Glass Slipper Time: A Short Guide to Successful Interviewing

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Let's be honest, everyone wishes a fairy godmother would land on their desk and *poof* the perfect internship or next job would magically appear. No messy application process, phone screening, interview jitters necessary. Unfortunately for us the whole "bippity boppity boo" catchphrase has been translated into the 21st century lingo of "LinkedIn" and "informational interview" which don't sound nearly as whimsical or exciting. But, if you look hard enough, some magic and pumpkin transformation can still happen with the right perspective and your own team of mice to get you to the interview on time.

From Rags to Riches

You don't need a magic wand to find a killer interview outfit that turns everyone's head at the ball, ahem, office. Banana Republic and Nordstrom did not exist in the time of glass slippers, and you should take full advantage of the potential wardrobe magic just down the street. I am a firm believer that when you dress for the job you want, not only will you feel more prepared when you walk in the doors, but you will also appear more natural and a "perfect fit" to your interviewing team.

Of course, it is all about reading the culture of the office place. Similar to my advice in my informational interview blog post, you should dress like it is your first day on the job. Here is a short breakdown:

The Corporate Type: you know the drill, blazer, pumps, conservative and simple dark color. I always channel my inner Claire Underwood with a navy blue or black dress and blazer, pearl studs and a simple necklace.

Start-Up Scene: Still dress-it-up so they know you are taking it seriously, but don't feel the need to go full-on suit. A simple a-line skirt and blouse or tailored pants and nice top will do the trick. Throw on a pair of kitten heels to keep the je ne sais quoi your step.

NonProfit Niche: While some offices are very relaxed (I wear blue jeans, leggings and skirts interchangeably) you still want to set yourself apart in the interview. I recommend a conservative look with maybe a pop of color or statement piece of jewelry that's a little less "corporate" and a little more "personalized."

Do You Want to Dance

Cinderella's opening line (which wasn't really a line, but more of an action) of dancing with Prince Charming clearly set-up the evening for success. You want to make sure the first 5 min. of your interview do the same. There's always the old saying: your employer will know within 30 sec. if they want to hire you or not, so you either spend the remaining 59 min. reassuring them that you are the right fit or trying to convince them that they should hire you. Don't make it an unnecessary uphill battle. Win them over from the start.

A few simple tricks will help you kill it after that stunning entrance:

• Do your research. On the company's website, LinkedIn profile of your interviewer, google the buzzwords and know the direction of the industry you're interviewing for. Don't fumble on the simple "Why do you want to work here" type questions. Being confident is only a matter of doing your homework.
• Re-read your Cover Letter and Resume and then transform them into some strong talking points. This is your chance to be more than numbers on a page or buzzwords in a paragraph. Be an authentic person, and they will know you are a good fit for the team.
• Be yourself. I have heard over and over again from successful women in their fields that when they hire they are looking more for a personality fit and cohesion with the team, because anyone can learn the necessary skill sets if they are the right fit. Remember this. No One is perfect or has every experience the job description asks for. The goal is to be the right fit because your personality, hard work ethic and ambition shine through in the interview. 

It's Almost Midnight...

You've aced your portion of the interview, now it is the company's turn to impress. Just because you might be their Cinderella doesn't mean you picked the perfect prince at the ball. Make sure the company culture is also a right fit for your needs, growth potential, and a place you actually want to work at every day. Are they "your people" and will your supervisor be a strong mentor for you? Does everything just click, or do you feel something is missing? Ask those questions about company culture, "if you could change one thing about your job" or "what about this company makes you want to stick around and come back day after day?" Get past the salary and benefits (which are important!) and talk about the foundation stuff: what will fulfill you and make you happy. Even in a summer internship setting, these are people and connections you can cultivate for your entire professional life. Make sure they are the right ones.

Getting Back That Glass Slipper

You've left the interview, you are on cloud nine, you could conquer the world, etc. How do you make sure you are the foot the glass slipper will fit on? It's not rocket science, just follow this three-step process to success:

• Thank You Email. Within 24 hours of the interview. To the person(s) who interviewed you. Remind them of who you are, name a few specific things you like about the job and why you would be the ideal candidate. Short, simple, timely.
• Keep applying. Don't rest on your laurels after one interview and start obsessing over "that one job." Keep your options open and playing the field. It will keep you from going crazy and also make sure you land the right Prince Charming.
• Be gracious regardless of the outcome. You got the job? Awesome, be thankful and excited to start! You didn't land the position? It's ok, that means your right fit is still out there. Still be grateful and cultivate positive relationships. You never know when you will meet these people again in a professional context, or who is in their circle. Make sure you exit with class and sophistication, and your name and professionalism will go far.

Time to find your pumpkin, mice and get the interview show on the road!