interview preparation – today’s the day...interview preparation – today’s the day...

Interview Preparation – Today’s the Day

© Job Interview Tools, LLC, Non-distributable Content


Today’s the day.

Job interviews can be a stressful process, but not anymore because you are prepared.

Feeling prepared means you are ready for anything they can throw at you, you’re calm and relaxed, mentally ready for a challenge, and even looking forward to the chance to shine.



Interviewing for jobs can be fun if you keep the right perspective.

Use each interview as a learning experience and don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t go the way you had hoped.

Here are some essential interview techniques to keep in mind:



Don’t be late

There’s no worse way to begin an interview.

Remember to map out your route well before the day of the interview. Even give it a practice run.

Keep your interviewer’s phone number in your portfolio so you can call if you are going to be late. Better yet, remember to allow some extra time for rush hour traffic.



Arrive 10-15 minutes early

Give yourself time to park, walk to the building, and find the office.

Large office buildings can be confusing. You need time to compose yourself – you don’t want to arrive breathless with seconds to spare.



Be friendly to the receptionist

Many employers ask opinions from their office staff members. Remember to use your manners as soon as you walk into the door.

Better yet, use your manners as soon as you get out of your car – who knows, you might be walking in with your interviewer. Wouldn’t it be a plus to hold the elevator for the owner of the company?



First impression counts

You should dress suitably for the interview. Dress professionally even if company employees do not.

Your first impression is the most important one. Dressing professionally will create a lasting positive impression. It will also tell the interviewer that you really care about the interview and the position.



Look sharp

Don’t chew gum or smoke. Don’t wear your nose ring. Don’t wear large, flashy jewelry.

Don’t wear low-cut blouses or short skirts.



Don’t smell good (or bad) Don’t wear perfume or cologne. Avoid even light traces of

fragrances during your interview. Some interviewers may be allergic, others may find it annoying. Don’t smell like smoke before the interview.

Especially with the latest craze for healthy employees, you do not want to give warning signs that you are a smoker. The scent of stale smoke may be a major turn-off for interviewers, especially ones who do not smoke themselves.



Take a deep breath

The moment the interviewer summons for you may be the most nerve-racking time of the interview.

When you feel nervous, take a deep breath, count to three, and then turn on the charm.



Body language talks

A firm handshake and eye contact demonstrate confidence. Speak clearly in a confident voice.

Be attentive to non-verbal behavior. Be poised, look the interviewer in the eye, sit up straight, and keep both feet on the floor. You should control nervous habits such as fingernail biting, hair twirling, and giggling.



Be a gentleman (or a lady)

Wait for the interviewer to invite you to sit down. If you are asked if they can get you anything, politely ask for a glass of water (you’ll need it).

Mirror the interviewer’s body positioning, but don’t overdo it. If the interviewer sits in a relaxed, cross-legged position, consider doing the same. However, keep a good posture and never slouch.



Be a good listener

One of the most neglected interviewing skills is listening. There is nothing worse than to ask a question that the interviewer has already discussed. You want to remember what you learn about the job, and you want to answer the questions that were asked.

Make sure you are not only listening, but also reading between the lines. Sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is said.



Have a positive attitude

Don’t make negative remarks or give excuses about a negative experience. If you are asked why your grades are low, don’t give excuses.

Instead, focus on stating the positive facts and what you have learned from your experience.



Be yourself

Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experiences and skills.

Be professional, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

Talk positively about yourself, this is your chance to sell yourself.



Address the job criteria

Come to the interview prepared.

It’s to your advantage to carefully research the job and the company. This can be done in many ways. You can request information from the company, go to the company’s website, or search the company on the Internet.



Answer the question asked

Candidates often don’t think about whether or not they actually are answering the questions asked by their interviewers.

Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure.



Take another deep breath

Think before you speak.

If the interviewer asks you a question and you feel confused, take a deep breath, a sip of water, smile, and ask the interviewer to please repeat the question.



Give specific examples One specific example about your background is worth 50

vague stories. Prepare your success stories before the interview.

Give examples that highlight your accomplishments. The interviewer assumes that past behavior will indicate future performance.

(See behavioral questions and answers module.)



Ask questions

Many interviewees don’t ask questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable information. Your questions indicate your interest in the company and the job. In addition, you are interviewing the company as well. Take notes during the interview about anything you would like to know.

Remember to review the “Closing questions to ask interviewers” module.



Follow up

Whether it’s through email or regular mail, the follow-up is one more chance to remind the interviewer of all the valuable traits you bring to the job and company. Don’t miss this last chance to market yourself and don’t blow it by misspelling their name.

If your interviewer is trying to choose between you and another candidate, your follow-up might give you that all-important edge.


interview preparation – today’s the day...interview preparation – today’s the day...

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