Interviewing

Best Practices:

•  Research the company
  ο  Know what the company does
  ο  Know what the position that you are interviewing is and what the responsibilities
   are
•  Research the interviewer
  ο  If you know who the interviewer is, know what they do for the company
•  Know the location & be on time
  ο  Before the day of the interview go to the address to make sure you can find it
  ο  Arrive 10 minutes early for your interview. Any earlier might be an
   inconvenience any later you give the impression of running late
•  Be prepared with career documents
  ο  Have multiple copies of your resume, cover letter and references available to give
   to the interviewer. You want multiple in case you have more than one person
   interviewing you. Each person should get a copy.
•  Appearance
  ο  Always dress professionally as first impressions will determine if you get the job

First Impressions
First impressions are very important. A person judges you in seconds. Make sure you are dressed appropriately and show confidence. Be polite to everyone you see before, during, and after your interview. Many times the interviewer will ask the others you come into contact with (especially the receptionist) what they thought of the candidate.

•  Confidence
  ο  Walk with your head up, smile, and make eye contact!
•  Hand shakes
  ο  Have a firm handshake but don't squeeze your interviewer's hand too hard
•  Posture
  ο  Stand and sit up straight. Don't slouch, and be professional. If you are slouching
   in your chair, you look unprofessional and give the impression that you don't care
   about the interview.
  ο  Make sure you are clean, use deodorant and if you are wearing cologne or
   perfume don't use an excessive amount.

Closing the Interview

•  Thank the interviewer, shake hands, and use customary pleasantries such as "It was very
 nice to meet you."
•  Be sure to get a business card for the individual who just interviewed you – the contact
 information on this card can prove useful later.
•  On your way out be sure to smile and say goodbye to the receptionist.