How to Have a Good Interview??

So you can make yourself look good on paper, but will your in-person interview give off the same impression? Read on for tips on how to come across as a confident, qualified and promising candidate for any job.

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Step

1

Remember to dress professionally. This means no cleavage, no skirt/suit pants higher than the knees, no torn jeans, no flip-flops, no t-shirts. When in doubt, go conservative. This means cover up: tattoos, non-traditional piercings, toes, shoulders, etc. It’s always better to be overdressed (for this situation) than underdressed. Show them that you’re taking this interview and job opportunity seriously.

Step

2

Walk in with a basic knowledge of the company, and some questions you have about it. That way, when the interview ends with “Do you have any questions for us?”, you won’t look dumbfounded and blank. A good way to do this is to browse the website, esp. the department/area you will be working in. Some good basic questions include, “How long has this company been around?” or “How did this company become established?” Also: bring extra copies of your resume so that you’re prepared in case the interviewer doesn’t have a copy or lost it in email (it happens).

Step

3

Have a good, strong handshake and good, un-shifting eye contact and a genuine smile (fake it if you must). This will immediately project positivity, confidence and a polite demeanor. Even if during the course of your interview, the job turns out to something you’re not really interested in, remain professional and polite throughout the entire process. You will always have the right to ask for time to think about it once the offer is given, so make sure you don’t make gestures you might regret later (rolling eyes, losing interest, unpleasant face of any kind).

Step

4

Take notes throughout the interview, especially if you have trouble making comfortable conversation in interview situations. Jot down things that you learn about the company during the interview, and even have your questions written down in case you get nervous and forget what you were going to ask. This will also make you look responsible, and like a serious potential employee of the company.

Step

5

After the interview, make sure to send either an email or a thank you card thanking the employer for taking the time to talk to you and meet you. Employers are all busy people, and doing this will show that you are acknowledging that their time is valuable. You will also be giving them a reminder/refresher of who you are, in case your resume (as fabulous as it might be) somehow gets lost in the mix (it totally happens employers interview A LOT of qualified candidates).