To give a potential employer the chance to talk to you in person and evaluate whether you would be a strong employee is the purpose of a job interview.The interview gives you the chance to evaluate the company and decide if you want to work for it.You have to make a good first impression to get a job.Show respect and politeness to the interviewer.
Step 1: You should dress for the job.
It's not always a good idea to wear a business suit to an interview.The dominant attire for people working in that industry is dress in clothing.If you're unsure about the dress code at the company where you are interviewing, take a trip down there around closing time and watch people leave the office.Look at how they're dressed.It's always a good idea to be on the side of formality.If you wear a suit and everyone in the office is wearing jeans, you won't make a bad impression.
Step 2: A professional appearance is maintained.
In a casual industry, you should still wear pressed clothing for an interview.Don't wear graphic t-shirts, jeans, or anything that's torn.You don't have to go out and buy new clothes for an interview, but you do want to look presentable.Make sure your clothes fit.Don't wear anything that you need to constantly adjust to.
Step 3: Don't use strong colognes or perfumes.
The interview will most likely be held in a closed office or conference room.You don't want to get in the way of your interviewer.You don't know if your interviewer has allergies.It's not going to be a good first impression of you if you give your interviewer a migraines.
Step 4: Keep eye contact.
Eye contact is a sure way to convey confidence.If you have trouble maintaining eye contact, get a friend or family member to practice with you.When you speak, staring can be off-putting.To break eye contact, you might occasionally glance down at your resumé.You might give off the impression that you're bored if you look towards a clock or door or out the window.
Step 5: Sit straight up.
Good posture makes you appear healthier and more in control of yourself, because it shows confidence and a strong sense of self-esteem.Sitting on a chair with your feet on the floor is a good way to practice.If you want your shoulder blades tucked into your spine, you need to lift your chin and roll your shoulders back.Your back shouldn't be arched in either direction.
Step 6: You can try breathing exercises.
Deep breathing exercises can help you calm down if you can feel your nerves getting the best of you before the interview.In a comfortable place, lower the lights, and breathe deeply through your nose.Pause, then exhale slowly.Focus on your breath and clear your mind.Try to exhale for the same amount of time.You might want to try some visualization exercises.It's a good idea to picture yourself making a great impression at an interview or your first day at the company.
Step 7: The interviewer's body language should be mirrored.
Pay attention to how the interviewer sits and moves during the interview.The more you mimic those movements, the more confident you will seem.When you mirror the interviewer's body language, you send a signal that the two of you are on the same page.This psychological trick can be used to make a better impression.You might come across as weird if you mimic your interviewer too closely.You don't want to mirror any behavior that might be a personal tic.Turn or leaning forward is a large-scale movement.
Step 8: Take a break before you speak.
When an interviewer asks you a question, take a few seconds to think about what you're going to say.This will allow you to focus and answer the question correctly.Don't use phrases such as "umm" or "you know."The interviewer won't hear anything you say if you use these too much.Before the interview, ask your friends and family if you have any verbal tics that you need to keep in check.They will let you know.Maybe you say "like" more than you should.
Step 9: Prepare for general interview questions.
There are a number of basic interview questions that every interviewer will ask, regardless of the industry or job you're interviewing for.Have the answers ready for the questions.Interviewers usually ask about your strengths and weaknesses.You don't want to speak about your weaknesses for less than a minute if you keep these answers the same length.Provide a specific example of how you're working to overcome your weakness when discussing your weaknesses.One of my biggest weaknesses is that I tend to act impulsively.I take three deep breaths before I act on something.
Step 10: Keep your answers short and to the point.
Don't give any more information than what was asked if you answer each question directly.Don't interrupt yourself or go off topic if you have a tendency to wander.If a question takes you off guard, don't be afraid to say so, just make sure it's not a standard question that is typically asked during interviews.Unless you're specifically asked about your life, beliefs, or hobbies, don't talk too much about them.
Step 11: Clarifying questions are confusing.
If the interviewer asks you a question that you don't understand, it's a good idea to say what you think they asked.It's a good idea to clarify what you're telling the interviewer."I hear you as saying" is a good way to start.You can continue with your answer if the interviewer acknowledges that your understanding is correct.They will clear it up for you if you were off base.You need to thank them for the clarification.
Step 12: You can use hand gestures.
Hand gestures make you appear more confident.You will give the impression that you are enthusiastic about the opportunity.Don't get too emphatic with your gesturing.You don't want to appear intimidating to the interviewer.Don't try to reach into their personal space.
