HELPFUL TIPS FOR INTERVIEWING 

You've been granted an interview!  Wonderful!  Now that you're in the door, there are certain things that you can do to either help you get the job, OR leave the employer looking for someone else.  Take note of the following tips, and make sure you PREPARE before the big day arrives to make sure you leave the best possible impression of you with the interviewer.

INTERVIEW DO’S AND DO NOT'S

DO:

DO NOT:

Go alone Arrive a little early Address the interviewer by title Shake hands firmly Wait until you are asked to be seated Maintain eye contact Take time to think about your answers to interview questions Ask about questions you do not understand to be made clear Be positive Talk about your qualifications for the job Emphasize your readiness to undertake the job duties Ask when you may call to learn about the hiring decision Have a positive attitude Practice good hygiene and groom appropriately Make a good first impression

Smoke or chew anything, even if invited to do so Handle anything on the interviewer's desk Apologize for your lack of experience Ask about salary or days off Discuss personal problem, financial problems, other jobs you did not get, or criticize teachers or employers Provide false information Before the job or hang around after the interview Wear sweat pants, tight clothing, or other “unprofessional” dress Take friends or parents to an interview Assume you will get the position Have a negative attitude Use slang, obscenities, or one word answers Do not ramble, just answer the questions completely

HELPFUL HINTS FOR INTERVIEWING

Speaking Voice:  During the interview and on the phone

• Your voice should sound warm and relatively upbeat.  Don’t sound as if you are in a bad mood.
• Use good diction, enunciating each work clearly.  Remember when you are on the phone that the person on the other end does not have the benefit of reading your lips.
• Speak at a normal tempo, or perhaps slightly slower than you would ordinarily.
• Speak at a pleasant volume and a reasonable pitch level
• Do not use slang. Use complete words
• Do not wrap (aloud to yourself) at the elevator while waiting to get on

Body Language: What are you saying?

• Practice good posture.  Do not slouch or use your arm to prop yourself up. You will appear tired.
• Always make eye contact
• Do not fidget or shift a lot in your seat
• Notice where you place your hands. If you place them on the table or desk you may appear more open.  If you hide them under the desk, you might appear more closed.  If there is no desk or table in front of you, fold them in your lap; don’t fidget or crack your knuckles.
• Use a firm handshake when you leave and thank the interviewer by name for his/her time and interest.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS:

• Dress properly and neatly
• Try to relax and be at ease
• Show enthusiasm
• Be friendly, pleasant, and polite
• Express a willingness to work hard
• Be a good listener and do not interrupt
• Show knowledge of the job or career field
• Express yourself clearly (Use complete sentences)
• Ask questions about the company and the job
• Do not ask about salary and benefits until the job is offered
• Thank the interviewer for her/his time and interest

ANSWER SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

When practicing for your interviews, you will want to keep “surprises” to a minimum, and the best way to do that is to prepare the answers to some of the most common questions you are likely to be asked.  The following list may prove helpful:

What can I do for you?  Employers really do not want a straight answer to this question.  They know you want a job.  Suggested responses are: “Actually, I’m here to offer you something, loyal and efficient work.” And “I think the question is: “what I can do for you? I am here to talk about your need for an expert driver.” You should tell employers what they will gain by hiring you.