The interview is where you really shine, or stumble all over yourself. Remember that first impression is the one that is going to last and last and last. This is where the potential boss is scrutinizing for a “glitch” to base your character, work ethic, and social skills. We all have them. This is the time to practice until you can project a personality that will win anyone over.

1. ARRIVE AHEAD OF YOUR INTERVIEW TIME.

A. Arriving 15-30 minutes ahead of the scheduled interview will be interpreted in the following ways:

·      Shows that you are interested and enthusiastic.

·      Shows that you are in the habit of getting to appointments and work on time or early.

·      Can catch the interviewer off guard and create a situation by which he/she will apologize for having you wait. This will allow you to forgive and both of you to start a more friendly but business conversation.

2. BE READY WITH TOOLS.     

A. Bring Daily Planner, mechanical pencil, black ink pen, and employer information or contact sheet so you can:

·        Document next appointment or starting time.

·        You can use documented information to fill out employment application.

·        You should have names, addresses, and telephone numbers in the contact list of your scheduler.

·        Complete important notes of meeting while fresh

3. INTERVIEWS TAKE TIME.

A. Always allow enough time for the interview. Include travel time to and back or to next interview.

·        TIME VALUE – Interviews can last from 45 minutes to an hour, sometimes longer. Do not schedule more than 3 interviews a day, but, if traveling by public transportation, don’t plan on more than two.

o       There could be a waiting period before and paperwork after the interview. Possibly a tour of the facility. Years ago this usually meant that you had the job. Today, it depends on the list of possible employees and all that are chosen to be are interviewed before those of interest are chosen for a second interview, or hired. All of this may take more than an hour.

NEVER BRING ANYONE WITH YOU TO AN INTERVIEW! - Back when I was being interviewed for work, we knew the best way to not get a job was to bring someone with us to the interview. If you must have someone to drive you, have them wait in the car, or come back to pick you up. With today’s cell phones, a call for the driver to return is not impossible. Or, just ask the receptionist to allow a phone call.

·        PARKING – Parking should be somewhere other than at a meter, tow-away zones, or (never) in an illegal parking zone. Sometimes when you are called for an interview, the receptionist will allow you to park in the garage or parking lot for the building. You will get a ticket, but the company representative will sign it and the time will be free. You may inquire when you are called for the interview. .

·        BE PREPARED FOR A GROUP INTERVIEW

o       I have gone for what I thought was going to be an individual interview and it turned out to be a group interview with everyone, including the janitor.

o       Never let on that this is a surprise to you.

o       Document all names, if possible, and call each one in response respectfully. You may also ask for their business cards at the end of the interview.

o       Your courteous attitude should begin the moment you step from your transportation, even if the business is several blocks away. You never know who you will run into on the way. I have actually run into the interviewer and got to know them quite well before I even entered the office to be interviewed.

o       Primary Eye Contact: When you find yourself in a group interview, exercise eye contact with all participants. But, submit your primary focus on the one currently asking questions.

o       Be Aware of Hand Language: Control your hand language and don’t give in to the temptation to emphasis everything with hand gestures.

o       Interview Theme: From your list of soft skills, pick three of your best to use to best describe your abilities to handle the position of interest to you.

4. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

·        HANDSHAKE: Use your instincts. If you are a hand shaker and it is natural for you, do it. If you need a lead, let them instigate it.

·        TAKING A SEAT: Do not sit unless invited. Always thank interviewer for seat if given.

·        HANGING UP YOUR COAT: Remove coat after notice of arrival. Hang over arm. Do not drape over chair or hang up until directed. Then, thank interviewer for privilege.

·        EYE CONTACT: Maintain reasonable eye contact. Do not make interviewer think you are staring, or let eyes wonder where they should not! Your eyes should relate your attention and not be unnatural or disconnected. However, if you do have eye muscle problems, you may mention this to the interviewer and apologize in advance. This will allow for unintentional wandering.

·        CONFIDENT SPEECH: Try to keep a relaxed confident speech that is normal for you. Don’t pretend to use words that you do not ordinarily use just to make an impression. On the other hand, “street slang” is very inappropriate and unimpressive. Try not to use double negatives and try to keep subjects with appropriate verbs.

·        POSTURE AND BODY LANGUAGE: My mother always told me to “sit up straight!” This definitely applies here. Don’t act stiff as military full attention. At the same time hold yourself up and keep your hands as close to your sides or lap as possible. Over demonstrating a point or dramatis Zing with the hands and arms is very unimpressive.

·        DEFINATE LISTENING: Try to keep everything other than the interview out of your head. Instead listen intently to everything that is said to you and how it is said. Sometimes things are said in an interview one way and are meant another later on. Make sure that you understand from the beginning. Ask questions if anything is unclear. Listen to the questions asked of you. If needed, take a moment and a deep breath before answering. Consider the question thoroughly as you meditate your answer. But, do not take a very long time for the answer.

EG: Self-Starter, Highly Motivated, Loyal

·        SOFT SKILL THEME: In your resume you should have focused your soft skills into whatever job you are applying for. Always have notes ready on that theme when you make the interview appointment. You may have your notes with you, but be practiced as to suggested questions and answers according to that theme. E.g.: Self-Starter, Highly Motivated, Loyal

o       Subsections: For self-starter: Punctual, intuitive, independent.  For highly motivated: Creative knowledge, interactive, develops pathways. For loyal: respect, positive, attractive to company or product.

·        REMEMBER THAT NAME! Always carry paper and pen and/or paper where ever you go. If you have problems with names, as I do, make sure as you are introduced, you write the names of your interviewers. You may also suggest business cards. Only if directed, you may use first names. Always use titles with last names: Ms. Mr. Mrs. Thank the interviewer for all courtesies.

·        RESEARCH: Study the company that is interviewing you as soon as you have an appointment. This can be done at the library or on-line. If there are attributes they are especially looking for, you can be armed with the information to point out that attribute in you.

·        NO EATING OR SMOKING!: Even if you see the interviewer smoking or eating and you do both, don’t do it during the interview. After the interview and the job is set, follow the rules of the site. Also, try not to eat right before the interview without going to a mirror and checking teeth for food particles.

·        PERFUMES AND COLOGNES: you may not want to even wear these items. After shower or bath, make sure you have deodorant on. Do not overpower the senses of the interviewer as it may mean they will not want to work around you.