Tips for a Successful Interview

1. Tips for a Successful Interview

2. Preparing for the Interview Things to know • Know the mission statement of the company • Know the job description • Know the required qualifications • Know some of the history of the company • Know the growth of the company in the past few years • Know the name of the interviewer or all on the panel

3. Men’s Interview Attire • Clean, wrinkle-free suit, if possible, or slacks (solid color - navy or dark grey; preferably NOT khakis) • Long sleeve button down shirt (white or coordinated with the suit) • Belt • Coordinate the necktie with the suit, but don't try matching the suit. • Dark socks, professional shoes • Limited jewelry (Wedding band and a watch) • Neat, professional hairstyle • Neatly trimmed, clean nails • Portfolio or briefcase

4. Women’s Interview Attire • Solid color, conservative suit or slacks, if possible (navy, black or dark grey) • The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably • Coordinated blouse • Conservative shoes • Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets) • Neat, Professional hairstyle • Neutral pantyhose • Light make-up and perfume • Neatly, manicured clean nails • Portfolio or briefcase

5. Things to Avoid • Do not bring these items to an interview • Gum • Cell phone • IPod • Coffee or soda • If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only, is a good rule) • Cover tattoos when possible • Do no apply too much scented lotion or perfume/cologne • Keep your hands dry and free of lotions that may transfer to the other person while shaking hands.

6. Make a Good First Impression Introduction • Introduce yourself (to the entire panel) in a calm, confident voice • Make eye-contact during your introduction • Offer a firm handshake to each panel member • Maintain a positive facial expression (be charming) • Repeat their name (Example: It is nice to meet you, John.) Do not… • Put your hand in your pockets • Make off-topic small talk • Attempt flattery

7. A Professional Handshake • Make eye-contact • Do not stare your interviewer down • Grasp their hand firmly in yours • Do not crush their hand, but use a firm grip • When your interviewer starts to pull away, let go • Smile and project confidence

8. Positioning • Enter the office or interview room • If the panel / interviewer remains seated • Approach and offer your hand to them • When asked to sit • Wait until all others are seated • This is a sign of respect to the interviewer • Sit-up in the seat using good posture • Do not shift around and fidget

9. Answering Questions • Listen to the whole question before you form an answer in you mind • Listening to the question the first time without answering in your mind’s eye will help you hear what is being asked • If you are unsure of what you are being asked • Ask them to repeat the question • Refrain from asking them to repeat every question • Take a deep breath • Gather your thoughts • Answer the question honestly, to the best of your ability • You should be prepared for any question that they will ask • Preparation is key to an interview (do your homework) • Having a note card and references is okay • Do not shuffle these and do not read directly from the cards, only use them to help you keep on topic

10. Asking Questions • You should know the position and the company you are interviewing for. • There may be some information unavailable to you before the interview • Having a list of questions for this missing information is good • Wait for the end of the interview or when prompted for questions to ask for this information

11. Asking for the Job • Do not be afraid to ask for the job in the interview • You should practice asking for the job in your interview preparation. • Do not leave the interview until you have asked for the position you have applied for.

12. Ending the Interview • When the interview is over • Thank the interviewer • Shake hands • Check the area and make sure you did not leave anything behind