Interview Tips
- Know when, where, and how the interview is to be conducted. Know the full name of the company and the correct pronunciation of the interviewer’s full name. Have knowledge about the company and the job for which you are applying.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early and have extra resumes. Dress conservatively and be well groomed.
- Greet the interviewer by name. Shake hands using a firm grip without being excessive (but only if the interviewer makes the first gesture).
- If you are nervous, you can mention it. Saying, “I’m a little nervous about this. It’s very important to me” will help create a more relaxed situation.
- Don’t chew gum or smoke.
- Have direct eye contact, but avoid staring. Smile frequently. Look alert and interested. Sit with good posture and body positioning.
- Don’t copy the interviewer’s body position for position because it might be noticed and seem as if you’re making fun of them. You can match the general posture of the interviewer to become more physically comfortable.
- Beware of tapping feet, playing with you hair, nervous laughter, and other habits.
- Have a positive attitude. Be friendly and respectful. Enter every interview with an open mind.
- Use your sense of humor; it will make the interview more enjoyable.
- Listen carefully to the interviewer and assume nothing. Adjust your behavior according to their mood.
- Take a few seconds to reflect on a question that requires a complex response.
- Don’t take notes during the interview. It can be annoying or distracting to the interviewer. Immediately after the interview, write down everything you want to remember.
- Don’t make the interviewer do all the work, but don’t monopolize the conversation. Don’t talk too much about your past or boast about what you’ve done.
- Don’t exaggerate your skills or accomplishments.
- Don’t avoid answering any questions. Don’t answer with just a yes or no.
- Be open and honest in your answers. Don’t lie – even if asked questions that do not present you in the most favorable light. Don’t try to cover it up.
- Answer concisely, effectively, and enthusiastically.
- Control the interview by knowing in advance what you want to say and look for opportunities to say it. Also, expand your answers to include points that may not be asked about. Make your answers meaningful. Back up all your responses with examples. Relate your comments to the employer’s needs.
- If put on the defensive (e.g. “why did you change jobs?”), answer as simply and briefly as possible–and keep smiling.
- Emphasize your strengths and goals. Mention your best qualities in relation to something concrete. Try to appear factual and sincere. Stress your achievements. Be positive about everything and everyone.
- Don’t explain your shortcomings or failures with excuses or by blaming others. Don’t criticize a former employer or professor. Don’t talk negatively about past jobs or co-workers’ behavior.
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- Don’t bring up salary, vacations or fringe benefits. Wait for the interviewer to introduce these subjects. If asked for your salary requirement, offer a salary range in order to leave yourself room to negotiate, or indicate you’re more interested in a job where you can prove yourself than you are in a starting salary.
- Ask questions about the position to help you determine if it is suitable for you. Ask about the job duties early in the interview so you can target your abilities to do the job. As the interview progresses, ask questions about the company to show your interest and help you decide if you really want to work for them.
- Thank the interviewer for the time and consideration given to you. Ask what the next steps are in the hiring process.
- Send a thank you note to the interviewer as soon as possible. (preferably within 24 hours)
- If you get the impression the interview isn’t going well and you’ve already been rejected, don’t let your discouragement show. Continuing to appear confident and determined can make a good impression.
- If you don’t get the job, keep trying. Reflect over the positives and negatives of the interview and use them to prepare for your next interview.
