questions you’re asked. This is a conversation. The more relaxed you are, the more genuine you come across.

  • Ask if there was anything you said during the interview they would like to review or makes you seem like you aren't perfect for the job? Or in your own way, say you would like to continue the conversation or you simply want the job.

After the Interview:

  • Write a thank-you note. Yes, a paper one. You can bring blank notes with you and write it in the lobby, then give to the receptionist for each of your interviewer(s).

  • Follow-up on LinkedIn with the other people you met at the company with a friendly note.

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