Interview Checklist
o Neatness counts! Be sure your outfit is clean and pressed, and appropriate for the office. Good grooming is important, too. That means no perfume/cologne, simple hairstyles and conservative cosmetics. You want to be remembered for your great ideas and skills, not your appearance.
o Arrive on time. Lateness is the kiss of death when it comes to job interviews!
o Shake hands firmly with the interviewer but be careful not to crush their hand. That’s almost as bad as a “limp fish” handshake!
o Be prepared. Write out answers beforehand to commonly asked questions, like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want this job?” and “What are your strengths/weaknesses?” so you’re not stumped. Remember the key points in your answer instead of memorizing what you wrote word-for-word.
o Research your potential employer. Many companies have websites; you may also be able to find out information from your library. Once you have basic information about the company, you can formulate intelligent questions to ask.
o Bring extra copies of your resume to the interview. It is helpful to have the information to fill out the application form; and your interviewer may not have his/her copy of your resume close at hand.
o Speak clearly and maintain good eye contact with the interviewer. Make a conscious effort to avoid saying “like” or “you know.”
o Expand on your answers. Try to avoid answering yes or no as much as possible.
o Never, ever put down a former employer. No matter how bad the work environment was for you, put a neutral spin on the situation. Saying, “It was time for me to explore new challenges” is much more professional than listing everything your old boss did to drive you crazy.
o Stability, professionalism, willingness to learn, ability to acknowledge mistakes/weaknesses, maturity, self-confidence and maturity are but a few of the qualities you will be judged on. How do you rate yourself on these qualities? Be honest with yourself and work on the areas that need improvement. Even if you don’t get the job, you may become a better person!
