How to Have a Great Job Interview
- 1). Review your research about the interviewing company and make notes about any recent company press releases, what the major products and services are and any current company announcements or news. You will use this information in your interview questions later.
- 2). Make a good first impression on the interviewer by choosing an appropriate outfit. The basic interview outfit typically consists of a conservative suit, minimal makeup and perfume/cologne and minimal jewelry. The interview is not the time to show off your unique fashion style, unless you're going for a fashion designer position.
- 3). Arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure you are not late or feel rushed. If the interview occurs at a large building or high rise that houses many companies, enter the premises and go to the restroom to check your appearance and freshen up. If the hiring company is the only tenant in the building, do not go in until 10 minutes before the scheduled interview time.
- 4). Begin the interview with confidence and grace. Greet the interviewer with a smile and firm handshake. Tell him, "Thank you so much for meeting with me. I'm so excited to be here." Hand him a clean copy of your resume and wait for him to offer you a chair before you sit down. Never put your personal items on his desk or work table.
- 5). Prepare an elevator speech, a short, informative response that summarizes your educational background, work history and one major professional accomplishment, and use it when the interviewer asks you to tell him about yourself. He does not want to know your hobbies, how many pets you have or your favorite foods.
- 6). Answer the interview questions succinctly and honestly. You're not giving a speech, so your answers should last a minute or less. You also don't want to pretend to be someone you're not. If the job or company isn't a fit for you, then you'll probably be miserable if you have to act like a different person when you go to work every day. Never speak negatively about past jobs or employers.
- 7). Take notes throughout the interview. Use what you learn, as well as your research about the company and job description, to ask questions at the end of the interview. Some good questions may pertain to what the interviewer likes most about working for the company or to what he thinks are the greatest challenges in the position you are interviewing for. Never ask about salary in the first interview and avoid giving an exact figure if the interviewer asks you about it. Use a salary range instead.
- 8). Close the interview effectively. Thank the interviewer for his time and ask about the next steps in the interview process. Tell him that you want the job. Write a thank you note immediately after the interview and reiterate your strong qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the position.
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