Basic Interview Tips

There are a lot of people going out on interviewsanswer questions about your work history especially
these days and all sorts of articles on how to setareas on your resume that aren't clear, such as gaps
yourself apart from the pack, but let's get back toin work history. Prior to the interview think about each
basics. What are the things you should and shouldn'tjob and what your accomplishments were. List the
do when you go on an interview? Some of theseduties from each job to help remind you about all that
suggestions may seem like common sense, butyou have done and it will make it easier for you to
unfortunately they come from real life examples andremember during the interview. If you don't have a lot
not everyone realizes how important the little thingsof work related experience than think about positive
are.things you do in the community or in school. Also be
1. Dress for success - it doesn't matter what type ofprepared to let the company know why they should
job you are trying to get, dress neatly and cleanly. Youhire you, think about what the job posting said and be
don't have to necessarily wear a suit and tie especiallyable to tell them how you are qualified for the things
if that would be out of place, but wear a dress shirt orthey are looking for.
blouse, a polo shirt and clean khakis or slacks, not dirty7. Do your homework about the company - these
jeans and a T-shirt.days with the Internet it is very easy to look up
2. Be on time - you are trying to make a positive firstinformation on the company you are interviewing with.
impression so the last thing you want to do is to beGet familiar with what they do, what their products are,
late. Being a few minutes early is even better in caseand any other information you can find. Prepare a few
they need you to fill out some paperwork when youquestions about the company, it will show that you are
arrive.interested in knowing about where you might be
3. Bring a copy of your resume and a pad - most likelyworking.
they will have a copy but just in case they don't, be8. Be polite to everyone - you want to make a good
prepared. You should have some questions to ask andimpression on everyone in the company, you never
you can bring those with you, as well as jotting downknow who might have a say in who gets hired.
notes if you need to remember something they have9. Smile and shake hands firmly - this is your chance to
told you.make an impression so be positive and put your best
4. Shut off your cell phone, blackberry and any otherfoot forward. Thank them at the end of the interview
electronic devices you carry around with you - therefor their time and let them know how you are looking
are no calls that are so important that you should evenforward to hearing from them soon.
think about interrupting your interview, if you can't leave10. If you can find someone to help you practice being
your cell phone behind for 1 hour the prospectiveinterviewed that will help improve your confidence, you
employer will wonder if you will be able to leave itcan find sample interview questions on the Internet.
alone and actually do work if they hire you.Going into an interview can be nerve racking so the
5. Make eye contact - make sure you look at thelast thing you want to do is get yourself all worked up
person talking to you, even if you are nervous, don'tabout what will happen if it doesn't go well. You need
look at your hands or the floor. You shouldn't stare atto stay positive and remember that you have
them either, but make sure you are making eyesomething to offer the prospective employer and you
contact like you would in any conversation.are in that interview to show them how you can do
6. Be prepared - make sure you are prepared tothat. Good Luck!