Winning Image at Job Interviews - Mind Your e-Mage

It is no secret that employers now “snoop around”. In this present age, there is a real world and there is  a virtual world, and somehow we live in both simultaneously. While you have done all you can to give a good impression at the interview; you must clean up you e-MAGE (facebook page, twitter, google+, and blackberry profile).

After doing well at an interview and the interviewer needs to screen out two of the best three candidates, what he wants to do is look where you have not guarded - those social media platforms. Begin to build an image online from now. Mind the kind of information you share, profile pictures you use, display messages and status. The employer may not have seen the tattoo over your cleavage because you wore a good shirt that buttoned well, but he might just find that nasty image on your facebook page…and down goes your rating! You need a serious, good paying job? Maintain a serious image online.

Also never forget to switch off your phone before an interview. Learn to be civil when answering telephone calls, particularly from unknown numbers. A potential employer calls you up for further assessment after a successful interview and he gets this response: “hey waddup, who be you?” and you hear “Hello I am calling from the HR department of XYZ ltd..” Then you go “Hello, good day sir..”. This is very inconsistent, and bad!!! What you do not practice, you will not be able to deliver on sudden demand.

When sending an sms to a potential employer or recruiting firm, avoid slangs and abbreviations. Be civil and thorough; that is the kind of person they need.

AND AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW

After your interview, do something others would not do: write a follow up letter. A follow up letter let’s you appreciate the people who have taken time to interview you and gives a chance to restate your interest in the position and emphasize areas of your experience most relevant to the job. Lastly, you can make yourself available for further contact and discussion. Take a look at this sample follow up letter:

ADENEKAN Adetola,
25 Crescent Crescent,
Adams Estate,
Bodija, Ibadan.

dearestsewa@gmail.com   07035672892

29th July, 2012.

Mr. Lanre Benson,
XYZ Company,
87 Town Planning Way,
Ilupeju, Lagos

Dear Mr. Benson,
It was a pleasure to meet and talk with you yesterday. I appreciate the opportunity to learn and talk more about XYZ and the Programmer position.
There is no gainsaying that XYZ is an industry leader in Information Technology with a commitment to research. I have always wanted to work in an environment where ideas are conceived and developed, rather than copied.
One significant outcome of the interview is that I am more convinced that my undergraduate thesis on special programming languages will prove extremely valuable in helping XYZ develop their newest software.
I am very interested in the Programmer position and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you again, as well as others in the company.
Thank you for your interest and time. I envisage you might want additional information, and perhaps discuss next step of the recruitment process in detail, I plan to call early next week.
Sincerely,
Signature
Name

____________

This article series, “Winning Image at Job Interviews” was written by Boye Falonipe, Principal Consultant at Noir Enhancement-  Business Image and Protocol Consultant (www.noirenhancement.com )
Boye is the author of the essential manual on Business Dressing “Succeeding with Appearance in Business and Career” (www.succeedingwithappearance.com )

Twitter: @NoirEnhancement
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