Interviews
Before the Interview
Ensure you are presentable. Shower, brush your teeth, clean your glasses or shoes, etc.. Wear clothing that is one step up from what you would expect to wear to work if you got that job. Whatever you wear make sure it is clean, stain and hole-free, and covers you appropriately for the job.
Do not chew gum, wear too much perfume/cologne, eat something smelly or messy on your way.
Make sure you know exactly where you need to be and when. Plan your travel carefully, accounting for traffic. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early.
Bring a Driver’s License/state ID/Passport, Social Security card, a pen, and a folder. That folder should contain copies of your resume, a list of three references, any relevant recommendation letters or school/military records, and a pad of paper for taking notes during the interview.
During the Interview
Employers want to hire someone who is polite, friendly, and good at listening. Some ways to demonstrate that early on are to turn off your cell phone, greet the interviewer with a handshake and smile, introduce yourself by name, repeat the names of your interviewers back to them, and listen carefully to their questions. Remember the interview starts as soon as you come onto their property, so be polite to customers, receptionists, fellow coworkers, etc.
Though it can be hard when you have been looking for a job for a long time, try to think of an interview as a conversation about whether the job would be a good fit for you and for them. Answer questions honestly, ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question, speak slowly and clearly, and take your time answering if you need to.
Always remain positive. NEVER speak poorly about a previous position or supervisor. If you had a difficult situation in the past, practice answering questions about that experience in ways that highlight your abilities and interpersonal skills. Be prepared to answer questions about any criminal record, credit, or safety issues you may have had.
Come prepare with at least three questions that demonstrate that you have done some research into the company beyond simply reading the front page of their website. Do not ask about salary and benefits, do feel free to ask about when they will be making a decision. Ask if you can leave a copy of your resume (particularly if you were not asked to submit one as part of the application process). Thank the interviewer, shake hands, and smile.
After the Interview
Always send a thank you letter within 24 hours. This can be a paper letter or an e-mail. If you are sending a paper thank you card, bring the card to the interview with you. After the interview go around the corner, write a message in the card, and put it immediately in a post box.
If you do not hear anything within 5 business days, follow up with the interviewer. If you are not selected you can ask, politely, for an explanation.
