1. Dress in a clean and conservative manner. Always wear a suit to the interview, even if you have heard they are "business casual".
2. Take multiple copies of your resume. You never know when you might be asked to meet additional people. It shows that you are prepared and serious about getting the job.
3. No gum or candy in your mouth!!!
4. If offered coffee or soda, "No Thanks" is the appropriate response.
5. If there are magazines or newspapers in the lobby - LEAVE THEM ALONE! You should sit on the edge of the chair or sofa provided with your purse on your arm or your briefcase on the floor, ready to stand up and extend your hand as soon as the hiring authority comes to get you.
6. Take a reference sheet, not reference letters. Provide a reference sheet if you are asked. Reference letters can be sent or you can fax them after the interview, if you are asked for them.
7. Ask for the business card of each person you meet. This way you will have all of the information you need to write "thank you" notes. It is easy to send an email, but takes extra effort to mail a hand written thank you note.
8. Be on time. There is no excuse for it, none! Leave extra early, do whatever it takes. Blaming it on traffic or anything else doesn't matter(even if it is true)
9. Turn your cell phone off. Double check that cell phone ringer is turned off.
10. Know the company and why you want to work there - Google the company you are interviewing for and learn as much as you can.
11. Bring a notepad with you. It is a subtle way to make you stand out. Take notes when appropriate.
12. Don't badmouth a previous employer, Perhaps they were a bad boss, but expressing that is a huge mistake.
13. At the end of the interview, make sure you have some questions to ask. This will reinforce that you have a strong interest in the job.
NON VERBAL INTERVIEW TIPS:
.Handshake: A firm handshake is considered a sign of confidence. Take the other person's hand in your right hand(don't use both hands), so that the space between your thumb and first finger touches theirs. Give a firm, but not crushing squeeze, and shake the person's hand up and down slightly, once. If you have sweaty hands, be sure to dry them before your interview.
.Posture and physical distance: When sitting in a chair, sit up straight or lean slightly(don't slouch). If you will be crossing your legs, do it so that one knee is stacked on top of the other or cross your ankles.(Do not cross your legs so that one foot is on top of your other knee). Alternatively, keep both feet on the floor. Do not stretch yous legs out in front of you or sit with your legs spread far apart, it looks too casual. When standing near someone, about three feet of distance is standard. Standing closer than this can be quite uncomfortable for others.
.Arms and hands: You can "talk with your hands" to some extent, but do not do so to the point of distracting your interviewer. Sitting with your arms crossed in front of you can look defensive. Instead, try to have a more open posture. Don't fidget, play with your hair or pen, or bite your nails.
.Eye contact: Look in the eyes of the person interviewing you. Looking down or away frequently gives a message of not being confident or being confused. Rolling your eyes up is considered a sign of disrespect. Don't stare at the interviewer; just look at him or her in the eye as much as possible.
.Facial expression: Smiling is an important way of showing that you are a friendly individual and that you are enthusiastic about the position. Smile at the beginning and the end of the interview at a minimum. This can't be emphasized enough.
Remember: Our job is to get you in the door. Your job is to "get the job". Go into every interview with the goal of getting an offer. Be enthusiastic, upbeat, and positive. Show your interest. Do not leave any doubt in the minds of the people you interview with that you are interested.
