Job Interview TipsBefore the interview, research the company. Know what the company does, who their competition is, the size of the company, its history and corporate culture. Prepare several questions that you can ask about the company. Prepare a Strengths & Weaknesses sheet. You may need it during the interview. Bring your research notes, any previous correspondence, your list of questions, and several copies of your resume and references. Don't forget to bring a pen. Arrive fifteen minutes before your interview. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with the area. If you are nervous and have cold hands, go to the restroom and run warm water over them. A cold handshake is not a good thing. Be positive and enthusiastic from the minute you walk in. Remember the names of people you meet for follow-up later on and remember to be polite. Know who you are interviewing with; name, title, division, etc. Sometimes you won't know this until the start of the interview. If available, try to get each interviewer's business card. Be flexible. The interviewer is conducting the interview, not you, so go with the flow. You may be asked to meet others in the company, gladly do so. Don't dominate the interview. Let the interviewer ask the questions. You should be given a window of time to ask your questions as the interview progresses. Always respond to an interviewer's questions with positive answers. Do not discuss salary if possible. If the interviewer asks you what you are looking for in salary, then give them a range based on your total compensation. If you are asked to lunch, accept the invitation. Eat lightly. Do not order alcoholic drinks, even if others do. Do not smoke. Normally the interviewer will take care of the bill and tip. Before ending an interview, make sure you understand what other steps are to be taken and what the timing is for filling the position, including when you can expect further word. After the interview, send a thank you letter or card. It's just good manners. It may also help secure you another interview and could put you in a better position for obtaining a job offer. Here is an example of a Thank You Letter. THINGS TO AVOID Do not arrive late for the interview. Do not sit down before the interviewer sits down. Let the interviewer sit first. Do not display habitual signs of nervousness ( excessive laughing, finger fidgeting, knuckle cracking, squirming, playing with your hair, biting your nails, etc.) Do not lose focus on the interview. Do not be critical. Do not argue with or correct the interviewer. Do not lie. Do not slouch (stand and sit up straight). Do not flirt, smoke, pick your nose, burp or emit any gases during the interview (believe it or not people do this during interviews). Do not use expressions such as "uh-huh", "like", and "you know." Avoid "umhs" and "aahs". Think before you speak. Now put these job interview tips and traps to work by moving on to Job Interview Tips - The Interview. It's during the interview that the rubber meets the road they say.
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