Before the Job Interview

Wear something that is job interview appropriate.

• Make sure there is no confusion about where you are supposed to go for the interview. If necessary, get a map or make a practice run to the place so you know how long it will take to get there.
• Research the company. You should know exactly what they do before you go in.
• Make a list of common job interview questions and figure out how you can best answer each one.
• Make a list of questions to ask the company. You can ask about the company itself, the company's customers, the position, and the people you will be working with.
• Practice your job interview with a friend or family member. Ask them to critique your answers afterwards.
• Record your practice interview sessions with a video camera so you can critique yourself later on. Pay special attention to your posture and body language.
• Determine your availability. The interviewer may ask you when you can start the job.
• Determine your bottom line. Will you accept the job if the pay is low? What about benefits? Interviewers often ask how much you expect to make.
• Be prepared to be tested during or after the job interview. Nowadays, many companies do drug testing. It's probably a good idea to clean out your system if you can't pass naturally.
• Wear something that fits you well, looks nice on you and is job interview appropriate. No short skirts, t-shirts, flip-flops or other casual clothing. Unless you wear a tux or an evening gown, you can't be overdressed.
• Use the restroom before you go. There's no telling how long the interview may last.
• Don't douse yourself in perfume or cologne. Some people have sensitive noses. A shower and deodorant is sufficient.
• Don't wear fur or jewelry that might be offensive to someone else.
• Don't smoke in the car on the way or on the interview premises. Again, some people have sensitive noses.
• Make sure your breath is fresh. Dragon breath never makes a good impression.
• Spit your gum out before you go into the building. It is harder to talk and smile with gum in your mouth.
• Show up at least 10 minutes early--15 minutes is even better.

During the Job Interview

Shake hands firmly, but not too firmly.

• Greet every single person in the room with eye contact and a handshake. Be sure to treat everyone from the receptionist to the CEO equally.
• Shake hands firmly, but not too firmly. You're a job interviewee, not a father meeting his daughter's boyfriend.
• Control your voice when you speak. Talking too loud is obnoxious. Mumbling is annoying.
• Don't use slang when you greet people. 'Hey, how ya doin'?' is not a proper greeting in a formal setting.
• Don't be a space invader. Try to stay 36 inches away from everyone at all times. People have boundaries and nobody likes their space invaded.
• Be conscious of your posture when sitting or standing. Try not to slouch or look too stiff.
• Don't sit down anywhere until you are asked to. When you do sit, don't fidget. It makes you look nervous.
• Keep hand talking to a minimum. It is okay to make gestures while speaking, but it is not okay to look like a mime while doing it--unless you are interviewing for a job as a mime. Then it's acceptable.
• If you are given water or something else to drink, sip it. Gulping and chugging a beverage is unattractive.
• Smile and nod your head on occasion when being spoken to so you don't look like a mannequin.
• Try to look interested when people speak--no matter how boring they are.
• Keep answers short and to the point. Nobody wants to listen to you babble.
• When you do answer a question, don't start out with words like 'uh' or 'um.'
• Do your best to sound confident when you speak.
• Remember to maintain eye contact throughout the job interview. Looking away while someone is talking will make you seem disinterested, shy or shifty.
• If you are being interviewed by multiple people, try to look at them all while talking. Nobody should feel left out of the conversation.
• Ask questions! You're at an interview, not an interrogation. Employers will expect you to have at least one question about the job, the company or the people you will be working with.
• Don't look at the clock or your watch at any point during the interview. It makes you look like you'd rather be somewhere else.
• If you are left alone in a room, don't do anything you wouldn't do in front of a group of people. You might be on camera.
• This should go without saying, but we'll say it anyway: Don't flirt with anyone you meet on the day of your job interview. You have no idea who you are hitting on or how it might impact your chances of getting the job.

After the Job Interview

Make an impression after the interview has ended.

• When the job interview has ended, you should shake hands with everyone once again and thank them for their time.
• If you are still interested in the job at this point, now is the time to say it. Tell the employer you want to work with the company and hope you will be considered for the position.
• If you are absolutely sure you are NOT interested in the job after the interview, you might want to mention that too. Whatever your problem is with the position, the company may be willing to resolve the issue.
• Ask your interviewer when a decision will be made and whether or not you can follow-up at a later date. This way you won't be sitting by the phone or making a pest out of yourself for no reason.
• Send a thank you note to your interviewer(s) immediately after leaving the interview. This can be done via snail mail or email. The thank you note should be short and to the point.
• Send a thank you note to the receptionist or anyone else who was helpful but not directly involved in your job interview.
• Go home and write down everything you can about the interview. Take special care to note what went well and what didn't. If you don't get the job, this information could prove very helpful later on.
• Don't be afraid to follow-up. If the interviewer said you would hear something in a week and you don't, there is nothing wrong with initiating the contact yourself. Just remember to be polite when you call--no guilt trips.

Related Resources

• Networking: How Can Networking Help with Career Planning*Choosing an Offer: Tips for Making the Best Choice
• Interview Tips for New College Grads
• Nailing Interview Questions