Twelve Ways To Improve Your Interviews
By Susan Morem
- Always arrive early. Arrive about 15 prior to your interview time. This will give you time to find a place to park, and get settled before the interview.If you arrive too early you may appear overly anxious.
- Never bring your cell phone. Leave your phone in the car, but if forget or you must carry it with you, turn it off. Nothing will disqualify you faster than your phone ringing or worse yet, answering a call during an interview.
- Always prepare in advance:The more you know about the company and its competitors, the better. You will be to talk in specifics rather than generalities, and ask intelligent questions. Don’t wait for an interview to talk about your qualifications; practice, practice, practice.
- Never interrupt the interviewer:No matter how much you have to say, don’t babble on and on. Engage in conversation, listen attentively, be responsive, and wait until it is your turn to speak.
- Always know what’s on your resume:If you are unable to recall dates or other information that is on your resume, it will diminish your credibility and your chances of a job offer.
- Never lie: Even a little white lie can get you into a lot of trouble. As long as you tell the truth you will never have to worry about keeping your story straight.
- Always dress to impress: What you wear to an interview is important; always look your best. Even if you are told that the company is ‘casual’ and employees dress casually, you are not an employee yet.
- Never wear cologne: You don’t want to trigger a sneezing or wheezing attack for it will bring even the best interview to a halt. No smell is the only safe smell and the only way to go.
- Always ask for the job: Don’t avoid the reason you are there. If you want the job, don’t end the interview before you’ve asked for it. If you know there are additional steps to take, ask about the next step.
- Never let your guard down: Act as if you are being observed every minute, because you are. Don’t swear, use slang, or talk bad about anyone. And don’t get too comfortable; select a chair that will help you maintain good posture and remian attentive throughout the entire interview.
- Always send a thank you note: Saying thanks in a voice or e-mail message won’t suffice; always take the time to send a handwritten thank you note.
- Never eat or chew gum:If you are smacking, cracking, chomping or blowing bubbles you’re not going to make a very good impression. If you are offered something to eat or drink, feel free to accept a beverage, but pass on the food.
