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Tips

The Interview: Before, During and After

Before:

RESEARCH COMPANY for size, product information and reputation.

PRACTICE YOUR INTERVIEWING to know the most commonly asked questions, prepare for difficult questions and be aware of your presentation.

PLAN YOUR APPEARANCE such as what you will wear, iron outfit, clean shoes and have neat and clean hair.

KNOW YOUR COMMUTE by getting accurate directions, estimating travel time and locating convenient parking.

CONFIRM your appointment ahead of time.

PREPARE by making copies of your resume, letters of recommendations, performance evaluations and references to take with you.

RELAX AND GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP!

During:

ARRIVE EARLY to check your appearance and take a few deep breaths. Go into the office approximately 10 minutes ahead of your appointment time.

BE CONSCIOUS of your attitude and behavior while in the reception area. Everyone at the company may have influence on the hiring decision.

GREET YOUR INTERVIEWER by saying "Good morning, I am _________ " with good eye contact, and if the interviewer offers to shake your hand, do so with a steady, firm grip.

WATCH YOUR BODY LANGUAGE, maintain good eye contact and sit up straight.

BE ENTHUSIASTIC, polite and positive (try to minimize negatives).

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS directly and truthfully while also selling yourself, your skills and stressing your achievements.

WATCH FOR SIGNS that the interview is over by watching for clues from the interviewer. Restate your qualifications, reaffirm your interest in the job, ask when the hiring decision will be made and arrange a follow-up call.

BE PREPARED to ask good questions if time allows.

 

After:

WRITE A THANK YOU LETTER.
The letter should be short and it should thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration. Mail it immediately as the hiring decision could be made quickly.

MAKE A FOLLOW-UP PHONE CALL to the company to let them know that you are still interested in the position and that you are ready to begin working.

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