During the Interview
The Interview:
- Leave extra early in case of any emergencies, but do not go in and inform the interviewer that you are there until 10-15 minutes before the scheduled interview.
- Bring an extra resume and list of references.
- Greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it.
- Smile! Shake hands firmly. Be genuinely glad to meet the interviewer.
- Sit upright, look alert and interested at all times. Be enthusiastic!
- Be positive. Do not bring up negative experiences with past employers.
- Try to keep answers to questions less than two minutes; if your story is going to go longer, check in with the interviewer and ask if they'd like to hear more.
- Try not to talk about yourself the whole time; the best interviews are conversations in which both you and the interviewer are actively participating.
- Do not bring up salary until you have been offered the position. If the employer asks about your requirements early on, tell them you'd rather wait until you know more about the position or say something like: "Could you tell me the range budgeted for the position?"
Questions for the Interviewer:
At the end of the interview, the interviewer will almost certainly ask you if you have any questions. You should always ask at least one good question (not, 'What's the dress code?' or 'What are the hours?'). Also try to intersperse other questions throughout the entire interview. Remember that an interview is also a time for you to find out if the position is one you'd really like. Spend time asking about the work atmosphere, job expectations and benefits and challenges of the position.
Possible Questions:
- What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
- What do you like best about this organization?
- What are your biggest challenges in this organization?
- In what areas is the organization looking to expand or change in the next few years?
- In what ways to you think the organization has been successful in the past few years?
Closing the Interview:
- Don't just let the interview drop. When it comes time to conclude, reiterate your qualifications and your enthusiasm about the position. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration and ask when you should expect to hear from him or her again.
- Be sure to mail or e-mail a thank you note 1-3 days after the interview. Reemphasize your qualifications, quote something that the interviewer said that interested you and say how much you are looking forward to speaking with him or her further.
