Top Ten Tips - Preparing For A Job Interview
By Tip Diva | Jan 17, 2008
Categories: Adult, Behavior, Boss, Clothes, Clothing, Conversation, Etiquette, Google, Hiring, Interview, Job, Job Search, Money, Office, Personality, Tips, Web Search, Work, Workplace, Writing
Face it, job interviews are a part of life and a necessary evil. And most of us have to go on one at some point in our lives. But job interviews do not have to be intimidating. Making sure you are prepared ahead of time makes all the difference in the world, and here’s how:
- Pay Attention To Your Appearance - Make sure you wear something that is appropriate for a job interview. For most professional positions, this would be a suit, which should be tailored to fit, cleaned and pressed. Make sure your stocking don’t have holes and your shoes are shined. Brush your hair into place, and don’t wear wild make-up. And spit out the gum - no one wants to interview a Jersey cow.
- Practice Interview Questions Ahead Of Time - Here is a good list of interview questions you may find yourself answering - and asking. And be prepared to answer any questions regarding your resume, including education and possible job gaps. Ask a friend to help you, or even practice in front of a mirror. Don’t act shy, and be firm and confident in your answers. Practice makes perfect.
- Research The Company - Before you go on an interview, Google the company to see what it has been up to, where it’s been in the news and any future plans the company may have. Arm yourself with this knowledge, as knowing about the company will make you look prepared and interested.
- Practice Your Handshake - No flopping fishes allowed! CareerBuilder.com offers the secret to a perfect handshake.
- Have A Copy Of Your Resume - Even though most do, assume the interviewer doesn’t have a copy of your resume in front of him or her, especially if you submitted it electronically. Print an extra copy of your resume, your references and any extra material, such as clips, and bring them along with you. You’ll get bonus points for being prepared.
- Know Your Salary Requirements - Don’t go to the interview not knowing how much money you’re going to ask for. Check a site like Salary.com to find similar salaries for your position and field. Don’t go too high, and don’t go too low. Read About.com for salary negotiating tips.
- Arrive Early - Arriving late for an interview looks bad, period. Leave home early enough to leave room for unexpected traffic, late trains or a hole in your pants. If unforseen circumstances prevent you from getting to the interview on time, call the interviewer right away.
- Avoid Interview No-Nos - From chewing gum to bad-mouthing an old boss, an article by Nathan Newberger covers 13 inteview mistakes to avoid.
- Ask Questions - Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the company or about the interviewer’s experience. It shows you are interested in learning more about the company. But as Newberger points out, do not ask too many questions, and definitely avoid asking about compensation and benefits so early in the game!
- Follow Up - Send a handwritten note (for you technophiles, that means writing on a piece of paper with a pen) thanking the interviewer and again conveying your strong interest in the job.
Other Tips To Check Out:
Thanks for the advice.
Good tips, you cover a lot of territory.
I’d add that you should try to take care of your body in the hours beforehand: sleep well the night before, eat a good breakfast, and go to the bathroom before leaving for the meeting. You want to be alert and on all cylinders, and not interrupted in your train of thought or your interviewer’s.
Here’s an article about interviews from JobMob:
How to Smell a Bad Boss in One Interview
Jacob