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Interview Prep Tips To Help Land Your Dream Job

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

In some aspects, job interviewing is like dating. No matter how many opportunities you have, all it takes is for one person to think you're the ideal match and you're off and running. And just like dating, the job hunt process, including interviewing, can be a mixed bag of emotions: tiring, nerve-racking and exciting all at once. The best chance of landing that dream job – or any job – is to ace the interview. That means pouring yourself into interview prep. Follow these tips to increase the likelihood of landing your next gig.

Preparation

Preparation is critical for an interview. You'd never take a test without studying, so do your homework ahead of time. Research the company to show the interviewer that you're genuinely interested in working there. Draft a list of questions you have for the interviewer about the job and the company. Also, ask about the logistics of the position. What is the company's mission? Where are the company's goals and objective's for this position. What is the company's vacation policy? Does it come with any benefits? Being inquisitive displays an authentic interest in the job.

Resume

Know your resume inside and out. Your resume should reflect the necessary skills and requirements potential employers are seeking. Be prepared to answer questions about your work history, such as roles and responsibilities, or why you left a previous company. Bring multiple copies of your resume to have on-hand in case you're asked for it by additional parties involved in the interview process.

First Impressions

It's true that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Exude confidence and positive body language when first meeting the interviewer in person. The right body language portrays a noticeable confidence and a passion for what you do. Another part of that first impression is in how you dress. Look professional and properly groomed. Job hunting site Monster.com advises, "When in doubt, overdress for the first interview."

Smile

Part of making a good first impression is with a warm, friendly smile. But if your teeth aren't up to presentation snuff, try tooth whitening. Tooth whitening is a process that not only lightens tooth color but also removes stains. The most common causes that teeth become stained or discolored are from poor oral health, tobacco use and consuming foods and beverages that are saturated in color. These include coffee, tea, sports drinks and berries.

There are two types of whitening; vital and non-vital. Vital whitening is for teeth with live nerves, while non-vital is used on teeth that no longer have live nerves due to a root canal. Vital whitening can be done at home or by a dentist. The process involves applying gel directly to a tooth's surface. Non-vital whitening is where your dentist inserts a whitening agent inside the tooth and then covers it with a temporary filling. This procedure might have to be repeated multiple times to reach the desired shading level.

Proper Oral Care

Though your teeth might not need any whitening help, practicing good oral care will still make your smile shine. Maintaining oral health is a four-step process.

  • Brush at least twice each day. Make sure to brush after breakfast and before going to sleep.
  • Floss every day. Dental floss helps get food particles in those hard-to-reach places that a brush might not be able to clean.
  • Avoid constant snacking throughout the day. Eating triggers acid attacks that can damage your enamel.
  • See your dentist for regular checkups. When identifying dental issues, the sooner they are caught, the better.

Finding a new job can be quite the challenge. But if you focus on proper interview prep, you'll leave the interview with more than a handshake.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider. 

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