There are a few ways you can screw up an interview before it even starts. Here are some common (and not so common…hopefully) mistakes that can ruin your chances.

1. Canceling/Rescheduling/Showing up late. Shit happens. Life gets in the way. It happens once in a while to everyone. But short of an emergency, there is no excuse for a last-minute interview bailout. If you do have to change things around, give as much notice as possible. If you’re a no-show or cancel at the last minute, then you need to make that choice with the understanding that you are probably not going to be in the running for the position. 

2. Not bringing your resume. This one won’t necessarily put a nail in your coffin, but it won’t show that you’re prepared. Even if they don’t need it, bringing a copy of your resume shows that you took the extra time, thought ahead, and are serious about the position.

3. Not being prepared. You will be asked what you know about the company. Prepare for that. You’ll hurt yourself right out of the gate if you don’t.

4. Talking about money too soon. I know that everyone has a bottom line and a salary requirement. Making sure you know your worth is an important part of selecting a career, but don’t bring this up until you’re far along in the process. Make sure to keep the interview about how you’ll benefit the position and the company. A salary offer isn’t usually presented until the position is offered, or close to that point, so don’t jump the gun on this.

5. Not looking appropriate. Business casual, people. Just be safe.

6. Having no questions or comments to offer. There’s a part of every interview when you’ll be asked if you have any questions. Make sure you have them — at least one. It further drives home the point that you’ve done your homework.

7. Offering unsolicited advice on how the company could do better. If you see a flaw on the company’s website or in their social media presence, keep it to yourself. Unless expressly asked, your criticism, no matter how well-meaning, won’t leave a good impression.

8. Being hungover. I saved the best for last. When I did some research, this was actually common advice. This is surprising because it wouldn’t seem like this would be necessary given how incredibly stupid you would have to be to do this. But yes, don’t show up hungover. Or worse, still drunk.

Happy hunting.

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Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Top 8 Interview Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on Law Street.

Heading out to a job interview? First, congrats! Secondly, please rethink the crop top. You might have your own style and swagger, but the interviewer might disagree and *gasp* judge you. It happens. So, let’s keep it classy.

I know that the standards for interview attire aren’t as conventional as they used to be. However, there is nothing wrong with going for business casual. Better safe than unemployed amiright?

So let’s go over the don’ts first.

1. Don’t wear tight clothes. You want to give your prospective employer a good impression, but your interviewer doesn’t need to see everything about you.

2. Don’t have any visible undergarments. Come on, people. Do I even need to elaborate? Good.

3. Don’t wear jeans, shorts, or god forbid — jorts.

4. Don’t wear anything too risqué. This includes low-cut tops, super short skirts, and anything generally inappropriate for a professional environment.

Now, a few dos.

1. Do know where you’re applying. In general, business or business casual will almost always be the best option, but there are exceptions. If you’re in the fashion or art industries there is a little more wiggle room; however, the rules above about appropriate attire still apply.

2. Do make sure you iron! Looking like you put some time into what you’re presenting is important. You don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed — even if you just rolled out of bed. Wrinkles aren’t cute.

3. Do wear something you’re comfortable in. You’ll feel more confident if you feel as though you look your best and you’re not preoccupied with your outfit. It will show!

Happy hunting

xo The Capitalista

PS – If you did just get a job interview, you know what will really impress them? A customized online portfolio to showcase your work and talents. We’ll make you one! Read about The Capitalista Contest to learn how to enter!

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Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post What Not to Wear to an Interview appeared first on Law Street.

This edition of Capitalista Careers is a shout out to one of our newest bloggers, Imran Ahmed. Imran killed his interview! Basically, he was the perfect interviewee. Imran successfully did all the things that I incessantly rant about doing, and avoided all the common mistakes.

Let’s take a lesson from him, shall we? Let’s talk about the things that he did right.

1. He dressed to impress. Stay tuned for a post on what appropriate (and inappropriate) interview attire is, but until then here’s your teaser: Imran showed up in a suit. Mandatory? No, probably not. His resume was great and his personality was a good fit for our vibe. But it was a breath of fresh air to see someone who cared enough to put his best foot forward. How you’re dressed says a lot about you. It’s a first impression. It never hurts to always go for business/business casual attire.

2. He showed up early. You know my policy that 15 minutes early is on time. Imran showed up on time in my book.

3. He was prepared. He came with copies of his resume and was prepared to walk us through his accomplishment. Remember the Interview Tips post from a few months back? I talked to recruiter Jack Farrell on his top interview advice — he stressed that your resume should read like a script and that you should be prepared to highlight the important parts when asked.

