Job Interview Skills
You never get a second chance to create a first
impression. You must look and act the part before they will
offer you the job. Take care to present a professional
image, one that merits respect.
How to Look
• Dress professionally and appropriately for the job. Men
should wear a suit, shirt and tie. Women should wear a pant
suit or dress, making sure clothing is modest. Your clothes
must be neat, clean and freshly pressed. Don’t forget to
shine your shoes.
• Avoid excessive jewelry, excessive make-up or extremes of
fashion.
• Cleanliness of appearance and personal hygiene are a must.
Be careful of strong perfumes or colognes.
How to Act
• Allow time for travel, parking and walking. Check in five
to ten minutes early. Be friendly and courteous to everyone
you meet at the interview. Employers may ask receptionists
about their impressions of you.
• Offer a friendly greeting; extend a firm handshake.
• Maintain eye-to-eye contact.
• Address the interviewer as Mr. or Ms. unless they ask you
to call them by their first name.
• Sit up straight in your chair or on the edge of your seat.
You should be formal, but don’t be afraid to be comfortable
and relaxed.
• Be friendly, smile, use your hands, add humor. Act relaxed
but don’t dominate the conversation.
• Have a positive attitude. Say positive things about
yourself and others.
• Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions.
What to Avoid
• Don’t sit down until you are invited to.
• Never chew gum.
• Avoid nervous habits. Don’t tap your pen, drum your
fingers, or rock in the chair. Also, avoid the repetition of
slang words.
• Don’t over-answer questions or overstate your abilities
and accomplishments.
• Don’t bring anyone with you to the interview. If you must,
have them wait outside.
Common Interview Mistakes
1. Forgetting to turn off all electronics, i.e. cell phones,
pagers, etc.
2. Making weaknesses seem positive. Interviewers typically
ask this question to find out more about you and how you
improve things in your own life, not to hear you spin the
question in the opposite direction. Be clear about how you
are improving your skills in whatever weakness you choose.
3. Not asking questions. Most interviewers are impressed
when you prove that you researched the company and position
you are applying for.
4. Don't talk forever. Research indicates that you have the
interviewer's attention for roughly 30-60 seconds per
answer.
5. Being arrogant instead of confident.
6. Not dressing appropriately, slouching, and not making eye
contact.
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