Step 13: Don't give up, stay positive.
The interviewer will ask you questions that may not be positive for you.You should plan your answers ahead of time so that you don't say anything negative about previous employers or co-workers.It sends a message to your interviewer that you might be difficult to work with or not respond well to criticism if you focus on the negative.If you parted ways with a previous employer, present it as a learning experience.What you learned made you a better employee.
Step 14: Provide examples.
The interviewer expects you to respond with specifics when they ask vague or general questions.Instead of telling the interviewer what kind of employee you are, use examples.The more details you have, the better your example will be.Think about numbers and statistics.If you can tell an interviewer that you increased sales by 25 percent, this is better than simply saying "sales went up."Don't lie in your interview.If you don't remember specifics, give a brief explanation.
Step 15: Ask questions that are intelligent.
You should already have questions in mind as a result of your research, as the interviewer will probably conclude the interview by asking you if you have any questions.Don't wait until then to ask questions.You might ask, "How is this company integrating technology to streamline routine tasks?"One way to follow up your answer to an interview question is to ask the interviewer the same question.This makes the interview feel more natural, as it takes you off the hot seat for a minute.If your interviewer asks you about your strengths, you can follow up with a question: "What do you consider the most valuable strengths for this position?"
Step 16: Ahead of time, organize your information.
Employers want their employees to be prepared for their jobs.You can show that you're that person by gathering documents and researching the company.Take at least two copies of your resumé with you, as well as any other documents you submit to the company.If you're applying for a graphic design position, you may want to show your previous work to potential employers.If you know the interviewer's name, you should do some background research on them as well.The company's mission statement and core values can be found on the website.Look at the company's position in the industry.Find out how the company is performing compared to others.
Step 17: Get there early.
If you're on time, you are late.You don't have to keep the interviewer waiting if you show up 10 to 15 minutes early.You will respect the interviewer's time if you send the message that you are interested in the job.You have plenty of time in case something happens if you plan to get there early.It will not be the end of the world if you can't find a parking place or accidentally go to the wrong floor.
Step 18: Don't greet everyone rude.
When you show up for your interview, you will likely talk to a number of other employees, such as the receptionist or another clerk.To be polite, ask their names.You may one day be working with these people if the interview goes well.After you leave, the interviewer may ask you their impressions.If you make a bad impression on them, they may tell your interviewer about it.
Step 19: It's time to turn off your cell phone.
Before or during the interview, do you need to look at your phone?If you do, you will give the interviewer the impression that you are more important to them than they are to you.You should not keep your cell phone out in the open or in a place that is visible.Carry a small bag or purse, or keep your cell phone in your pocket.
Step 20: The interviewer should take the lead.
You will make a better impression if you allow the interviewer to control the space and interview itself rather than walking in like you own the place.Don't sit in a chair until the interviewer invites you to do so.Wait until the interviewer is done talking before you start.If they interrupt you, stop talking and listen to what they have to say.
Step 21: Show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
The interviewer needs to know that you are interested in working for the company and want the position.If you're excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity, your attitude may overcome any flaws or causes for concern on the part of the interviewer.The interviewer should be thanked at the beginning and end of the interview.Thank you for sitting down and talking with them.At the end of the interview, take the time to let them know that you are interested in working for the company, and ask them what the next stage in the process will be.
Step 22: Keep your concentration in check.
The interviewer knows that it's natural to be nervous.Try to sit still.If you keep something in your hands, you won't be tempted to play with your hair or drum your fingers on the arm of the chair.If you have a problem with your legs bouncing, try to keep both feet on the floor or put your folder on your lap.Keep your hands on your lap when you're not talking.If you want to change your position, try not to move too much.Don't cross your legs frequently if you've crossed them before.
Step 23: Don't drink or eat during the interview.
Before or during the interview, the interviewer may offer you a drink or snack.Even if your interviewer is eating, you don't want to eat anything.A glass of water can help clear your throat.As you pause to think, you can take a sip of water.
Step 24: Follow up with a thank you.
When you shake your interviewer's hand and leave the office, your interview isn't over.Send a thank you note to the interviewer as soon as possible.A handwritten card is a nice touch.It will carry a little more meaning because people rarely get cards like this.At least one thing the interviewer said that really impressed you should be included in your note.Let them know how grateful you are for the opportunity and that you look forward to hearing from them.