Top 10 Interview Tips

How to Make a Good First Impression at a Job Interview

Check out the company

Google them online. Make a list of things you like and don’t like about

them. Write down at least 3 key things about the

company. Research who will be interviewing you. Look

them up on Linkedin.  Do your research, rehearse, then relax.

Dress like a pro Purchase or borrow a good outfit. Make sure it’s clean. Make sure you feel good in it. It should be business professional attire. Don’t wear a lot of cologne or perfume.

Men

Women

PRACTICE Have someone ask you questions. Plan and practice some answers to typical

questions. Practice in front of a mirror, or record your practice interviews on an audio- or videotape.

 Look on the Internet for sites with practice interview sessions.

Prepare to ask three questions.

Ask about room for growth in the company. Ask about who you'll be working with most

closely. Ask for more information about one of the tasks

that are part of the job description.

Figure out who you are.

What do you like? Who are you? What are your likes and dislikes? What are your strengths? Can you give us a concrete example to

illustrate them? What are your weaknesses? (Do not say that you have no weaknesses or

that you've never made a mistake. This will make you look like you're full of yourself.)

Why do you want to work for this company? Why do you think you'd be a good fit?

What are your long term career goals? What was the biggest professional challenge you've ever faced? How did

you tackle it? Are you good at working in teams? Can you provide an example of your

strong team work? Why are you choosing to leave your present company? (If you're

currently employed elsewhere, be honest about wanting to leave without being overly negative or bad-mouthing your employer. You should be respectful at all times.)

What is your personal brand?

Write down 3 words you think people would use to describe you.

Write down 3 words that you would use to describe yourself.

There's a difference between being confident and bragging. 

Clean up any questionable social media. What will they see when they look at your twitter,

Facebook or linkedin account?

The Interview Arrive early, about 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled

time. Make sure you know how to get to the interview. If you are unsure of the location, make a trial run. Know where to park and if you need change for a meter.

Calm your nerves by taking deep breaths. Maintain a positive attitude no matter how you think the interview is going. Smile. Bring an extra copy of your resume, a fresh notepad and a pen.

Greet the interviewer. Offer a firm handshake. Listen carefully for the interviewer's name and title, if you don't already know them. Make and maintain eye contact. Be friendly but not too casual. Speak in complete sentences, and use a formal vocabulary. Don't fidget, chew gum, smoke or use slang during your interview.

The Interview

Answer questions. Be tactful, courteous, sincere, polite and knowledgeable about the organization and what you have to offer.

Conclude the interview. Thank the interviewer for the time spent with you. Ask when a decision will be made, if that hasn't already been indicated.

Nonverbals Matter Negative nonverbals Positive nonverbals– firm handshake, good

posture, good eyecontact Listen! How should you sit? How should you walk? What you don't say can - and will - be used

against you in a job interview.

Say thank you Thank them at the end of the interview. Send them a hand-written thank you note.