Research the company’s dress code going into the interview. If you know anyone from the company, ask them what’s appropriate. You can also call the company’s Human Resource Department and ask what is recommended in terms of attire. If you’re interviewing for a professional, managerial, or executive position you should always wear a suit. Have a few interview suits, preferably tailored to your body, on hand to choose from. [1] X Research source If the attire is business casual, or if you’re applying for a lower ranking position, a nice blouse with dress pants or a skirt is a good choice for women. Men can wear dress pants and a button down shirt and tie. [2] X Research source If this is for a factory, construction, or other such job where you will get dirty, wear sensible attire to the interview, this includes steel-toed safety shoes and if it’s a construction site, you’ll need to wear a hard hat (not a bump hat) to get from the gate to the office. Do not forget footwear. Oftentimes, an outfit is great but shoes are tattered or worn. Invest in comfortable, work-appropriate shoes. Do not fret if you have to pay a little more. Remember, you will use these shoes often when you land a job. [3] X Research source Avoid perfumes and other fragrances, which can appear tacky and put off interviewers. While accessories, like a nice belt or tasteful jewelry, can be a nice touch avoid anything overly flashy or distracting. [4] X Research source If you wear make-up, stick to neutral shades of lipstick, eye-liner, and eye shadow. Your make-up should ideally enhance your existing facial features without overwhelming them.
Know what skills the company values. Look at the career page on their website and pay close attention to the desired qualifications listed on their job postings. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about a given company and discover what aspects of your skill set and career history to emphasize. [5] X Research source Read up on the latest news involving the company. Oftentimes, company websites have a section dedicated to press releases and news coverage. You can also search for the company’s name in Google News. [6] X Research source Research the company’s mission and values. You’ll want to make sure you come off as a good fit for the company’s culture. There should be a section on the company’s website with a mission statement. You can also follow the company on social media to get a sense of their ethos. [7] X Research source Find out who your interviewer will be. Oftentimes, this is disclosed in the email asking you to come in for an interview. If not, you can politely request their name. Research the interviewer on LinkedIn and Twitter. This increases your chance of connecting and, in turn, landing the job. [8] X Research source
People tend to remember stories easier than direct information. Therefore, telling a story rather than simply conveying your experience means you’ll stand out in an interviewer’s mind. [9] X Research source Ask yourself, what are the skill sets this company is looking for? Write down a list of skills and, from there, try to come up with stories from past jobs, volunteer experiences, and internships that illustrate your proficiency with said skills. Have 2 to 3 anecdotes to choose from going in. Rehearse. Recite the stories to yourself to make sure you include all necessary information and don’t slip up or stutter during the interview. You can always record yourself speaking and play back the recording to see where you need to improve.
Curse words do not reflect well on you as a potential employee. Make sure any obscenity is removed. A negative attitude can be a deterrent to employment and people often take to Twitter and Facebook to complain. Delete tweets or statues that air grievances about friends, family members, or businesses. If you want to err on the side of caution, you can temporarily deactivate your Facebook or Twitter profile the week before your interview. You can also change privacy settings so only certain posts are visible to the public.
Aim to show up 10 to 15 minutes early, but no earlier than that. Any earlier can put pressure on your interview to conduct the interview prematurely. [10] X Research source Stay off your phone while waiting. There’s always a chance of receiving distressing information through your smart phone. You don’t want anything to take your focus away from the interview. [11] X Research source Briefly review any notes you have, but do not go overboard as this can increase your anxiety. Simply scan what you’ve jotted down. [12] X Research source Sit up straight and be attentive. Convey confident body language even while waiting as this will set the tone for your interview. [13] X Research source
A handshake should be neither too limp nor too hard. Both methods are off-putting to interviewers. [14] X Research source Make sure you arrange your belongings on your left side as you’ll be shaking with your right hand. You don’t want to leave your interviewer waiting while you fumble with folders and notebooks. [15] X Research source Offer your hand with your palm slightly up, allowing the interviewer’s hand to cover yours. This is a subtle gesture that conveys respect. [16] X Research source Never cover the interviewer’s hand with your left hand while shaking. This can be seen as inappropriate and a sing of domination. [17] X Research source
When you’re being lead to the interview, follow the leader. This shows you respect their position of authority over you. [18] X Research source Put any belongings, such as a briefcase or purse, on the floor beside you. Holding onto to these items during an interview is awkward and distracting. Placing them on the interviewer’s desk can be seen as intrusive. [19] X Research source Sit up straight in a manner that displays your neck, chest, and stomach. Do not lean forward. This makes you look nervous or aggressive. [20] X Research source Keep your hands above the desk and below your collar bone when gesturing. You don’t want to appear overly excited, which can put off your interviewer. [21] X Research source
Even if your interviewer does not need an extra copy, they will be impressed you took the initiative to print one out beforehand. Keep your resume in a business folder so it’s not tattered or torn when you enter the interview. Having copies on-hand reflects initiative and organizational skills, highly valued traits in job candidates.
If there’s anything in the interviewer’s office that interests you, bring it up. This is especially effective if you have common interests. People are more likely to remember, and hire, people they like. If, for example, you see a picture of your interview riding a horse ask about it, and casually mention you used to take horseback riding lessons as a child. [22] X Research source The interviewer will likely ask a general question going in, like “How are you today?” Think of a creative, amusing answer. Instead of saying something like, “Fine” or “I’m good,” try using a memorable adjectives like, “Perfect” or “Doing fantastic. " You could also create your own answer, relating your mood to something interesting in your day. Like, “Great, actually. The drive over here was so scenic it put me in a fantastic mood. “[23] X Research source Leave behind a resume or work sample. That way, the interviewer will have a physical reminder of your presence even after you leave. [24] X Research source
Never bad-mouth past employees. Whether it’s your prospective employer’s competition or a previous employer, only say positive nice things about others. Interviewers might be wary to trust you if you come off as bitter or a gossip. Do not discuss salary or ask about benefits during the initial interview. While important, these questions should wait. You want to look interested in the position because of a genuine investment in the company rather than monetary gain. Hold off on such questions until you’ve been hired or moved to another round of interviews.
Ask about the company’s values and how your work can help further those values. Also, ask about the company’s culture. Ask your interviewer what aspects of that culture they find most valuable as an employee. Ask the interviewer if they have any concerns about hiring you. This shows you’re willing to adapt to changes and are genuinely invested in self improvement. Ask what an average day of work looks like. This shows that you want to be prepared in the event you get the job. Ask about what opportunities the company provides for collaboration, growth, and education. This shows you’re interested in growing as a person and a professional during your employment.
Gather your belongings calmly. Try not to stumble or drop anything. [25] X Research source Shake hands again, following proper protocol. If you can’t conveniently shake hands with everyone present, make sure you at least shake hands with the hiring manager. Nod your head as you leave and take the quickest and most convenient route out the door. [26] X Research source You may be tempted to try and read your interviewer’s body language for signs on how you did, but this can cause undue anxiety. You don’t want to engage in any behaviors that can disrupt your confidence. [27] X Research source
As soon as you get home, write down notes from the interview. Include the names of the interviewer and staff you met and specific questions you were asked. [28] X Research source Using blank notecards, write a handwritten note to everyone you met. Thank them for the opportunity to interview at their company and mention any specifics you remember about the experience. [29] X Research source Emails are often used as a form of follow up, and while this can be great in a pinch aim for a physical note. This sets you apart from other candidates and shows greater effort. [30] X Research source