4. He was well researched. Imran was able to pinpoint specific things he liked on our website. I’ve written about it to tedium before, but far too often applicants don’t take the time to google the company they’re interviewing with. It. Is. So. Simple. It will show if you haven’t looked at the site. There is no way to bullshit that. Anyway, Imran obviously went to the site, did his homework, and came prepared to discuss what he liked about it, and where he saw himself fitting in.

5. He followed up. Following up isn’t just to inquire about the status of the position. He sent thank you emails to everyone he interviewed with. This level of attention to detail just reaffirmed that he will be a great addition to our team and an enjoyable person to work with.

Keep your eyes peeled for Imran’s new blog! He’ll be featured on our site writing about the legal implications of social media.

I’m sure that the rest of the new bloggers interviewed just as well. We’re very fortunate to have such a great group. Stay tuned for more new blogs soon!

xo The Capitalista

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Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Our Newest Blogger Nailed His Interview appeared first on Law Street.

Happy holidays, everyone! This is the last post of Capitalista Careers until the new year, so I thought a recap of the most important job tips and cautionary tales from 2013 is appropriate. Let’s kick off 2014!

The Hunt

1. Don’t talk too much. I’m all for a good vent sesh, and it really does help, but just don’t become that scary-unemployed-person-who-isn’t-fun-anymore-because-she-can’t-stop-bitching-about-the-last-interview. That doesn’t help. Seriously, you can ask my boyfriend.

2. Think about the next five, ten, fifteen years. Think about further than that. What do you want it to say on your business card when you retire? What skills will help you with that? Even if you take a job that isn’t 100 percent what you want, consider whether it might provide you with the tools for later.

3. What are the most important things? This answer isn’t the same for everyone. For some people it’s the salary, for some the commute matters  most, the hours, the work environment, etc. Give some thought to which one or two aspects are your top priorities. Even if you don’t get everything, it will make the search easier if you know what your priorities are.

The Interview

Congratulations! You got a job interview! After days/weeks/months of hunting, searching, and groveling you landed yourself thirty minutes of face time. Go, you. Give yourself a pat on the back. Have a cookie. Hell, have a drink.

4. Google the company. This seems so obvious to me but it is amazing how often this step gets overlooked. Look through the company’s website, go on LinkedIn, google the CEO. Search the person conducting the interview. I am giving you permission to stalk unabashedly.

Things Your Interviewer Does Not Need to Know

5. That you’re occasionally/perpetually/sometimes late. Don’t be late to the interview. I’m a big proponent of the early is on time, on time is late, and late is not hired philosophy. If they ask what your biggest flaw is, being late should not be the answer. Even if it is, maybe consider this a new opportunity to say goodbye to your tardy ways.

Things Your Interviewer Should Know

6. That you’re a team player. Employers have no interest in bringing someone on board who isn’t willing to work with the other staff. Talk about how you appreciate sharing ideas and thoughts.

7. Thank you. This is such an important last step. Even if the interview had flaws, even if you were five minutes late (but try not to be), people remember those who take the time to drop a quick message thanking them for their time. It only takes a few minutes, and it will separate you from the crowd because it is amazing how many people don’t do this. Don’t be lazy.

What You Should Ask in an Interview

8. What responsibilities does the position entail? What does a day or week typically look like? Even if the job description is detailed, it is good to know the day to day. If you apply for an associate editor position it might be a surprise if they have you filing or answering phone calls. This way you can cross check and minimize the risk of disappointment.

What You Shouldn’t Ask in an Interview

9. How much will I make? I can’t even. I am always so surprised when people think this is an acceptable question during an interview. Especially an initial one. It’s presumptuous. It’s tacky. It’s going to hurt your chances of getting hired. Of course, this is a factor that you might weigh while making a decision about your career, but save that chatter for when you’re officially offered the position. Employers want you to be more “You better work, bitch” and less “If it don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense.”

Bad Coworkers

They’re your worst enemy by day, your favorite topic at happy hour by night. They’re bad coworkers. And they come in all shapes and sizes.

10. Don’t be the Over-Sharer: This person might come across super friendly. Right away. Maybe too soon. At first it might seem like harmless banter…but then you are suddenly privy to all of the intimate details of his or her life. If you know a coworker’s bikini wax schedule, you probably know too much. Catch Phrase: “This might be TMI but…” How to Deal: Politely change the subject. This is a helpful life lesson in general. Try to keep things professional with this person. Having friends within the workplace makes things fun and more comfortable, but if someone doesn’t know where the line is, it can make for awkward days. How to avoid being this person? Simple. If you have to ask if something is TMI, it probably is.

