EDITOR'S POST

What are some common job interview tips?

Q. What are some common job interview tips?

A.

• Know the interviewer's name, title and phone number, in case you need to call and reschedule.
  
• Know the company's address and the directions for getting there. If possible, try to drop by the day before to know the route.
  
• Take with you:
  • A pen and some paper to take notes
  • Several copies of your resume (you may interview with a team of people, don't make them share one resume); you may bring a longer version of the resume than the one that got you the interview.
  • Notes for the application form (you may be asked to list your employment history in more detail than you normally remember, such as dates and addresses of past employers and names and phone number of past managers).
  • Your list of references (you probably won't remember their phone numbers or e-mail addresses if you're suddenly asked for them)
  • The list of questions you want answered, lest you forget to ask them.
  • The list of points (usually, your qualifications) you want brought up.
• Don't chew gum (this may seem obvious, but some candidates do chew gum).
• Don't smoke or drink alcohol, even if invited, before and during the interview (remember, these recreations leave a lingering odor).
• Avoid fidgeting with your hair, clothes, or accessories. If you're nervous, try taking deep breaths (inconspicuously).
• Walk into the interview briskly, with upright posture, to give a confident first impression.
• Don't sit down until invited. Sit where you're asked to sit. Some h.r. people intentionally place candidates in uncomfortable seats. If you're really uncomfortable (e.g., have light shining in your eyes), ask to move. If no seat is offered, ask where you should sit.
• If you're being interviewed in someone's office, respect her personal space and don't lay out your belongings (coat, pads, pens, etc) all over her desk. Many people prefer to conduct interviews in conference rooms, rather than their own offices, for this reason. Don't ask for refreshments (unless you're coughing and need a glass of water to compose yourself); do accept if offered (the host may want one for herself, but be reluctant to get one for herself and not you). Don't take candy or other promotional items meant for clients, unless offered.
• Do have a firm handshake (this applies to both men and women). If your palm gets sweaty (because you're nervous), wipe it discretely on your pants/skirt.
• Maintain eye contact throughout the conversation. Use positive vocal qualities and positive facial expressions. Don't look out the windows/at the artwork/at your notes while the interviewer is talking to you.
• Listen attentively. Smile, nod your head, and lean forward to show that you're listening. (Most people do this when they're listening, unless they're tense.) Laugh when appropriate, but avoid making jokes, even if the interviewer does.
• Stay enthusiastic, even if the interviewers become hostile. Their job is to elicit honest answers, not to be supportive. Some take it further and make it a stress interview.
• Stand and sit straight. Don't slouch. Don't cross your arms or legs. Don't put your feet on the desk, even if the interviewer does. At the same time, try to mirror the interviewer(s)'s non-verbal communications. If he crosses his legs, nods, bends forward, etc, do the same (inconspiciously).
• Avoid scheduling interviews for Friday afternoon or Monday morning.
• Be sure that your answers are clear, concise, and relevant to the questions. Be positive about yourself and others. Avoid criticizing anyone.
• Answer questions with complete remarks. Avoid one- and two-word answers, but don't ramble either.
• Find out what qualifications the company seeks, then prove that you have them by citing appropriate accomplishments and episodes from your experience.
• Stay focused on what the interviewer thinks is important. Don't volunteer new information about yourself until you get some sense of whether it will count for you or against you.
• Don't interrupt the interviewer. Answer questions after they're asked. Keep your answers short and to the point. Do not ramble. Once the interviewer is satisfied with your answer, try to stop talking and wait for the next question. Let the interviewer control the conversation.
• Use silence wisely. Don't try to fill every pause. If you're asked a difficult question, it's better to say, I haven't considered this before. I need a minute to think it over, than to blurt out something that you'll regret later.
• Don't use profanity, even if the interviewer does. Also avoid vague language like y'know, I mean, sort of, and like, that kind of stuff.
• Immediately after the interview, before you forget, write down whatever information might be useful later: the questions that confounded you, new information that you've learned about the company, etc. Also consider writing thank-you notes.