Jobs

Interview Tips

1. Be Prepared. Good preparation always creates confidence.
1. Confirm the date, time and location of the interview
2. Confirm the name of the interviewer. Make sure you now how to accurately spell and pronounce their name.
3. If requested, don’t forget to bring documents, references, etc. Make sure documents are neatly arranged and on wrinkle free paper. Don’t fold documents.
4. Look at company website to learn about the company.
2. Be on time.
1. If you use public transportation, give yourself plenty of time for potential delays.
2. Arrive at the interview location 10-15 minutes early and make sure the receptionist, or contact, knows you’re there.
3. If you’re going to be late or an emergency arises, immediately call.
3. Do a practice interview with someone who will give you honest feedback.
1. Go online and review sample interview questions to prepare your answers.
2. Act as if the mock interview is the real interview.
3. Accept constructive feedback and make appropriate changes to your interview style.
4. Make good eye contact and give a firm handshake at the beginning and end of the interview.
5. Do not talk too much.
1. Listen carefully and make sure you fully understand the question before answering.
2. Pace yourself to ensure the interviewer has time to fully comprehend your response.
3. Good listening includes making eye contact while the interviewer is speaking and never interrupting.
4. Keep answers to 2-3 minutes but give thorough answers. This helps to ensure you don’t ramble.
5. Use proper grammar. No slang. Stay away from filler words such as um, you know, and don’t overuse the word ‘and’.
6. Talk about specific achievements
1. How you solved a problem
2. How you learned and improved from a difficult situation
3. How you handled an issue under pressure
4. What you did to meet an unexpected deadline
7. Bring complete reference information-Full name, address and contact info.
8. Prepare for Open Ended Questions such as tell me about yourself.
1. Make a list of your skills and traits. Familiarize yourself with your list.
2. Leave the interviewer with a clear picture of what you have to offer.
9. Never bring up money. Timing is everything.
1. Let the interviewer or recruiter bring up this subject.
2. Be prepared to give your salary expectations once asked.
3. Set your salary expectations by researching to determine the appropriate salary range for the position.
10. Be honest! Honesty is always the best policy.
1. Don’t leave out pertinent information that you know the interviewer will eventually find out. (Criminal record, terminations, etc.)
11. Do send follow up thank you letters.
12. Ask questions but save them until the end of the interview.

Dress for Success-Interview Attire

• Dress Professional
• Conservative attire is best
• Get your clothes ready a few days before the interview. Make sure clothing is clean, wrinkle free and spot free.
• Clean and polish your shoes. No spike heels or loud colored shoes.
• Don't have body tattoos or body piercings exposed. Tongue and nose rings can be a distraction during an interview.
• Remember if you use any cologne or perfume, keep it light. Everyone may not like your favorite scent and some people may have allergies that cause sneezing and headaches from various fragrances.

1. Dark Suit-(Black, Navy, Dark Gray)
2. Dress Shirt (White or Coordinated with Suit, no busy prints)
3. Tie (if appropriate)
4. Belt (no sagging pants)
5. Dark Socks
6. Conservative Dress Shoes
7. Neat, Professional Hairstyle
8. Neatly trimmed nails
9. Limit the aftershave/cologne

1. Dark Suit-(Black, Navy, Dark Gray). Make sure skirt is at least knee length. If pant suit, make sure pants are not tight and fit appropriately.
2. Coordinated Blouse (no busy prints)
3. Limited Jewelry (No dangle earrings, or armful of bracelets).
4. Neutral Panthose
5. Conservative Dress Shoes
6. Neat, Professional Hairstyle
7. Neatly trimmed nails
8. Limit the perfume and scented lotions.
9. Light makeup