Interview tips
Job interviewing never seems to get any easier. You are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don't know. Here are job interviewing tips to help prepare you to interview effectively. Proper preparation will help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews.
- Learn as much as you can about the company beforehand—know its products and services, its profit margin, its management, its culture, its dress code, and anything else you can think of.
- Review your CV to think about how your experience in work, classes, and activities can relate to the job you’re seeking.
- Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.
- Plan your interview attire in advance and make sure your clothing is pressed, your shoes are shined, and your hair and nails are well groomed.
- Bring extra copies of your resume and a list of references.
- Stay Calm during the job interview. Try to relax and stay as calm possible. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question!
- Speak slowly and clearly and don’t be afraid to pause for a moment to collect your thoughts.
- Be honest. Don’t try to cover up mistakes. Instead, focus on how you learned from them.
- Be assertive. Remember that the interview is a way for you to learn if the job is right for you.
- Ask the interviewer when you are welcome (normally at the end of interview time) to get more information about the company as well as the jobs you want to applied.
- Send a thank-you e-mail to the interviewer(s) as soon as possible.