Two weeks ago I had my first job interview since 2002. Though I had performed an internship last fall, I was worried about the interview. I decided to change my approach and make some adjustments. First, I purchased business cards. They were not expensive and they offer free templates online. I bought resume paper and business letter envelopes. I had some address labels, so I used the same template as the business cards.

The day before the interview, I got a haircut and chose the clothes I would wear. I had a business suit and a shirt. I cleaned my shoes to ensure no dirt was visible. I made sure my clothes matched and there was no visible damage or dirt. And that night I practiced. I dressed in my suit and walked around the house. I wanted make sure I would feel confident and comfortable walking into the room. I was given the choice to interview at 8:00am or 12:45pm. I the later time slot, so I would not feel rushed.

I arrived 30 minutes early, so I could find parking and review possible questions. As a veteran, I visualized this interview like a military promotion board. Anyone who has ever been in front of a military promotion board knows, you arrive early and your uniform must look impeccable. I was walked into a conference room where I would wait with other potential candidates. I had never interviewed this way, so I was glad I arrived early. As I sat in the conference room, I looked around and wondered if I was overdressed. There was only two candidates in the room wearing a business suit and I was one of them! As I continue to look around, I noticed I was the only one with a fresh haircut. Before the interview began another candidate walked in like they just ran a marathon. I was glad I made it 30 minutes earlier; because, I looked fresh and relax.

I was a nervous wreck as I waited for my name to be called. Every time the door opened, I wondered if they would call my name. Finally, a representative from Human Resources called my name and asked for my resume. I gave her my envelope, and she immediately noticed the difference. She was impressed with my business card and my resume. She assured me that I was next for the interview. The moment of truth was quickly approaching!

Finally, I they called my name. I answered each questions with honesty. If I didn’t know the question I told them I didn’t know the answer at the time. I was also honest with the supervisor and I said I was nervous. At the end of the interview I was offered the job. I was proud of myself; because from the moment I received the invitation to interview – I began preparing.

I believe that dressing for success and being prepared was the key to standing out from the rest of the candidates. Sometimes you need more than a shirt and a tie to stand out. Here are some points I learned from this interview:

• Wear clean clothes.
• Don’t wear chains hanging out from you jeans
• Don’t wear jeans
• Get a haircut
• Comb your hair, Groom your beard, or shave, but don’t look like you just woke up.
• Wear a tie that matches your shirt
• Make sure the tie is adjusted right around your neck

I didn’t have all the answers to the question for the interview, but I was honest and I presented and acted professionally. These are things I learned during the workshops I attended with St. Petersburg College and from my experiences in the United States Army. I didn’t start as the CEO for the company, but I now have one foot inside a company. Now I have the opportunity to put in practice what I learned at SPC and I can gain experience that can match my education. I learned all this at the Employment and Internship workshop: be prepared and be professional. Next stop – completing my B.A.S. in Technology Development and Management!