50 Quick Interview Tips

1. Identify your accomplishments before you go on an interview.

2. Don't let your guard down. No matter how friendly the interviewer is you must always remember that s/he is not your friend.

3. Answer the interviewer's questions in a direct and concise manner.

4. Identify your need and match them to the needs of an employer.

5. Dress in a manner that your position calls for.

6. Maintain direct eye contact with the interviewer since this will show that you are confident in your abilities and that you have nothing to hide.

7. Don't bring up salary first.

8. Develop questions of your own that demonstrate your interest and knowledge n working with the company.

9. Send a thank you letter to all individuals whom you interviewed with.

10. Be aware of your language. Avoid vocal fillers such as “like” or hum”.

11. Answer questions within 60-second or you will lose your listener.

12. Ask for a copy of the job description.

13. Make sure that you show interest and enthusiasm in working for the employer.

14. Be prepared, but don't sound rehearsed.

15. Expect to answer the question, “Tell me about yourself.”

16. Be aware of the interviewer's body language and adapt yours to match theirs.

17. Give yourself 24-hours before you accept or decline a position.

18. Remember that you are interviewing the company as well.

19. Before the interview ends ask if you should clarify or elaborate on any points.

20. Be prepared to expand on the information you provided on the resume.

21. Always show up on time.

22. Be as honest as you can without hindering your chances of landing a job offer.

23. When filling out the job application, make sure you read the instruction carefully.

24. Thank the interviewer for their time.

25. Attend an interview workshop, read a book on interviewing, or hire a coach to guide you through the process.

26. Listen carefully to the questions that are being asked and try to determine their hidden meaning.

27. Ask for the interviewer's business card so that you will have the proper spelling of his or her name, their job title, address, and phone number.

28. NO matter how great you were during the interview, continue your job search until you have accepted a job offer.

29. Bring your social security card, working papers (if applicable) and license to each interview.

30. Maintain a positive and upbeat appearance. Never let them see you sweat.

31. Answer the questions that is being asked. Don't go off on tangents.

32. Beware of your tone and body language.

33. Establish rapport with the interviewer.

34. Don't interrupt the interviewer when they are speaking.

35. Don't hog the interview with your agenda.

36. Be patient during the interview process. You may be asked to attend more than one interview before a job offer is put on the table.

37. Expect to be nervous.

38. Don't overstay your welcome. Recognize the cues that the interview is coming to an end.

39. At the end of the interview, ask the interviewer what the net step will be.

40. If you get the impression that the interview is not going as planned, don't show your disappointment. Remain calm.

41. The purpose of the first interview is not to get a job offer; it is to be invited to a second interview.

42. Know the organizations needs and culture before the interview.

43. Be yourself.

44. Don't speak negatively about your present or past employer.

45. Wait until you are offered a seat before you sit down.

46. Interact with the interviewer don't react.

47. Pace yourself. If you need extra time to think of an answer, take it.

48. Write down your thoughts of the interview immediately after it is over.

49. At the end of the interview, make sure you ask for the job.

50. Allow sufficient time between interviews.

Certified in all three areas of the job search—Certified Interview Coach ™ (CIC), Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC), and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)—Linda Matias is qualified to assist you in your career transition, whether it be a complete career makeover, interview preparation, or resume assistance. You can contact Linda directly at linda@careerstrides.com or visit her website www.careerstrides.com for additional career advice and to view resume samples.