1. Make a good initial impression.
Dress for success, have a firm handshake, smile, energy in your step, and make direct eye contact.
2. Arrive early.
If necessary, drive to the actual interview 
site prior to the interview to determine traffic patterns, parking, etc. Busy employers have turned away tardy interviewees. Make sure that your car is clean inside and out. Employers may watch you enter the building and escort you to your car afterwards to see how neat and organized your car is.
3. Conduct yourself professionally.
You may meet your interviewer in the hallway or on the elevator. Be courteous and pleasant to all whom you meet. Be sure to look closely at the interviewer’s business card. If you can’t pronounce his/her name, be sure to ask how.
4. Answer questions thoroughly with rich examples.
Elaborate on questions and give specific details. If an employer asks, “Did you like your last job?” Don’t answer simply “yes”. Rather, state what parts of the job you enjoyed and why.
5. Watch your body language
- Sit tall and maintain good posture. At times, leaning forward will demonstrate enthusiasm and interest.
- Don’t cross your arms or lean your head in a downward position, you do not want to lead others to think that you are closed, aloof, or distant.
- Limit your hand gestures, and when you use gestures make sure they are sincere and meaningful.
- Maintain good eye contact, and have a pleasant facial expression...smile!
6. Have questions prepared
Bring specific questions to ask the employer. Be sure not to ask those questions that the employer has already answered for you during the interview. It will appear as if you were not listening. Asking questions demonstrates interest in the position as well as in the company. Here are some sample questions to ask, if they’re not already covered on the company’s website or in the interview:
- What is its mission and vision for the next 5 years?
- What future plans does the company have?
- What are the challenges the company is facing?
- How many hours of training will this position involve?
- What is the working environment like? What are its core values?
- How would you describe the atmosphere of this department?
- Is this a new/existing/revised job? If it's new/revised, why was it created?
- Where does this position fit within the company's structure?
- How does a person in this position divide his/her time? What activities will he/she perform?
- Can you give me more detail about the position's daily/weekly/monthly responsibilities?
- What are the 2-3 most important things you would want this person to accomplish?
- What kinds of co-workers would someone in this position have?
- What kinds of opportunities are there in the company for personal growth and career advancement? Is there a tuition reimbursement program?
- Is there a mentoring program that this person would be involved in? How many hours of orientation and training will this position involve?
- How would your employees characterize your management style?
- Where would you like this (department) (organization) to be in five years?
- How often do you evaluate employees’ performance?
Questions NOT TO ASK:
- How many vacation days will I get? (Get the details after you are hired)
- What products or services does your company provide? (You should research this information before the interview)
- When will I get my first raise? (Ask instead, "How often does this company conduct performance reviews?" This shows that you are eager to prove your talents and will tell you when your first raise will be negotiated)
- What are my chances of getting hired? (Ask instead, "When can I expect to hear of your decision?" This shows that you are excited to know, but you're not going to push for a response right away)
7. Demonstrate enthusiasm and sincerity
An excellent way to demonstrate enthusiasm is by making a well-researched presentation. Make your questions reflect your knowledge of the employer and how you can be useful to this company. Answer the questions honestly and without hesitation. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so – but also tell the interviewer that you’ll give her/him a complete answer within 24 hours.
8. At the interview, let them know you are interested
Some employers state that after an interview, they don’t truly know if the candidate is interested. Hopefully, you have demonstrated interest and enthusiasm throughout the interview, but do not be afraid to state in closing that you are very interested in the position.
9. Before you leave, did you cover everything? Often, in closing, an employer might ask if there were skills, qualities or accomplishments that were not discussed. Take this time to tell the interviewer about relevant skills that were not covered. Seize this opportunity even if everything was covered. Emphasize a particular point again. However, do not inquire about salary or benefits in the initial interview unless the employer raises the issue.
10. Thank the interviewer
Always thank the interviewer for his/her time whether or not you want that particular position.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
1. Send a thank you note
Send a thank you note to the interviewer immediately after the interview. Be sure that it is handwritten. Take time to thank the interviewer and emphasize a specific point about the interview, if desired. You can also answer any questions that may have been vague or unclear during the interview. This simple act of courtesy will demonstrate your uniqueness and seriousness about the position.
2. Evaluate your performance after the interview
Take time to jot down the parts of the interview where you demonstrated competence such as “I described my past work experience well.” Also, jot down those parts that were of difficulty to you such as “I stumbled on the question what are your weaknesses.” The list of strengths on your list will help build your confidence for future interviews and the difficulties you encountered will demonstrate areas where you may need more practice.
Open and print this helpful Post-Interview Worksheet to assist you in evaluating your performance during the interview:
3. Contact your references
Let them know how the interview went, specifically, what questions you were asked and how you addressed them. Find out if your references were contacted and the kinds of questions that were asked.
If you need additional help or additional resources while preparing for the interview, feel free to contact the trained staff at a Local Resource Room near you.
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