Before the Job Interview
The first of my job interview tips is that you need to dress neatly for your job interview. There is no need to wear a three-piece suit, or an elegant evening dress, but you do need to dress professionally. Even if the position is a casual dress position, you still need to dress professionally for the job interview.
Show up 15 minutes early for the job interview. Bring a legal pad portfolio with copies of all the documents that you have sent previously to the employer in case they may need another, being prepared is very important. This will show the interviewer that you are a prompt person and that have respect for their time. If you show up late you are proving to them that you are an irresponsible person and you may not be right for the job.
Prepare for the job interview by doing a little research on the company. It is not necessary to memorize the entire company profile, but it is nice to know a little about the company. You are then able to ask questions about the job, the company, and the potential advancement opportunities that may be available if you know more about where you are having your job interview.
During the Job Interview
Another important tip to follow is to make sure that you do not use slang or cursing during your job interview. I know that in everyday life, most of us tend to use slang and let a few words slip now and then, but you want to curb that while in an interview. I am not saying that you need to be totally proper and use Elizabethan English during your job interview, but avoid saying, “ya know” and “I’m not even lying about that”.It is important while in the job interview that you maintain eye contact with your interviewer. You do not however want to stare them down. When you keep eye contact you are able to show your potential employer that you are able to be confident in who you are and the job that you want. You also show your ability to be unafraid of speaking with people and show your magnetic personality.
Smile! Nothing impresses a job interviewer more than someone with a positive attitude. You don’t want to give them a smile like the Joker from Batman, but you do want to show that you are an easygoing person and show them you are a positive person. An easygoing person is more likely going to get along with more people in the company than someone that is a little difficult or has less personality.
Make sure when you enter the room for the job interview that you shake the hand of each person in the room and introduce yourself. Maintain eye contact when you do so and smile. This again will show the interview or panel of job interviewers that you are and that you are able to take hold of this job and run with it.
After the Job Interview
After the job interview, make sure to send a thank you note. It is considered very good job interview etiquette to send one as soon as you get home. Make sure to thank them for seeing you on the specific date (to remind them) and to remind them of your strengths. Let them know how much interest you have in the job and how sincere your interest really is. Using the thank you letter will allow your potential employer hopefully to turn into your employer!
Points to Keep In Mind:
- Send thank you letter
- Shake hands
- Introduce yourself
- Smile
- Eye contact
- No slang or cursing
- Research company
- Show up 15 minutes early
- Bring extra resumes
- Dress nicely
