Rock the interview!

Do you have an interview scheduled and you want to make the most of it? Remaining cool, confident, and in control is key to presenting yourself well, but that may be easier said than done. Following these few simple steps will take some of the initial hurdles out of your way.


1. Presentation – Ensuring you are presentable is an important part of the interview because the interviewer will be gauging your mannerisms and personality as well as the answers to the questions. Try these tips:

• Sleep well the night before. You will be alert and without the telltale signs of an all-nighter

• If you smoke, don’t. Cigarette smoke attaches to your hair, skin, and clothes and does not smell good and nonsmokers will pick the distinctive scent up immediately. Conversely, do not layer on the perfume or cologne. Use it sparingly if at all.

• Eat regular meals. There is nothing worse than sitting in an interview and, during the moments of silence, your stomach growls.

• Turn the cell phone off, not on vibrate – off. You are trying to make a lasting impression on the employer, make sure it is a positive one. Convey the notion that the interview is the only thing you are concerned with.

• Dress the part. A little research will go a long way. If their code is business professional, dress business professional; if it is business casual, match it, but also try to exceed those expectations. One word, however, should be a part of any applicant’s attire: CONSERVATIVE. Avoid tight-fitting or revealing clothes, you may want to also hide any body piercings or tattoos.

2. Practice – Participating in a fluid conversation will help your chances of landing the position.

• Review your resume. Be prepared to call upon experiences that reflect the information you have included.

• There are standard interview questions many employers ask that you should be prepared for (visit www.jobinterviewquestions.org for some examples).

• Check your mannerisms. Maintain eye contact, try not to stammer or say “um,” don’t pick at your nails, etc.

3. Prepare – Regardless of the position you are interviewing for, being prepared for the interview will make it go smoothly.

• Be on time (if not early)! If you arrive at the interview late, the first thing the interviewer will wonder will be if this is a pattern of yours.

• Bring your resume, a black pen, and identification such as a driver’s license, social security card, and proof of citizenship.

These tips are not fail-safe; you are still responsible for answering questions intelligently and demonstrating that you are the right person for the job. These tips, however, should reduce some of the stress and anxiety you may encounter.