Interviewing
Preparing for an Interview
Before the interview
1. Research employer by website or visiting in person. Get an idea of their goals and plans.
2. Consider your outfit and choose work appropriate clothes
3. Practice practice practice prepare some answer to basic interview questions and practice them until you are comfortable. keep your answers direct and short and to the point.
4. Review your own resume and applications to freshen your mind about your skills and experience. Bring extra copies to the interview since in many cases the interviewer may expect you provide them with a copy at the interview.
5. Contact your references, make sure they are clear on their responsibilities
6. Prepare several questions to ask interviewers at end of interview relating to job duties, on the job training, supervisor standards and hiring timeline. Practice asking these and be clear on what you want to know.
7. A good question to ask is why they work for their company. This question will allow the employer to open up and get you familiarized with them.
8. Prepare and practice a short piece about your strongest attributes as an employee
9. Practice your greeting – handshake, eye-to-eye contact and introducing yourself.
10. If possible, go to the place of the interview the day before checking bus stops and times parking
time it takes to get there location of the office
11. Make sure you have money for the bus or gas in your car.
12. Eat breakfast and don’t drink too much coffee. Perhaps after the interview you can reward yourself with your favorite cup of coffee!
13. Arrive Remember that you are also interviewing the employer so look around the workplace, ask for a tour, show an interest in the whole business.
During the Interview
1. Remember to keep breathing throughout.
2. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake and direct eye-to-eye contact.
3. If more than one interviewer, make sure to offer eye contact and a hello to each one.
4. Sit comfortably in your seat, taking time to get settled, with feet flat on floor and hands relaxed in lap. Remember to keep your body alert yet still, try not to jiggle your feet or rub your hands a lot. You want to embody alert relaxation.
5. When answering a question look at the interviewer and speak to them. It also helps to have your resume in front of you to allow you answer questions regarding your qualifications.
6. Don’t criticize others. Don’t bad-mouth former employers.
7. Talk about experience, training, abilities specific to the position applied for.
8. Don’t discuss personal problems, including financial situation, transportation struggles and family or relationship problems.
9. Take time with you answers if needed. Review the questions in you mind and think about your responses. It is okay to ask them to repeat a question.
10. Give as many details as you can when answering. Speak of your accomplishments and other things you are proud of in your employment history.
11. Remember to be yourself – show your enthusiasm for the job and don’t be afraid to express your interest for the position.
12. Ask your questions of the employer. Have something prepared to say at end, perhaps restating your enthusiasm for the position.
13. Shake hands with good eye-to-eye contact as you say goodbye. Smile and thank them for the interview
After the Interview
