ATTIRE
Dress smartly, it’s imperative to look professional and polished. Although your attire may vary based on the position you’re applying – it’s important to look well-dressed and put together.
PUNCTUALITY
Coming late for the interview not only suggests poor time management skills but shows a lack of respect for the company, the position and even your interviewer.
You should know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long it takes to get there, park, find a rest room to freshen up, etc. Should arrive minimum 10 minutes prior to the interview start time
PHONES
It’s one of the easiest questions to answer, if only you do some research before your interview.
Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available on most company websites. Review it ahead of time.
Also check the company’s LinkedIn and Facebook page, if they have one.
Don’t let your potential employer stump you with the question, “What do you know about this company?”
KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE COMPANY
It’s one of the easiest questions to answer, if only you do some research before your interview.
Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available on most company websites. Review it ahead of time.
Also check the company’s LinkedIn and Facebook page, if they have one.
Don’t let your potential employer stump you with the question, “What do you know about this company?”
FUZZY RESUME FACTS
Even if you have submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need to complete an application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information.
It’s understandable that some of your older experiences may be hard to recall. Review the facts before your interview.
You should never “fudge” any facts on your resume. The more truthful you are on your resume, the better you will be able to discuss your past experience during your interview.
PAY ATTENTION
Make sure you are well-rested, alert and prepared for your interview. Don’t let yourself zone out during an interview. Getting distracted and missing a question looks bad on your part. If you feel your attention slipping away, make the effort to stay engaged. Maintain eye contact, lean forward slightly when talking to your interviewer, and make an active effort to listen effectively
PREPARED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS
Your interviewer is probably going to ask you more than just the basics about where you worked to get a feel of your aptitude for a job.
Don’t let yourself be caught off guard. Prepare for your interview by reviewing what questions to expect, and how to answer them.
Be prepared with a list of questions to ask the employer so you’re ready when you asked if you have questions for the interviewer.
BADMOUTHING PAST EMPLOYERS
Don’t make the mistake of badmouthing your boss or coworkers. It’s sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don’t know who your interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot… You also don’t want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren’t the best.
When interviewing for a job, you want your employer to know that you can work well with other people and handle conflicts in a mature and effective way, rather than badmouthing your coworkers or talking about other people’s incompetence.