In the Beginning Archives

First Interview – what do you wear?

Choosing attire for your initial job interview can be perplexing. Suggestions from peers vary widely: opt for casual attire in the tech field, don a suit and tie for banking roles, embrace a laid-back look for contemporary offices, or opt for formal dress for a conventional approach. It’s no wonder that many job seekers feel unsure about what to wear for their initial job interview.

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to what to wear for a job interview. The attire you choose should be based on the company culture, industry, and position you are interviewing for. However, there are some general guidelines that can help steer you in the right direction.

First and foremost, it is important to do your research on the company before your interview.

This will give you an idea of their dress code and company culture. If they have a website or social media presence, take a look at photos of employees to get a sense of how they typically dress. You can also reach out to your network or contact someone within the company to get a better understanding of what to wear expectations.

If the company has a more traditional or corporate culture, it is best to stick with a classic and professional look.

This means opting for a tailored suit or dress in neutral colors such as black, navy, or gray. Avoid wearing anything too flashy or revealing, as it can be seen as inappropriate in this type of environment.

For more casual industries such as tech startups or creative companies, you have more leeway in your attire.

However, it is still important to make a good impression by dressing professionally. A good rule of thumb is to dress one step above what employees typically wear on a daily basis. For example, if employees usually wear jeans and t-shirts, opt for business casual attire like slacks and a button-down shirt.

In addition to the type of attire, it is also important to consider the fit and quality of your clothing. Ill-fitting or cheap clothing can give off a negative impression, so make sure your clothes are well-tailored and made from quality materials.

It’s also crucial to make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing. If you’re constantly tugging at your outfit or worrying about a low neckline, it can affect your confidence and performance in the workplace. Choose outfits that make you feel confident and professional.

Another tip is to invest in versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. This not only saves money, but also allows you to have a variety of options without needing a huge wardrobe.

Don’t forget about accessories as well. A simple watch or necklace can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit. Just make sure not to go overboard with jewelry or other accessories, as it may come across as distracting or unprofessional.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of good grooming. Make sure your hair is neat and styled, and your nails are clean and trimmed. These small details can make a big difference in how put-together you appear.

In conclusion, dressing professionally for work is crucial for making a good impression and projecting confidence. Remember to keep it simple, tailored, and versatile, with a touch of personal style and proper grooming. With these tips in mind, you can confidently navigate the world of work attire and dress for success.

Click here to see a post about your first job interview and what to expect.

First Interview

You’re about to have your first interview at your dream company, and you’re feeling unsure about how to prepare. All you have is the names of the recruiter and the technology exec who will be interviewing you; not much else. So, how can you make sure you’re ready?

Start by conducting thorough research on the company. Google their name and carefully review any news articles relevant to their activities. If you know the specific organization or department you’re interviewing for, try to gather information about them as well. Apply the same investigative approach to learn about the recruiter and tech executive you’ll be meeting. Utilize LinkedIn to study the tech executive’s profile and background. It’s worth mentioning that almost everyone in the business world today has a LinkedIn presence, and you should too (it’s free!). Remember, knowledge is power!

To ensure success in your interview, carefully examine the job description to fully comprehend the position’s requirements. If a job description is unavailable, reach out to the recruiter via text or email to kindly request a copy. The more you grasp the expectations of the role, the more effectively you can prepare yourself.

Anticipating the interviewing style of the person across the table can be quite challenging since it varies greatly. Some tech executives take a casual approach, treating the interview as a conversation, while others adhere to a more formal structure with a set list of questions. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remain calm and at ease throughout the process. Present yourself as a professional, demonstrating confidence and competence. Remember, you are conversing with an experienced technology executive, yet their expectations for someone in their first job are not exceedingly high. Hence, by maintaining composure and posing thoughtful inquiries, you have the opportunity to pleasantly surprise them.

Do not let intimidation deter you, for the person before you holds no power over you. The worst outcome is them not granting you the job, but fear not, it is far from a catastrophic event. Remember, throughout your career, there will be numerous other interviews awaiting you.

