Step One – Know about the company

Gather as much information about the company for which you are applying.  Companies are impressed with someone who shows interest and knowledge of the company during the interview.  Make an effort to research your target company.  Given two equal applicants, the one who show most interest usually gets the job!

Step Two – Know yourself

In an interview, your job is to sell yourself….so you need to prepare what you are going to say about yourself.  You are “selling” your skills and yourself as a person.  First, your skills.  List your accomplishments and then think of which skills it took to do them.  What skills does it take to baby-sit several children?  Second, you as a person.  Most companies what honest, smart, friendly, motivated, and responsible employees.  Do you deal well with people?  Are you flexible and open to learning new things?  Make a list of your skills and characteristics so you can explain them in a minute or two.

Step Three – Practice

Ask your friend or teacher to play the interviewer, and give them a list of questions to ask you.  It is always good to practice the interview.  Remember, if you get a question that you can’t answer, simply say you don’t know.  Tell the interviewer you will need to give it more thought.  An employer will respect someone who is honest and open about his or her limitations.

Body language is the other thing to be well aware of.  If you have a video camera, us it for the practice; otherwise use a mirror.  Your posture should be relaxed, but alert.  Don’t slouch or look bored during the interview.  Communicate interest and energy.  Be yourself.

Step Four – Dress the Part

Dress the way you would dress if you got the job.  If you don’t know what that is, ask.  You may dress a little more formally than you think you might need to.  Personal grooming is part of your “dress” too.  A good haircut or trim can be impressive.  Clean fingernails, a fresh-scrubbed look, pleasant breath and being neatly dressed is important.  Do not wear perfume or after-shave, it can be offensive to some people.

Step Five – Arrive Early 

This may seem obvious, but if you’re not on time for your interview, the game is over.  Getting there early allows you to take a few deep breaths, organize your notes, refresh your memory on a few points and look at any company materials that may be available in the waiting room.

Step Six – Make a good First Impression

The interviewer starts forming opinions from the moment the two of you shake hands.  That first handshake can be critical.  Here is how to do it correctly.  1) Look the interviewer in the eye as you offer your hand.  2) Shake his or her hand firmly…but not like a vise.  3) Smile at the same time, and say something enthusiastic like, “Hello Ms. Smith, it is great to meet you!”  As you walk into his or her office, make some small talk about a popular team, how good the office looks or something about the weather. This establishes a positive start and the interview will feel more natural.

Step Seven – Answer the Questions Well

            Here are some tricks to answering the questions well.

1)     Don’t ramble.  It is better to give a shorter answer with strong points in it than to babble on for five minutes in a disorganized fashion.

2)     Look the interviewer in the eye when you are answering your questions.

3)     Gather your thoughts.  If you need a minute to collect your thoughts, feel free to say “ I need to think about that for a moment… or “that’s a great question.”  The interviewer will respect your honesty and your desire to offer a thoughtful answer.  If you blank out, be honest, and try to put a positive spin on your answer.  A little humor never hurts either.

Step Eight – Ask Questions

Usually at the end of the interview, you will be asked if you have any questions.  If you don’t ask something, it can be seen as a lack of interest.  Prepare some questions before the interview.  It is good to ask about the job first.  Are you clear on the responsibilities of the job?  If not, ask for clarification.  Do you understand whom you’ll be working with, and what their expectations of your work are?  It is not a good idea to ask about salary, vacation, holidays, sick days, etc. in the first interview.  Leave that for after they have offered you the job.  Ask what the next steps are after the interview.  Are they going to contact you?  When do they think they can do that?  Would they prefer you to follow up with them?  How is the best way to do that?  The end of the interview is also a good time to emphasize how interested you are in getting the job and why you think you would be the perfect candidate for the job.  Don’t beg, but let your positive energy and enthusiasm win the interview. When you leave, make sure to shake the person’s hand again and make sincere eye contact and thank him or her.

Step Nine – Be Yourself

This is the most important step. You cannot pretend to be someone you’re not.  Be proud of your talents and skills.  Believe in yourself and your ability to learn new things, to grow and develop.  Show the “real you”, sense of humor and all.

Step Ten – Follow Up

Your interview isn’t over when you walk out the door.  As soon as you get home, write a short thank- you note to your interviewer.  You appreciated the time they spent with you and the chance to learn more about the job and the company.  If you promised to send something additional, now is the time to enclose it.  Keep the note short, and restate your understanding of the next step.  Sending a thank-you note helps you to stand out in the crowd!