[jbsali]

usually the golden rule is don't overdress but dress above the position. my recommendation would be a dress shirt, possible tie with dark coloured fitted jeans. i find that loose jeans really kill the "casual friday" look..

shave and make sure your hair is done. try to avoid wearing piercings and cover tattoos (e.g.:long sleeve shirt for forearm tattoos). As much as we think we live in an acceptable world nowadays, employers still judge people based on looks. if you're looking to get marks, play it safe rather than play it sorry.

if asked to take a seat, sit after the other person has taken their seat. its just a respect thing and it makes you look professional

bring a copy of your resume/ cover letter to the interview. you would be surprised how many people don't. whether they take it from you or the employer has yours already, it makes you looks organized and professional.

if you're bad with names, repeat the persons name twice. its fact that if you repeat their name twice when introduced you drastically increase your chances of remembering it. e.g: employer: "hey john, my names joel". john: "joel? nice to meet you joel!"

always ask questions if your potential employer asks you if you have any questions. the worst thing you could say is no. build off of the things that your potential employer says.

always sit up straight and try to seem energetic. use your non verbal skills to better communicate to the employer. things like smiling, appropriate hand gestures, sitting straight, eye contact. you can tell a lot about somebody by there non verbal communication skills.

be on time. try and arrive at least 15min before you're interview

never bash a company (costco/ competitor), a previous employer, co-workers, etc.

try and create a quick personal relationship with your employer. sometimes this is easy and sometimes its impossible. it really depends on whether your interview is in their personal office or a random location. for example: during a quiet moment in your conversation you may notice something like: a poster. let says its of the canucks. you could say something like: you: "you must be a big hockey fan" employer: "i am!" you: "did you watch the game last night? that overtime goal was amazing". it can honestly be as easy as that. you made a personal tie with the employer and now they are more likely to remember you.

repeat things back to the employer. listen carefully to what the employer is looking for and try and relate yourself.

always research a company before your interview. look for things like: founder, motto, how many locations, in how many countries, how the company started.


these are all the things i used to look for when hiring people.