30 Tips for a More Successful Job Interview
By Billie Sucher, www.careerhubblog.com
- Smile.
- Show interest.
- Prepare well for the interview through extensive research and consistent practice. (As one of my clients shared with me: “They told me I knew more about them than they knew about themselves.”)
- Ask appropriate questions. Take a writing instrument, pad holder and relevant career management materials.
- Pay attention to all of the senses that involve you, the candidate, as you prepare for your interview presentation: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.
- Bring a great attitude with you to the interview.
- Focus and stick to your purpose for being there – every minute counts.
- Act energetic and enthusiastic
- Offer a confident handshake.
- Listen carefully to what is (and isn’t) being said.
- Do not interrupt when another person is talking.
- Speak without negative-sounding words
- Converse respectfully about self and others (colleagues, customers, managers, etc.)
- Maintain good eye contact.
- Pay attention to your instincts and what they are telling you.
- Exhibit your manners and professionalism.
- Make sure your cell phone is off.
- Remember, a little dab will do ya’ on the cologne and fragrance front.
- Engage your audience, be it one or several people.
- Use words that you can correctly pronounce, spell and define.(Client once used the word ‘paradigm’ at a job interview and was asked how to spell and define the word; his spelling “paradime” was not well received by the interview panel).
- Ask about recommended attire prior to the interview if you have any doubts about how to dress.
- Deliver relevant, spot-on content to prove that you are a worthy contender for the j-o-b.
- Show your confidence and make it easy for the employer to get to know you.
- Do not make hiring managers drag information out of you – imagine that they are already tired and overworked, so help make their job easier, not harder.
- Avoid expletives even if the hiring manager is using them and you seriously feel like saying some.
- Make certain your interview contains these three parts – opening, body and close – just like a good speech! Avoid unnecessary connectors such as “um, and, uh, well, etc.).
- Say thank you in person at both the beginning and conclusion of your interview presentation.
- Evaluate your overall interview performance for strengths and weaknesses once the interview is over.
- Write and send a thank you note within 24 hours of the interview. (I encourage clients to say thank you in multiple ways: 1. Face-to-face 2. Email 3. Snail mail.
- Follow-up with employer until a decision about your candidacy has been made.
May 22, 2015
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