Dress to Impress
Even if the job you’re applying for won’t require you to wear a suit, it’s a good idea to dress professionally. Show the interviewer that you take the interview seriously. Jeans and a nice shirt are not an appropriate outfit.
At the minimum, you should wear slacks and a matching blazer. The saying, “look good, feel good” applies to interviews as well!
Be an Early Bird
Arriving 5-10 minutes in advance shows the interviewer that you value their time and would be a punctual employee. Avoid being more than 15 minutes early, as you may make the interviewer feel rushed to meet with you.
Don’t be late if you can avoid it! Understandably, things happen – your car might not start, or an accident on the freeway could delay you. If you think you’re going to be late, call your interviewer right away. It’s better to give them advance notice that you’ve been held up and end up showing up on-time rather than hoping you’ll make it and having to call at the last second.
Bring Your Resume
This is so simple, but so many people overlook it! Don’t assume that your interviewer will have a copy of your resume on hand. By bringing a few copies with you, you show the recruiter that you’re organized and well-prepared. Always bring extra copies in case someone you weren’t expecting sits in on your interview.
Understand the Job
Once you’ve secured an interview, go back to the original job posting and take a look at the description of the duties. Write down 5 of the responsibilities and think about what experience you have that’s applicable. In your interview, bring up skills that showcase your experience with specific responsibilities that were listed in the job description.
Answer Confidently
Google a list of common interview questions and practice answering them with a friend, or in the mirror! Aim for short answers that highlight your strengths. Long answers can lead you into rambling or forgetting your point. It’s okay to take a few moments to think about what you want to say before answering.
