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Interviewing Tips
(See our newsletter article archives)

Your interview starts before you are actually at the interview!

  • Make sure you know the title and the correct spelling of the name of the person you are interviewing with.
  • Be prepared with the phone number for your contact as well as knowing who their personal assistant is.
  • Plan for delays, so give yourself plenty of time to get there. Your punctuality will set the stage for the rest of the interview.
  • Caveat: Don’t arrive more than 10 minutes early to an interview. If you have extra time, go to a café and have some coffee or water.
  • Politely hand a card to the receptionist so he/she doesn’t have to struggle with your name when announcing your arrival. Get their name and remember it. Be friendly and polite to the receptionist. They are often asked for their opinion about a candidate.
First impressions are everything! You only have one chance at making a first impression. They will probably make a decision about you in the first 5 seconds.
  • Your entire appearance must be impeccable.
  • The hand shake should be firm but not so strong that it brings them to their knees.
  • Know as much about the company as is humanly possible.
  • Smile authentic smiles often and let your personality shine. It will do you no good to pretend being someone you are not.
  • Never speak negatively about a former boss.
  • Asking about benefits, vacation or personal time off on the first interview should be avoided. This will all be resolved in due time by the human resources department.
  • Watch your body language; don’t slouch or fidget.
  • Perfumes or strong fragrances (other than deodorant) are not acceptable. It is an interview, not a date.
  • Jewelry should be avoided, with the exception of watches, wedding bands and small, conservative earrings.
  • Don’t ask when they will follow up with you. Find out, instead what you can do next to provide further information to them.
  • Ask for the job if it’s a position you are seriously interested in.
Your interview will continue even after you’ve said goodbye to the interviewer.
  • Ask for their business card.
  • Say good-bye to the receptionist, repeating their name before you exit. Smile.
  • Follow up the next day with a letter of thanks and how you plan to pursue the position. Email is OK but snail mail works wonderfully.
  • Persistence coupled with patience goes a long way as you wait for a decision.

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