Interviewing Tips

1. Get a good night’s sleep the night before the interview.
2. If overly nervous, try talking with someone who is an encouragement to you.
3. Listen to some music that is meaningful to you.
4. Consider doing some practice (mock) interviews.
5. Know how to get to the interview site and how long it will take you.
6. Know where to enter upon arrival and whom to see.
7. Carry a cell phone and call if you are going to be late or need last-minute directions/instructions.
8. Consider practicing answers to possible questions that may be uncomfortable to you.
9. Be prepared to discuss some things that you may have deliberately left off the job application, preferring instead to mention those during the interview.
10. Realize that the interview is also a time for you to decide if you want the job.
11. Try to be in a relaxed state when arriving.
12. Avoid wearing jewelry and make-up that are “showy.”
13. For women-no long fingernails and if wearing nail polish, be sure it is a subtle color and neatly applied.
14. Go easy on the cologne/perfume!
15. Hair must be clean and well groomed.
16. Clothing should communicate that you fit the employment environment.
17. If in doubt of what to wear, a little too dressy is far better than a little too casual.
18. Arrive about ten minutes early.
19. Introduce yourself properly.
20. If available, read company materials while you wait.
21. Have a firm handshake.
22. Sit only when asked to sit.
23. Establish good eye contact.
24. Listen carefully to the interviewer and answer all questions fully and honestly.
25. Speak only positively about any present or past employers.
26. Deliberately slow down your speech pattern in order to be under control of your thought process.
27. Try to be your genuine self.
28. Use good body posture/language when talking and listening in order to show interest.
29. You might carry a nice, vinyl bound notebook with a list of questions and a source of making notes. (This should communicate to the interviewer that you are serious, well organized and think ahead.)
30. Near the end of the meeting, the interviewer will probably ask if you have any questions. If you do, you might respond by saying, “There are some things that are important to me that have not been covered yet.” Then use the notebook to be reminded of those.
31. One good request is that the interviewer or someone else show you the area in which you will be working.
32. Be prepared to do a “60 second commercial” about yourself-background, current activities, goals and availability.
33. Ask what a typical day is like in the job for which you are applying.
34. Don’t prolong the session if it is obvious the interviewer is ready to close it.
35. Be sure to get the name and address of the interviewer so you can mail a thank-you letter.
36. When leaving, be sure to thank the interviewer (and receptionist).
37. Some common questions by interviewers are:

· What do you know about our company?

· Tell me about yourself.

· Tell me how you came to choose your major.

· Tell me about some of your other jobs.

· Do you have a geographical preference? How do you feel about relocating?

· Do you have any hobbies or free time interests?

· What to you see yourself doing in five years?

· How do you make yourself valuable to an employer?

· What are some things you want for yourself from work?

· What are your strengths?

· What are your weaknesses?

· Why do you think you would be a good hire for us?

38. Some questions you might want to ask the interviewer are:

· What are some of the typical first year assignments?

· Why is this position open?

· After I had been here several months, what would be some indications to you that I was doing a good job?

· How can I upgrade my skills while continuing to work here?

· Do you promote from within?

· How would I be evaluated? How often?

· Could you or someone else show me the area in which I would be working?

· If the interview is going well and it has not been mentioned, you can ask about salary and benefits.