During the Interview
- Be Focused. Remember that you are there to get a job. If the interviewer asks you an open-ended question, be sure that you answer it in a way that reflects on your ability to do the job you seek well. Don’t go off on tangents about your mother’s hometown…unless, of course, it’s relevant to the job. Answer the question specifically and concisely, and then be quiet and let the interviewer speak again.
- Make Eye Contact. Take minimal notes if you must take notes during an interview. Your job is to facilitate interview flow (even though you might think this is the interviewer’s job), and you need to be making eye contact to do this.
- Shake Hands. At the beginning and end of your interview, shake your interviewer(s) hand(s) firmly and express your pleasure at meeting them. See also closing the interview.
- Be Professional. Even though the interview atmosphere might be chummy, remember that the interviewer is there to establish your suitability for a position. Don’t go into stories about your frat days (unless you were fundraising money for charity or something else equally positive and relevant).
- Sit up Straight and Smile. Having confident body language (while you wait before the interview and during the interview itself) will send all the right messages to your prospective employer.
- Ask the Right Questions. Ask about the job to establish the position in the company, and the responsibilities involved. Don’t ask about taking vacation time or starting late.
