Job Interview Tips

Congratulations! You've landed a job interview, and now you have the opportunity to dazzle a potential employer in person. That is, unless you forget to follow these golden interview rules. Find out how to leave the right impression with these tips.

An interview gives you the opportunity to showcase your qualifications to an employer, so it pays to be well prepared. The following information provides some helpful hints.

Preparation:

• Learn about the organization.
• Have a specific job or jobs in mind.
• Review your qualifications for the job.
• Be ready to briefly describe your experience, showing how it relates it the job.
• Be ready to answer broad questions, such as "Why should I hire you?" "Why do you want this job?" "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
• Practice an interview with a friend or relative.

Personal appearance:

• Be well groomed.
• Dress appropriately.
• Do not chew gum or smoke.

The interview:

• Be early.
• Learn the name of your interviewer and greet him or her with a firm handshake.
• Use good manners with everyone you meet.
• Relax and answer each question concisely.
• Use proper English—avoid slang.
• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
• Use body language to show interest—use eye contact and don’t slouch.
• Ask questions about the position and the organization, but avoid questions whose answers can easily be found on the company Web site.
• Also avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless a job offer is made.
• Thank the interviewer when you leave and shake hands.
• Send a short thank you note following the interview.

Information to bring to an interview:

• Social Security card (where applicable).
• Government-issued identification (driver’s license or national ID card).
• Resume or application. Although not all employers require a resume, you should be able to furnish the interviewer information about your education, training, and previous employment.
• References. Employers typically require three references. Get permission before using anyone as a reference. Make sure that they will give you a good reference. Try to avoid using relatives as references.
• Transcripts. Employers may require an official copy of transcripts to verify grades, coursework, dates of attendance, and highest grade completed or degree awarded.

In summary, here are the golden tips:

Interview Tip 1: Look the Part

Plan to dress professionally in conservative clothing with appropriate shoes, minimal jewelry, and perfume. Even if the office is casual, you should dress in business attire.

Interview Tip 2: Before the Interview

Bring a portfolio with extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and a notepad and pen. Use a breath mint before you enter the building. Leave the gadgets at home or turned off in your bag or briefcase.

Interview Tip 3: Arrive on Time

Arrive a few minutes early for your interview. If you're not sure where you're going get directions ahead of time (Mapquest or Google Maps) and do a trial run, so you know where you're going. When you arrive for your interview, greet the receptionist and let him or her know why you are there.

Interview Tip 4: Answer Questions Calmly

During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you're not sure what's been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure to fully answer the question.

Interview Tip 5: Ask Questions About the Job

Be prepared with questions of your own, because you will probably be asked if you have any at the end of the interview. Having questions will show that you've done your homework and are truly interested in the position.

Interview Tip 6: Follow Up

Ask your interviewer for a business card. That way, you'll have the correct spelling of names and job titles for your thank you notes and follow up calls. It's important to thank the interviewer for their time and to let them know that you look forward to hearing from them. Follow up by sending a thank you note to everyone you interviewed with.