Here's what you should keep in mind the day of the interview
and immediately afterward.
Before the Interview
Be on time. Being on time (or early) is usually interpreted
by the interviewer as evidence of your commitment, dependability,
and professionalism.
Be positive and try to make others feel comfortable. Show
openness by leaning into a greeting with a firm handshake
and smile. Don't make negative comments about current or
former employers.
Relax. Think of the interview as a conversation, not an
interrogation. And remember, the interviewer is just as
nervous about making a good impression on you.
Treat every interview as if it were the only one you
will ever get with that company, and your only opportunity
to convince them that you are the right candidate for the
position.
During the Interview
Show self-confidence. Make eye contact with the interviewer
and answer his questions in a clear voice. Work to establish
a rapport with the interviewer.
Remember to listen. Communication is a two-way street.
If you are talking too much, you will probably miss cues
concerning what the interviewer feels is important.
Reflect before answering a difficult question. If you
are unsure how to answer a question, you might reply with
another question. For example, if the interviewer asks you
what salary you expect, try answering by saying "That
is a good question. What are you planning to pay your best
candidate?"
When it is your turn, ask the questions you have prepared
in advance. These should cover any information about the
company and job position you could not find in your own
research.
Do not ask questions that raise red flags. Ask, "Is
relocation a requirement?” and the interviewer may
assume that you do not want to relocate at all. Too many
questions about vacation may cause the interviewer to think
you are more interested in taking time off than helping
the company. Make sure the interviewer understands why you
are asking these questions.
Show you want the job. Display your initiative by talking
about what functions you could perform that would benefit
the organization, and by giving specific details of how
you have helped past employers. You might also ask about
specific details of the job position, such as functions,
responsibilities, who you would work with, and who you would
report to.
When asked about your strengths, be brief.
Identify experience that indicates skills that would be
effective for the job.
When asked about your weaknesses, Make them
positive.
Avoid negative body language. An interviewer wants to
see how well you react under pressure. Avoid these signs
of nervousness and tension:
Frequently touching your mouth
Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question
Gnawing on your lip
Tight or forced smiles
Swinging your foot or leg
Folding or crossing your arms
Slouching
Avoiding eye contact
Picking at invisible bits of lint
After the Interview
End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer
for his or her time. Reiterate your interest in the position
and your qualifications. Ask if you can telephone in a few
days to check on the status of your application. If they
offer to contact you, politely ask when you should expect
the call.
Send a "Thanks for the Interview" note. After
the interview, send a brief thank-you note. Try to time
it so it arrives before the hiring decision will be made.
It will serve as a reminder to the interviewer concerning
your appropriateness for the position, so feel free to mention
any topics discussed during your interview. If the job contact
was made through the Internet or e-mail, send an e-mail
thank-you note immediately after the interview, then mail
a second letter by post timed to arrive the week before
the hiring decision will be made.
Follow up with a phone call if you are not contacted within
a week of when the interviewer indicated you would be.
