It's been nine months since you graduated. Nine long months. You've worked temp gigs, including that odd construction job that you're pretty sure exposed you to asbestos, but you've stuck through the hard times. The interview is finally approaching for your dream job.
You've got enough to worry about. The main worry, of course, is your wardrobe. Do you go pinstripes? Probably not, they convey too much of a "boss" mentality. Interviewers want to feel the power. The same goes for double-breasted suits.
The employer is trendy -- do you go for that slim-fit, notched-lapel khaki suit, or something traditional and classy. And damn it, what about shoes? Those square-toed dress shoes are a little too pilgrimy for a tech start-up but your other kicks are a little too jazzy for an interview.
See? You've got enough to worry about.
You landed the interview, despite your funky name. How many employers saw "Willie Peacock" and tossed the resume into the trash, thinking prank or spam? Plus, according to ABC, just having the name "Willie" will decrease your job prospects.
If you're named Willie and got the interview and solved the wardrobe conundrums, the rest should be smooth sailing, right?
Not always. Scroll though our blog for examples of employers that are racist, ageist, or simply terrible human beings. That's why we'd recommend checking out the FindLaw Guide to Interviewing before you go on an interview. It's an excellent primer to laws regarding the questions they can ask, background checks, and negotiating your job offer.
Included in the advice is one especially true tidbit - your future employer will find out if you lie. It's really not worth it. Another FindLaw project surveyed our readers and determined that many of the liars ended up either not getting the job, or getting unceremoniously dumped after the employer found out. You've fought this long for a gig. Why risk it?
Finally, there's one more state-specific rule that just came to fruition and should be kept in mind for your future job-seeking endeavors. Employers can no longer ask for access to your social media (i.e. Facebook) accounts. The ban on this practice was passed last week and takes effect on the first of January.
Related Resources:
- Consult a Chicago Employment Attorney About Legal Interview Questions (FindLaw)
- Don't Work for the Man! The FindLaw Guide to Starting a Business (FindLaw's Chicago Employment Law Blog)
- FindLaw Guide to FMLA: Going Gets Tough, You Get Leave (Maybe) (FindLaw's Chicago Employment Law Blog)
- Don't Worry, Things WILL Get Worse; FindLaw's Guide to Job Loss (FindLaw's Chicago Employment Law Blog)
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