Interview Tips

Dress for Success

As you can imagine, clothes help you make a great first impression, but they shouldn’t speak louder than you do.

Here are a few examples of how to dress for success:

If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only, is a good rule) and if you have visible tattoos, cover them.

The most important thing to wear for your interview is a smile.

What Not to Bring to the Interview

To display proper etiquette, the following items should not be brought with you:

• Gum
• Cell phone
• Electronic devices
• Coffee or soda
• A relative or friend. If you must have a companion, this person should wait in the car or at a nearby location

What to Bring to the Interview

Displaying preparedness and interest is always a positive sign to employers. Before your interview, take the time to ensure you have the following items readily available, if needed.

• Resume Copies
• A pen and notepad
• References/letters of recommendation
• Questions to ask your interviewer (i.e. about the job, about the company, etc.)
• Directions to the meeting location and interviewers contact information. Research the location and distance to ensure timely arrival to your interview. It is always better to be early than late!

The Interview

Interviews can be stressful, but think of them as an enlightening experience. Interviews allow you to learn more about the position and the company. This gives you and the hiring manager the opportunity to determine whether the job is a good fit for each of you; after all, the company is not the only one who has to make a decision at the end.

• Demonstrate confidence. Standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake can be a great beginning — or quick ending — to your interview.
• Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.
• During your interview, your job is to show us that you have the right attitude, experience, skill set, and qualifications for the position.
• Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. When discussing your career accomplishments, match them to what the company is looking for.
• From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you’re not hearing it, you’re missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer and match their style and pace.
• It’s a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words.
• Your interviewer will be interested in what you’ve done in previous jobs or in school.
• We want to hear about specific situations. Tell your stories. Let us know how you handled them and what results you achieved.
• Tell us about success stories but don’t be afraid to include a time when things didn’t go quite right but you still learned from the experience.
• The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer’s demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.
• The most important tip of all to remember during an interview is: BE YOURSELF!

Despite the etiquette, formality, and inevitable fear factor, job interviews can actually be enjoyable as well as extremely informative!

Good Luck!