Step Four: The Interview
Some jobs may want to set up an interview with you either on the phone or in person. If an employer leaves you a message, be sure to get back with them in a short amount of time. You don’t want procrastination to get in the way of your first job. Here are a few tips for the interview process.
Before the Interview
Prepare.
- Learn about the company or place of business.
- Don’t go into an in-person interview empty handed: make sure you have a copy of your resume or the application. While your interviewer may already have a copy, you want to be prepared in the event that they don’t have it. Interviews often feed off material in your resume and application— make sure you know what you’ve said about yourself!
- In phone interviews be sure to speak clearly and pretend like you’re talking to the interviewer face to face. Even Smile. Employers can sense enthusiasm and attitude even if you’re not right in front of them.
- Think of questions the interviewer may ask you, for example: “Why should I hire you?” “Why do you want this job?” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- Almost always you will be asked if you have any questions about the position, the company, the expectations, etc. Have some questions prepared, but avoid questions whose answers can easily be found on the company Web site.
- Sit down with a friend or family member and practice an interview.
Dress professionally. Obviously you don’t necessarily need to show up in a suit (dress appropriate to the job you applied for), but look presentable:
- No t-shirts with slogans or baggy pants and no overly revealing dresses.
- Gentlemen, tuck in your shirt. Wear a tie.
- Ladies, choose footwear other than flip flops and think “dinner with your grandparents” kind of dressing.
Arrive early.
- Make sure you allow yourself enough time to get to the interview location on time.
- Give yourself a few extra minutes if you know the area has limited parking or a lot of traffic.
- Be sure to turn off your phone and spit out gum before heading in for your interview. The last thing you want is your rap song ringtone going off during your interview.
The Interview
Be polite!
- This may seem obvious, but greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile.
- Try not to rush yourself, slow down and listen to every question before taking the time to answer it thoroughly and concisely.
- Use proper English when speaking—avoid using slang.
Be honest!
- You may be asked to tell about an experience in your life or a story where you rose above a challenge, etc. Don’t make up stories, but speak about the experiences you have had.
Be attentive!
- While you’re sitting in your interview, don’t fidget or chew on your hair and remember to look up.
- Maintaining eye-contact is important; looking around the room at knick-knacks won’t help you keep the interviewer’s attention.
- Don’t slouch! Your body language speaks just as loudly as your words.
- Thank the interviewer when you leave and shake hands.
After the Interview
Say thank you.
- Be sure to send a thank you note (either hand written or a formal email) after your interview.
- Thank your interviewer for their time and try to mention something specific about the interview or that you learned about the position that you particularly enjoyed.
Follow up. During your interview you may be given a time frame in which the employer will get back with you, but you may leave your interview and simply be left wondering whether or not you got the job!
- One week after your interview make a follow up call.
- Put a call in to the person who interviewed you (not some generic company number or other employee) and inform them that you were just calling to check in on the process.