Interviewing sucks …
… but you gotta do it to get a paycheck. Ed reveals how to impress the socks off even the snootiest HR executive.
Interviewing is one part of life that never becomes completely effortless-even if you've been on a ton of them. But whether you're going for your first job as an EA or your tenth as a deputy editor, nailing that first impression can be a piece of cake, if you follow a few guidelines.*
1. Have show and tell.
You may have poured hours into that resume-and-clips packet you sent to HR months
ago, but that doesn't give you license to show up empty-handed when they call
you in for an interview. Attach a fresh (and updated, if necessary) copy of
your resume to a few of your most recent clips, along with your business card
if you have one. (College newspapers and regional magazines are definitely acceptable
for recent grads.) Not only does this give your interviewer something to remember
you by, but a few examples of your work also makes for great conversation during
your meeting. "But do your best to tailor those clips to the publication
your interviewing for," cautions one HR rep at a major New York magazine
publisher. "I had one woman come in applying for a fashion job, and all
she had with her were sex stories. She didn't get the job."
2. Dress for success.
Almost all experts agree that creative industries (and that includes mags) no
longer expect candidates to show up in a suit. In fact, interviewers at some
of the edgier publications might deduct points for anything too prim and proper.
What hasn't changed: Employers still associate neat, pressed, formal clothes
with competence and brains. "I think everyone should have one really good
pair of expensive black pants," says one seasoned interviewer. "That way,
you don't have to worry about skirt length or whether or not to wear hose."
Whatever you wear on top should fit well (otherwise you'll look like a kid wearing
her mother's clothes), but not too fitted—anything tight or low-cut is distracting
and NEVER appropriate.
3. Mind the details.
Speaking of distractions, while you might be tempted to wear the 15 silver bangles
you bought in Spain, leave them at home. There's nothing like noisy jewelry
(and that includes dangling earrings) to deflect attention from all the stuff
you really want them to remember—like that internship at Time. Also, many employers
gauge (consciously or not) your ability to handle the pesky details of a job
by the way you take care of the more personal pesky details—that means scraggly,
unkempt brows, scuffed shoes, bitten down nails, and flyaway hair. A sheer coat
of neutral polish on well-trimmed nails, ponytail secured with a plain barrette
and a little plucking the night before goes a long way.
4. Look alive
"You wouldn't believe the number of people who walk into an interview looking
like they're in pain," says one corporate recruiter. Show your potential
boss that you're thrilled to meet her by walking into her office with your shoulders
back, looking her in the eyes and giving her a firm handshake. Experts also
suggest stashing your coat or gym duffel in a closet before making your introductions.
At the very least, all these extras can distort your posture-at the worst, you
end up tripping over one of them on your way in, or out, the door.
5. Don't talk about the weather
"If I had a dime for everyone who commented on the rain or the blazing
heat on the way in the door, I wouldn't need to work here," says a weary
recruiter. Be the one who breaks the mold by thinking up a few less weather-related
conversation topics the night before-you're not being fake; you're being smart.
If the company has recently relocated, ask how the move went. Lots of interviewers
ask about a candidate's favorite magazines, so be ready to talk about an intelligent
article you recently read.
6. Say thank you.
It's not enough to slink out with a quick closing handshake. Thanking Mr. HR
guy for his time and telling him that you're enthusiastic about the job is a
must, as is penning a brief note (not an email) emphasizing your interest as
soon as you get home.
*All of the information and advice
here is based on Ed's interviews with human resource executives and recruiters
in New York.
