Tips for a Successful Interview

Things to know

• Know the mission statement of the company

• Know the job description

• Know the required qualifications

• Know some of the history of the company

• Know the growth of the company in the past few years

• Know the name of the interviewer or all on the panel

Preparing for the Interview

Men’s Interview Attire

• Clean, wrinkle-free suit, if possible, or slacks (solid color - navy or dark grey; preferably NOT khakis)

• Long sleeve button down shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)

• Belt • Coordinate the necktie with the suit, but

don't try matching the suit. • Dark socks, professional shoes • Limited jewelry (Wedding band and a watch) • Neat, professional hairstyle • Neatly trimmed, clean nails • Portfolio or briefcase

Women’s Interview Attire

• Solid color, conservative suit or slacks, if possible (navy, black or dark grey)

• The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably

• Coordinated blouse• Conservative shoes• Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms

full of bracelets)• Neat, Professional hairstyle • Neutral pantyhose• Light make-up and perfume • Neatly, manicured clean nails • Portfolio or briefcase

Things to Avoid

Do not bring these items to an interview• Gum • Cell phone • IPod • Coffee or soda

• If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only, is a good rule)

• Cover tattoos when possible• Do no apply too much scented lotion or perfume/cologne• Keep your hands dry and free of lotions that may transfer to the other

person while shaking hands.

Introduction• Introduce yourself (to the entire panel) in a calm, confident

voice• Make eye-contact during your introduction• Offer a firm handshake to each panel member• Maintain a positive facial expression (be charming)• Repeat their name (Example: It is nice to meet you, John.)

Do not…• Put your hand in your pockets• Make off-topic small talk• Attempt flattery

Make a Good First Impression

• Make eye-contact– Do not stare your interviewer down

• Grasp their hand firmly in yours– Do not crush their hand, but use a firm grip

• When your interviewer starts to pull away, let go• Smile and project confidence

A Professional Handshake

• Enter the office or interview room

• If the panel / interviewer remains seated– Approach and offer your hand to

them

• When asked to sit– Wait until all others are seated

• This is a sign of respect to the interviewer

– Sit-up in the seat using good posture

– Do not shift around and fidget

Positioning

• Listen to the whole question before you form an answer in you mind– Listening to the question the first time without answering in your mind’s

eye will help you hear what is being asked

• If you are unsure of what you are being asked– Ask them to repeat the question

• Refrain from asking them to repeat every question

• Take a deep breath• Gather your thoughts• Answer the question honestly, to the best of your ability

– You should be prepared for any question that they will ask• Preparation is key to an interview (do your homework)

– Having a note card and references is okay• Do not shuffle these and do not read directly from the cards, only use them to help you keep

on topic

Answering Questions

• You should know the position and the company you are interviewing for.

– There may be some information unavailable to you before the interview

– Having a list of questions for this missing information is good

– Wait for the end of the interview or when prompted for questions to ask for this information

Asking Questions

• Do not be afraid to ask for the job in the interview– You should practice asking for the job in your interview preparation.– Do not leave the interview until you have asked for the position you have

applied for.

Asking for the Job

• When the interview is over– Thank the interviewer– Shake hands– Check the area and make sure you did not leave anything behind

Ending the Interview