Of course employers are looking for someone who will do an excellent job. But they are also seeking someone with certain character and personality traits. According to Susan Mielke, of Susan J. Mielke Designs in Minneapolis, the two things that will help a beginner have the best opportunity of getting hired at a decorating firm are: "A great personable attitude, and a great portfolio!"
You know how to prepare a portfolio. Now let's take a look at the other part of the equation - a great attitude. Your attitude is being evaluated from the moment you first walk into the building, or even earlier, when you first speak on the telephone with anyone from the company. Anyone you encounter in the lobby, the elevator, the washroom, or the reception area may have input into whether or not you are hired. We have conducted hundreds of employment interviews, and after many of them we have asked the receptionist what she thought of the person we had just interviewed. We wanted to know if the applicant treated the receptionist with as much friendliness and respect as she treated us. During the interview itself, try to be as outgoing and enthusiastic as possible. Of course this isn't always easy because interviews can make people nervous, and nervous people tend to smile less, and act more stiff and formal than they normally would. However, as an interior decorator, you will be working with many people who are important clients. The employer wants to see that you are comfortable even in a potentially uncomfortable interpersonal situation like an interview.
If you tend to be stiff and uncomfortable during an interview, it is time to perform. Act how you would if you were not nervous. This may feel unnatural at first, but behaving as if you are not nervous can actually make you start to feel that way as well. It can also help to do some role playing (practice interviews) with a friend before you go to the interview.
Be positive as well as enthusiastic. Avoid saying anything negative, especially about former employers. Focus on what value you would bring to the company as an employee, and not on what you want to get from the job. For example, don't discuss how much vacation time you want or bring up salary until the employer does. Also avoid saying anything negative about yourself, which some applicants do by sounding as if they are desperate for a job. Before the interview remind yourself how much you have to offer an employer, and that there are many opportunities for you. Believe that if this particular job doesn't work out, there is something better out there for you.
Within 24 hours after the interview, write a thank you letter to the person who interviewed you and anyone else who may have been helpful to you, such as the interviewer's assistant. Thank the interviewer for their time, give any additional information that you feel will help you get the job, and say how enthusiastic you are about the possibility of working with their company. You can send a thank you letter by email, but you will make an even better impression if you deliver it in person. Above all, you want the interviewer and the other people you meet to think: "What a nice person! It would be great to have someone like that working here."
Interior decorating is a visual business, so it's not surprising that part of what you will be judged on is your appearance. If possible, visit the business before the interview so you can see how people are dressed. If that's not possible, ask the assistant of the person you are going to meet with about the company's dress code. If you have no information to go on, choose standard interview attire, such as a navy suit, but with a subtle twist. Use your clothing to show that you are creative and have a good eye. A man might wear a tie with an interesting pattern while a woman might wear an accessory such as an unusual pin or another striking piece of jewelry. Whatever you choose should say something about you and your style.
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Note: This article was sent to us by: Tainte J. at 03012010
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