Tips for a successful job interview

Paul W. Barada

With unemployment higher than normal, it seems safe to conclude that more people will be in the job market than in recent years. That means brushing up one’s interviewing skills is probably a good thing to do. Throughout the whole employment process, beginning with filling out an application to being offered a job, the most critical point for the majority of people is the job interview itself. It is during the job interview that job seekers usually “make or break” their chances of landing a job. Since this is the first week of the New Year, I thought it might be useful to pass along some interviewing tips I’ve collected over the years.

First, and foremost, is showing up on time for the interview. If the interview is scheduled for 9 a.m., I recommend showing up no later than 8:45. Sometimes showing up on time means planning ahead to make sure the car has plenty of gas, checking the weather to allow for icy or snowy roads, and checking the distance and directions from home to the site of the interview in order to allow plenty of time to get there. There’s nothing worse than getting lost on the way to a job interview! Arriving a minimum of 15 minutes early will convey the message that you’re dependable and, more importantly at this juncture, anxious to make a good impression.

Making a good impression also includes personal appearance. The first impression a job seeker makes with an employer has a great deal to do with personal appearance. Whether it should or not is beside the point. The fact is personal appearance does matter. The key is to dress for the job. For males seeking any job, other than a factory job, personal appearance means a freshly pressed suit and tie, shined shoes, a fresh haircut, good personal hygiene, and a fresh shave or neatly trimmed beard or mustache. For females, a fresh business suite or business dress is a must. So is having one’s hair done neatly and fresh makeup. If applying for a factory job, wear freshly laundered or pressed work clothes. In simple terms, dress the part. To do less gives the impression that you don’t care enough to go to the trouble to look your best.

Once in the office, always wait for the interviewer to tell you to have a seat. Remain standing, in other words, until invited to sit. For males, if you’ve worn a cap to the interview, remove it the instant you enter the building and leave it off until you’re outside.

For any job seeker, it’s also important to bring an up-to-date copy of your resume and references in a folder or briefcase. Next, and I think this is critical, is a firm handshake. Never offer a prospective employer the “dead fish” handshake. A firm handshake conveys self-confidence. A weak grip suggests timidity and lack of awareness about proper social etiquette.

Once you’re seated, sit forward in the chair, never lean back, don’t cross your legs, or slouch. An attentive and alert image is what you want to convey – and it’s what employers will notice. Next is eye-contact. Nothing will turn off a recruiter or interviewer more quickly than a job seeker who looks at the floor! It’s vital to look the other person in the eye when speaking and when listening to what he or she has to say. Looking around the room or avoiding the other person’s eyes conveys the impression of shyness, fear, and uncertainty – none of which are qualities employers are seeking.

Next, be prepared to answer questions thoughtfully and candidly. You can prepare in advance for many of the most common questions. Some of them are sure to include, “Tell me about your past work experience,” “Why do you want to work for our company?” “What do you know about our company?” “Why did you leave your last job?” And, “Why should we hire you?” Some other questions to anticipate may include, “If you could change something about your life, what would it be?” “Who’s the person you admire the most, and why?” And, “If I were to talk with other people who know you, what would they say about you?” This certainly is not a comprehensive list, but typical of the types of questions a prospective employer might ask. Some of these seemingly odd questions are designed to see how well the candidate can organize thoughts and think on his or her feet.

Finally, watch how you speak during a job interview! Avoid what is commonly called “sloppy speech.” For instance, incorrect grammar or slang may make you look uneducated. Expressions such as “ain’t,” “she don’t,” “me and my friend,” and “so I goes to him and says,” are incorrect. Also speak slowly enough to avoid incorrect pronunciation. Some common incorrect pronunciations as “aks” instead of “ask,” “ath a lete” instead of “athlete,” “wif” instead of “with,” and “dree” instead of “three.”

Wimpy words also hurt the level of conviction you have about your skills and abilities. Phrases like “sort of” and “kind of” don’t radiate self-confidence. Speak slowly, pronounce all syllables in words, and avoid slang. Companies want people who are articulate, well spoken, and who can give concise and sensible answers to questions.

If you expect to be in the job market in the near future, now is the time to start brushing up your interviewing skills.

That’s —30— for this week.



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