Firsts

Today, I had my first ever corporate job interview! AH! In doing so, I thought why not share what I learned from this interview and some things to remember when going into an interview. Because I wish I would have thought these things through and been more prepared.  Even though, the interview went wonderfully! (YAY) 

Interview Prep

• Have an extra pair of sheer tights when getting ready because you never know when they might decide to rip or get snagged. Like mine did while I was getting ready for my interview.  Luckily, my mom had an extra pair! If I did not have those, I would have had to run to the store and likely be late, but instead I was on time. 
• If you have allergies, take your allergy medicine! Just because you are inside before you are getting ready and feel no symptoms does not mean that is going to be the same when you leave the house! Like mine, they started acting up ten minutes after I left the house! 
• Bring a nice cold water with you for the drive over.  My mouth was parched and dry! Luckily, once I got to the office they had a water cooler, so cliche, but a life saver.  
• Get a blazer--It is worth investing in! A nice one, but you can always get it from Marshalls or TJ Maxx or Ross.  They have great clothing at a discount price :) 
• I wore a nice professional cardigan over my dress, and wish I would have taken the extra time to go and buy a blazer instead.
• Business clothes are expensive! I have been a student for over 16 years and have never really needed to buy anything professional looking.  BOY do I wish I would have just started collecting some stuff in the past few years just to prep for these business days... It would have been less of a shock when I got to the cash register and had to pay $90 for a dress, cardigan, tights and shoes.  This was all purchased at Target, so thank you Jesus for discounted prices.  I can only imagine how much it would have cost if I went to a department store! 
• Buy a business notebook like the ones that are black faux leather and zip up.  It can hold a pad of paper, a pen and any paperwork you need to bring.  Like your resume, ALWAYS bring a copy of your resume.  
• I did not buy one and wish I had, which I am now going to get this weekend! 
• If you are a girl, wear your hair back or just out of your face.  It looks more professional.
• Also, take off any crazy nail polish or any chipped nail polish. 
• Bring a pen!

During the Interview

• ALWAYS arrive 5-10 minutes early.  It looks really good and you never know when they might just happen to be early or you might get lost on the way.  Always leave time for that.
• Be honest! Do not lie about some job you had or any accidents you might have had.  It is better to be upfront and honest then for them to find out after the fact.  
• Be confident!  Interviews are all about selling yourself and building relationships.  Be your best self for them and make it seem like you are the best thing since sliced bread.... In a humble manner, no one needs a cocky person.  
• Use eye contact when talking to the interviewer
• Be concise
• Practice some responses to fake questions before your interview, it does wonders to calm you down.
• Emphasize what your past experience can bring to the table
• If you have any new ideas for the company that they could implement let them know.
• Make it known that you have researched the company and know something about it
• It shows that you are actually interested in working there 

So there you go! There is some of the stuff I learned and thought would be good to pass on! If you guys all know this, that's fine, but I figured I would share some stuff because its always valuable to share your personal experiences! 

Books.

Just today I watched "The Fault in Our Stars" movie trailer, and up until this point I had no interest in reading that book.  Then boom. I watch the trailer and realize I have been missing out. How have I not picked up this book yet?! It is weird, but I absolutely love depressing books.  I had someone once tell me that I should read for fun, and my reply was that I do, they just happen to have depressing story lines.  I don't know what it is, but I love them. I think it is the perspective they give me on life and how much I can learn from them.  Also, it's the writing, the fact that an author can portray such profound emotions through the written word is awe-inspiring.  It takes real talent and wisdom for a person to be able to write something that makes you sit there and cry your eyes out.  They've painted this beautiful picture for you and it's alive in your head. You feel what the characters feel, and I think that is what I really love about depressing books. I cannot wait to start the book. School has been absolutely crazy and busy, so we will see how this goes. Who needs sleep anyways?! 

xxxx Alexis