The interview ranks with the root canal as one of life's least favorite
things. The best way to succeed in an interview is to follow the Boy Scout
motto: "Be Prepared."
1. Know every detail of your resume - the person interviewing you generally
spends less than 1 minute reviewing your qualifications. You have the advantage
since you have had years to think about them.
2. Conduct practice interviews - simulate the interview situation with family
and friends. It can be fun and you'll gain confidence.
3. Always dress appropriately - check all elements of your personal grooming
from your shoeshine to your hair cut and makeup. Avoid extremes.
4. Be on time - plan to arrive slightly early so that you will be relaxed. It
is never acceptable to be late or to arrive more than 10 minutes early.
5. Be polite to everyone you meet - you'll never know whether the
receptionist is the boss's daughter if you don't get her approval.
6. Wait to be told where to sit - avoid leaning in your chair or placing
anything on the desk of the interviewer - and don't try to read upside-down.
7. Get the interviewer's business card - you'll need it later for the correct
spelling, title and address for your "Thank You" note.
8. Relax - It's much easier when you're prepared. Besides, interviews are
never fatal.
9. Show enthusiasm - employers can often tell whether you are interested in
the position or merely in need of a job. Genuine enthusiasm is always
remembered.
10. Don't be modest - it isn't necessary to boast, but you need not be
apologetic about your skills.
11. Smoking, perfume and after-shave lotion - don't smoke on the day of the
interview and forget the perfume and after-shave. Some people have allergies.
12. Stay focused - the interviewer may have a great fish tank, but stay alert
and respond clearly and concisely.
13. Salary and benefits come later - talk money and perks after you have
established your value to the company.
14. Let the interviewer set the tone - if the interviewer wants details, give
details, and when broader concepts are invited, give concepts.
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