| The interview is the "beauty contest" part of the | | | | of what else you would like to know. What |
| job search process. Interviewers get to compare | | | | questions does the website bring up for you? Use |
| candidates by asking them similar questions and | | | | your knowledge to ask meaningful questions, and |
| comparing the answers. Being just the right | | | | practice in advance because it's important not to |
| person for the job won't help you if you blow the | | | | stumble over the words. And, most importantly, |
| interview. | | | | listen to the answers. |
| Here are ten tips to help you come out of the | | | | 6. Show your business savvy by connecting your |
| interview with a job offer. | | | | own experience to the specific needs of the job. |
| 1. Show responsibility by arriving on time. | | | | Your resume tells the interviewer about your |
| Nothing sets you off on the wrong foot more | | | | background and experience. In the interview, you |
| than arriving late for an interview. No matter what | | | | need to express how this experience will help you |
| reason you have, it won't completely erase the | | | | do well in this particular job. This is particularly |
| impression that you are disorganized and | | | | important if you are young, just entering the |
| irresponsible. | | | | workforce and don't have much job experience. |
| 2. Show confidence through a strong handshake, | | | | If, however, you have run a youth group, that |
| a pleasant expression and an upbeat manner. | | | | may have sharpened your leadership skills. If you |
| Although you may not feel particularly confident, | | | | published the campus newspaper, you will certainly |
| it's important to look as if you are. Perception is | | | | have communication skills. Talk about how these |
| everything when creating a good impression. | | | | skills make you right for the job. |
| Weak handshakes are a turnoff, so practice to | | | | 7. Show respect by never badmouthing former |
| make sure yours is strong. Sometimes we think | | | | employers or colleagues. |
| we are smiling when we are not, so look in a | | | | There is no exception to this rule, and breaking it |
| mirror, smile and remember how your face feels | | | | will virtually always takes you right out of the |
| when you are smiling. If you smile, extend your | | | | running for any job. |
| hand confidently and introduce yourself with | | | | 8. Show energy through your body language and |
| energy, the interviewer will want to get to know | | | | tone of voice. |
| you. | | | | Sit up straight in the chair, lean forward slightly to |
| 3. Show initiative by researching the company in | | | | listen as the interviewer speaks. Nod and smile |
| advance. | | | | appropriately to show you understand. Inject |
| Even small organizations have websites, so there's | | | | enthusiasm into everything you say. Nobody |
| really no excuse for not knowing some basic | | | | wants to hire someone who sounds bored with |
| information about the company before the | | | | the job before he or she has even got it! |
| interview. If you ask questions that could clearly | | | | 9. Show sophistication by dressing appropriately. |
| have been answered through half-an-hour of | | | | Even if it's Friday, interviews are not casual! Even |
| browsing, you'll come off as someone with no | | | | if the workplace you want to enter is known to |
| initiative or common sense. | | | | be casual, always dress slightly more formally for |
| 4. Show your priorities by focusing on the job | | | | the interview. Pay special attention to |
| before asking about benefits and perks. | | | | grooming-scuffed, unpolished shoes can send the |
| When it's your turn to ask questions, focus on | | | | silent message that you are careless in your |
| aspects of the job and the company and even | | | | appearance, and the interviewer might assume |
| the department. There will be plenty of time to | | | | you will be careless in other ways too. |
| discuss benefits when you and the interviewer | | | | 10. Show you want the job (if you do!) by asking |
| have agreed that you are a good candidate for | | | | for it. |
| the job. Asking about perks, benefits and even | | | | This sounds obvious, but you'd be amazed how |
| salary too early in the conversation marks you as | | | | often people forget about it. Remember the |
| too to be a team player. | | | | interview is also an opportunity for you to decide |
| 5. Show composure under pressure by asking well | | | | if you want to work for this company. If you do, |
| thought-out, meaningful questions. | | | | don't hesitate to say so. |
| When you browse the company's website, think | | | | |