Job Interview review, tips and tactics

Brush up on your personal and professional skills and you might walk away from an interview with a job.

The company has seen your resume and cover letter. Now its managers want to see you. From the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave, you’ll be under scrutiny. You’ve heard advice about being confident and knowledgeable, but how do you manage to control your nerves at such a critical time?

You’d never walk into an exam without studying, and an interview is just like an exam. The key to successful interviewing is preparation. If you’re thoroughly prepared, you’ll be more confident and relaxed. The company will see your personality, not your perspiration.

If you haven’t done so yet, now is the time to research the company. Check the newspaper for mentions of the company and current happenings in the industry. You’ll also find information on the company’s Web page, or from friends who work in the industry.

Interview Tips and Tactics

� Practice interview answers with a friend or a mirror

� Dress conservatively and appropriately

� Know how to get to your interview

� Bring a notebook and pen, along with extra copies of your resume

� Eat a sensible meal before your interview

� Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early

You’d be surprised by the number of applicants who know nothing about the company at which they’re interviewing. In the interviewer’s mind, an applicant who’s unfamiliar with the company or industry isn’t a serious candidate, or worse, isn’t motivated or competent enough to become knowledgeable at a key time.

Most interview questions will be about you. Sometimes a simple request like “tell me about yourself” is difficult because it’s general and open-ended. Another question could be, “What particular skills qualify you for this job?” Your career counseling office may have a list of frequently asked questions you should learn to comfortably answer.

When it’s your turn to do the asking in the real interview, ask questions based on what you’ve learned about the company. It’s a good idea to ask about such things as “growth” and the company’s future. Also ask what helped people succeed or fail in the position you’re applying to fill. If there’s something you’ve wanted to know about the company or the position (besides your salary) this is the time to ask.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Scheduling a mock interview at your school’s career counseling office can help you chase the butterflies out of your stomach. Or you can use an actor’s trick by rehearsing in front of a mirror or with a friend. Using either method, you’ll get valuable feedback on your body language. Without a mirror or an observer, it’s hard to tell if you twitch your feet, play with your hands or distract the interviewer in any other way. The interviewer is watching your body language as well as listening to your value-adding propositions, so sit up straight, maintain eye contact and keep smiling. Once you’re hired, you can slouch in the privacy of your own cubicle.

Look the Part

Unfortunately, an interview is not only about what you know and how well you answer questions. To the interviewer, there’s a direct relationship between how you present yourself and how well you work. Dressing for an interview is like getting dressed for Halloween; you’ll be judged and remembered by an outfit you only wear once or twice a year. It’s frightening, but the look you’re going for is conformity. By dressing like everyone else, you’ll give the interviewer a sense that you’ll fit in well at the company.

In general, wear dark and conservative clothing. Men should wear charcoal gray or dark navy blue suits, with an ironed white shirt and a conservative tie. (I have yet to wear the blue sperm design tie, anywhere.) As always, women have more flexibility in proper interview attire and can choose from a long sleeved blouse and long skirt (at least knee-length), or a jacket and pants combination. If the workplace is casual, you should still look good. Acceptable business casual for men is khakis, sportcoat, button down and tie; for women, a blouse or sweater and skirt or slacks. Never wear provocative clothing � mini skirts or revealing clothes � unless you’re applying for that kind of job.

Make sure you’ll be comfortable in the clothes you wear to an interview. You don’t know how long you might be wearing them. Now is not the time to break in new shoes or find out if you’re allergic to wool. Try on the clothes you plan to wear a few days before the actual event. That way, you’ll avoid last minute fashion disasters and save time the morning of the interview.

Proper dress varies from company to company. Usually, the interviewer will give you a sense of how formally you’ll have to dress. Her assistant, or friends at the company or in the industry, can also answer questions if you’re too embarrassed to ask the interviewer directly. When in doubt, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. Unless, of course, you’re applying for that kind of job.

Case the Joint

Be sure you know how to get where you need to go. If the interview is on campus, just plan on arriving a few minutes before the scheduled time. Get clear directions if you’re unsure how to reach the company’s office and go there ahead of time to see how long you’ll have to travel. On the day of the interview, allow yourself an extra 30 minutes in case of traffic or a slow subway.

Typically, you’ll want to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your interview starts. That’ll give you enough time to calm down, wipe the sweat off your palms and put your brain in “ready” mode.

The Day Before

You’ve got the interview questions down and you’ve thought of some insightful questions to ask. You’ve ironed your clothes and you can find the address blindfolded. Still more to remember: bring to the interview a notebook, extra copies of your resume and extra pens. In case you get lost, bring pocket change and the phone number and address of the company. In big cities, companies often expect applicants to get lost en route, so don’t be embarrassed to call. And if you’re going to be even five minutes late, call.

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to relax and do something to take your mind off the interview. See a movie, read Student.Com or study for exams, but avoid alcohol and people who cause you stress. Go to bed early and tell your roommates you need some peace and quiet for a change. Good night, and good luck.

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