Generally, interviews tend to be concise, particularly if the interviewer recognizes your limited industry expertise. However, you can prolong the interview by actively engaging and inquiring. This will not only impress the tech executive but also demonstrate your research and genuine interest in the position. Consider asking relevant questions, such as:

What was it like when they joined the company; how did they get integrated?
Is there a program for new hires, especially those out of college?
If you reviewed their LinkedIn profile, ask about their college and how it prepared them for transitioning into their first job. They will be impressed you did the research.
What’s the career path look like; what are the next steps after this role?
How is the mentoring program for new hires?

There is a lot more you could ask. Be creative and Google all the information on the Internet for ideas. Indeed has a pretty good guide with sample questions and responses.

I’d be glad to help you. Please contact me and I’ll work with you on preparing.

Working with the Business

Tech execs and business analysts collaborate with the business leadership and their team. The business team’s tech maturity has grown, especially with the advent of cloud. Thus, the technology team must work harder to maintain their skills. Ensuring the Business sees value in the interactions with the Technology team is vital.

As a tech professional, gaining trust and respect from business colleagues is crucial. Involve them early on in the requirements process for any solution being developed. Don’t assume you fully grasp the business needs when building or implementing a tech solution.

Often, the technology team takes the lead and involves the Business later in the process. This can result in the Business feeling left out, asking, “Why wasn’t I included earlier?” Whether you have expertise or not, consensus and buy-in are crucial for designing a solution that meets business needs. Including your business team early is the key to gaining that buy-in.

In Agile design, “moving left” involves involving the business team earlier in the process. This collaborative approach is becoming more prevalent and essential. With no/low code solutions on the horizon, end-users may even develop their own applications. It’s crucial to keep the business on board and provide value.

No room for ego. Business leaders urge tech execs to step down from ivory towers. Sooner the better.

Graduate – no jobs

As a recent college graduate with impressive tech skills, you may face a competitive job market. Employers often prioritize candidates with extensive experience in their field. Tech execs aim to assemble teams with the right skills, considering limited options and uncertain economic conditions. How can you navigate this challenge?

Consider asking if employers are open to taking you on as an intern with a potential for hire after six months, if feasible. However, if you’re in immediate need of cash, this may not be the best option. Internships offer room for learning and development without monetary compensation, allowing you to gain valuable on-the-job skills at your own pace.

If the intern route isn’t right for you, there are options to explore. You can wait for the market to improve or venture into a different field that may not align with your current skillset. For example, you could start as business analyst or application tester to gain hands-on experience. Communicate your interest in transitioning or gaining exposure to your desired role with the leadership. Once you’re in, start exploring available opportunities.

Be patient and provide the company with the time they expect. Fulfill your role for at least a year before considering a transition. Avoid antagonizing them, as it may hinder your career progress.

If you’d like some ideas for how to get started in your career, please feel free to contact me and I’ll get back to you to chat.

You Screwed Up

Today was a rough day. Made a major mistake, called out by the boss in the team meeting. As a rising tech exec, always been a top performer, but recognition for hard work has been limited.

While your leadership team acknowledges your efforts, your peers remain silent. However, you observe a subtle smirk on their faces when news of the mistake reaches them. Moreover, you overhear a conversation where two peers seem to revel in the error. Why might they exhibit this unexpected behavior? Remember, we are all fallible humans, prone to making mistakes. It’s an inevitable part of the human experience, even for our peers.

Jealousy is a common but unfortunate human trait that often manifests itself in unfavorable ways. Finding effective methods to navigate and address these situations can be challenging. How would you handle such a scenario?

Keep in mind, you are a top performer, and you always treat work with the highest professionalism. Don’t let one incident tear you down. Be a better person and ignore the digs from your peers, don’t let it anger you.
Talk to your boss about having a better way to communicate issues when they occur. Sure, the team needs to know because it impacts them. But pointing out that you were at fault in such a public forum probably could have been handled better.
Demonstrate to your peers how to behave when one of your fellow teammates has a similar issue. Take the person aside and be empathetic. Let them know that they are human and it’s okay to make a mistake. Ask if you can help them.

Be a better person than those who revel in the pain of others.

As an emerging leader, your display of empathy will undoubtedly be noticed by those in leadership positions. However, it is imperative to acknowledge your misstep and learn from it, ensuring that such a mistake is not repeated in the future.