An interview is a conversation. You need to give as good as you get.
Here are a few tips to help you through:
Dress up. Even if it's at a jeans and t-shirt kind of place. Take your clothing to the next level. It shows you care.
Don't interrupt. This is hard for some people, but it's important to remember. Bite your tongue and hear your interviewer out.
Pause. Don't jump right into you answer. Take a moment. Think about what you'll say. Then go.
Don't say "like" or "um" in your sentences. If you're searching for the word, simply pause. You'll seem more intelligent.
Eye contact is important. It shows you're paying attention and that you're interested in the job.
Ask questions. Come in prepared with at least one question. If you're meeting with several people, this is a rough one sometimes, but you can do it. Asking questions shows that you're excited about the place and the position. It shows that you listened as they were speaking and that you did some research before you showed up.
Remember that this is two (or more) people sitting down for a conversation. And it's as much about them, who they are and what they are looking for, as it is about you. If you keep this in mind, you should do just fine.
Good luck to you - and me!
Excellent advice, Briana. "Come prepared" was always important for me. When I interviewed candidates I would ask them to tell me about *my* business. I wanted to see if they spent as much time evaluating me as I spent evaluating them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment, Alan. And apologies for the delayed response (I was so sure I had!)
ReplyDeleteThere are certainly times when I've been flummoxed as to what to ask in an interview, especially if the person interviewing has been uber-thorough. I feel like there are always questions about the specificity of the position or comments about something read on the website or company blog, or a mention of an article about the company and a question therein that can be raised.