Here are a few pointers on how to make a good impression in your next interview.
Interview Do’s
- Research the company: Learn about the company and the person who is interviewing you.
- Dress appropriately for the position: If you are unsure of what to wear refer to our blog post “What to Wear to an Interview”
- Map out your commute: Eliminate stressing about figuring out where the interview is by calculating your commute ahead of time. If your interview is downtown add parking in your commute time.
- Practice good body language: Give a firm handshake and make good strong eye contact. Sit straight and place your hands on your lap or on the table.
- Plan your response: Interviewers like direct and precise answers. Make sure you’re prepared to give examples. Be prepared but not rehearsed.
- Ask questions: This generally happens at the end of interview. Let your interviewer know that you are interested in the position and engage in deeper conversation about the skills set needed to be successful in the role.
- Send a Thank You letter: If you don’t have your interviewer’s contact information, ask them for their business card at the end of your interview so that you may send them a direct thank you letter.
Interview Don’ts
1. Arrive too early for your interview: Arriving more than the 30 minutes before an interview is too early. Refer to our blog post about “Interview Arrival Times” for more details.
2. Forget to bring an resume: Never assume that the interviewer will have a copy of your resume. The person interviewing looks ill prepared and unprofessional when they don’t bring a resume.
3. Insult previous employers: Potential employers want to know that the newest member to the company is going to be a positive asset to their team; not only by fulling their job requirements but also in the work culture.
4. Pretend to be someone you are not: Just because a person has the right qualifications for a position doesn’t mean they will be a good culture fit, and letting your personality show in the interview will help figure that out.
5. Over-explain your answers: See more about concise answers in interviews here
6. Ask about pay: Never initiate the conversation about pay because this makes you seem like money is your main motivation. The topic of pay WIll come up, but let the company approach the topic.
7. Lie about qualifications or past experiences: Just don’t!
These are some easy guidelines to follow to turn heads at your next interview!
