HireVetsFirst (home) American Excellence at Work
Topics - Interviews - Prepare For Interviews
Getting Started Topics Resources Support & Assistance Search Site Help
 
4. INTERVIEWS
  4.4 PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS
   
  GUIDELINES FOR INTERVIEWS
   
  Be Prepared
 
  • Anticipate possible questions and practice answers to each of them.
  • Research the company before the interview.
  • Prepare questions to ask in the interview.
  • Do a dry run going to the interview location before the day of your interview.
  • Get a good night’s sleep before the interview. Review your research.
  • Get up in time to shower and dress carefully.
  • Know the name(s) of the interviewer(s) and how to pronounce them correctly.
  • Leave for the interview with plenty of time to spare. Make sure you know how to get there, where to park, and how much time to allow for traffic.
 
Look Good Woman
  • Go to the interview neat and clean.
  • Dress conservatively and comfortably.
  • Avoid heavy makeup and trendy or flashy clothes or jewelry.
Be Punctual
  • Arrive 15 minutes ahead of schedule.
  Be Aware of Body Language
 
  • Turn off electronic devices (cell phone, pager, etc.).
  • Offer a firm handshake.
  • Stand or sit erect but comfortably.
  • Sit down only after offered a chair.
  • Lean forward in your chair and relax.
  • Don’t fidget.
  • Use eye contact, but don’t stare.
  Carry A Portfolio
 
  • Show the interviewer that you planned ahead.
  • Bring all necessary information:
 
Man pad and pen
a calendar
the completed Master Application Worksheet
several copies of your resume
a copy of the application form
letters of recommendation
samples of work (if appropriate)
your notes on the company
your questions to ask the interviewer
any correspondence from the company
reference list/letters of reference
   
  Be Enthusiastic
 
  • Have a positive attitude in the interview.
  • Be friendly, but not casual.
  • Be professional and courteous to everyone.
  • Don’t be negative about anything!
  • Sell yourself – the difference between bragging and self-confidence is enthusiasm.
  • Use eye contact and voice expression to your benefit.
  Say Thank You
 
  • At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for the time.
  • Follow-up with a brief thank you note that:
 
  reviews points brought up in the interview, and  
  adds ideas you forgot to mention.  
   
  Smile
 
  • Do not grin, but smile as you would in any conversation.
 
Go Back One Page
Go To Next Page
© 2005