Interviewing Tips

Before the Interview

• Arrive early.
• Meet physical needs (restroom, sleep, food, etc.).
• List possible questions they may ask and practice answers.
• Write out questions you want to ask.
• Plan your appearance - including breath mints!
• Plan a greeting/ice breaker.
• Prepare a background information packet (résumé, references, etc.).
• Contact references for permission.
• Do homework about employer/interviewer -- what they like, what is important to them, what are any hiring policies such as drug testing or lie detector tests.
• Make an impression with all prior contacts -- get your name on their mind.

During the Interview

• Be aware of appearance/posture/body language.
• Be positive about past experiences.
• Smile!
• Make eye contact frequently.
• Listen carefully to the questions.
• Think before you answer.
• Speak with confidence.
• Be honest - say, "I don't know" if you don't.
• Listen for clues on what the employer wants.
• Conclude with a statement of interest and confidence.
• Ask questions that haven't already been discussed.
• Thank the interviewer, using their name.

After the Interview

• Return a "thank you" to the interviewer immediately, with specific statements about your strengths and how they meet the needs of the job.
• Follow-up the interview after several days to let them know you are interested, even if you don't get the job at this time.

Interview Do's and Don'ts