Good Coworkers!

11. Practice common sense and common courtesy. Treat the office environment like your home. A happy relationship with your coworkers is the foundation for a happy work environment overall. Keep common areas neat, don’t leave your stuff in the fridge forever, don’t steal office supplies that aren’t yours. You know, just be a normal, polite, functioning adult. And if all else fails…bring bagels. Coworkers love bagels.

Unemployed?

12. Become the person you want to be…or the person your resume says you are. Want to learn Photoshop? Do it! You have the time. Want to learn French? Oui? Go for it. There are so many online classes and downloadable podcasts. You could develop or craft an entire new set of skills. You can actually come out of this period of your life for the better. Not as a chubbier, more sarcastic and bitter version of your former self who is on a first-name-basis with the Chinese delivery guy.

And one for luck…

13. Be positive! If you’re hunting, keep your eyes on the prize. 2014 will be a fresh start for everyone. Let’s make it successful!

xo The Capitalista

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Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post The Twelve Days of Job Hunting appeared first on Law Street.

Yesterday I brought you the first part of my talk with recruiter Jack Farrell in which we discussed his most valuable interview tips for today’s job market. Today we’re talking about the worst things you can do in an interview. Read on for Farrell’s tips for avoiding rejection due to careless mistakes. 

1. No whining. Nobody wants to hire a whiner. Be careful about how you relay the information from your resume and be sure to spin it positively. Never run down someone you used to work for. Even if it is factual or deserved, the only takeaway for your interviewer is that you might be a problem waiting to happen.

2. Don’t ignore the competition. You need to remember that you’re competing against other qualified candidates. Make a case for yourself. You can’t be complacent. Even if you think the interview will be easy, you have a connection at the company, or feel like the position is yours for the taking, you still need to show enthusiasm and ambition. Don’t be passive.

3. Don’t be shy. Share your work. You might be sending around a resume that you think is wonderful. You might have spent hours or even days perfecting it. But another set of eyes could be the difference. Have a friend or colleague you trust edit for you. Remember that less is always more. Use bullet points and keep it to the point and conversational.

Many thanks to Jack Farrell for his advice this week! Jack Farrell & Associates is a recruitment firm that offers career coaching, resume repair, and interview assistance.

Happy hunting!

xo, The Capitalista

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Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Featured image courtesy of [Alex France via Flickr]

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Interview Tips – Part Two appeared first on Law Street.

In my last post, we talked about what you shouldn’t share with a potential new boss on an interview. Today we’re looking at what you should say. What you should shout from the rooftops, what could be the difference between yourself and another candidate.  Below are some thoughts on what you should definitely make known during your time in the interview chair. Again, these really should be obvious. But you know how it gets in an interview. The lights get bright, your palms get sweaty, shit gets real. A refresher never hurt anyone.

That you did your homework. Show the employer that you took the time to look into the company and the position. Quote the website! Quote LinkedIn! Don’t quote their personal Facebook…too far, too far.

If you did something really amazing at your old job. Did you implement a new system? Did you select the company’s logo that everyone loves? Did you help strategize a marketing plan? Were you always on time? Whatever you did, shout it loud, shout it proud. Now is not the time to be bashful. They want to know they’re making a solid decision hiring you. That you have something to contribute. So, voice your accomplishments. You can be confident without being cocky.

That you are eager to learn. If something comes up in the interview that you don’t know anything about, let them know that you’re a fast learner. Give an example of a time that you overcame a challenge in order to contribute to the team.

That you’re a team player. Employers have no interest in bringing someone on board who isn’t willing to work with the other staff. Talk about how you appreciate sharing ideas and thoughts.

Thank you. This is such an important last step. Even if the interview had flaws, even if you were five minutes late (but try not to be), people remember those who take the time to drop a quick message thanking them for their time. It only takes a few minutes, and it will separate you from the crowd because it is amazing how many people don’t do this. Don’t be lazy.

Happy hunting!

xo, The Capitalista

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Alexandra Saville (@CapitalistaBlog) is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

Featured image courtesy of [miuenski miuenski via Flickr]

Alexandra Saville

Alexandra Saville is the Media and Writing Specialist at Law Street Media. She has experience in the publishing and marketing worlds and started her own publishing company right out of college. Her blogs, The Capitalista and Capitalista Careers, focus on the young and the entrepreneurial.

The post Shout It Loud, Shout It Proud. What Your Interviewer Should Know appeared first on Law Street.