WHAT SHOULD YOU DO DURING AN INTERVIEW SESSION?

Tips for During the interview

After you’ve spent time preparing, you can be successful on interview day by practicing these tips:

1. Plan your interview attire the night before.

If you’re speaking to a recruiter before the interview, you can ask them about the dress code in the workplace and choose your outfit accordingly. If you don’t have someone to ask, research the company to learn what’s appropriate. For more, visit How to Dress for a Job Interview. Interview Attire Guide 1. Start by researching the company’s dress code. 2. Follow our workplace attire guide below. 3. Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. 4. Use your best judgment and don’t overthink it. 5. Avoid revealing clothing. 6. Choose to clothe accommodating to the climate and season. 7. Check for stains, snags, pet hairs, and holes. 8. Ensure clothing is pressed and wrinkle free.

2. Bring copies of your resume, a notebook, and a pen.

Take at least five copies of your printed resume on clean paper in case of multiple interviewers. Highlight specific accomplishments on your copy that you can easily refer to and discuss. Bring a pen and a small notebook. Prepare to take notes, but not on your smartphone or another electronic device. Write information down so that you can refer to these details in your follow-up thank-you notes. Maintain eye contact as much as possible. For more, visit What to Bring to the Interview.

Copies of your resume Bring at least five resume copies. Keep them in a separate folder or professional folio so they don’t bend or wrinkle and are easy to access. Pen and paper Take notes on the questions your interviewers ask or surprising insights they share. You can use these notes to follow up later in a thank you email. Pre-written questions for your interviewers When you are putting the resume copies and the blank paper in your folder or folio, also add at least two or three pre-written questions for your interviewers to have on hand. It’s good to write them down ahead of time in case your mind suddenly goes blank when you get the question, “Do you have any questions?” Related: Phone Interview Tips to Get You to the Next Round A list of references Your interviewers may not ask you for a list of references, but it’s good to be prepared in case they do. References should be people who can speak to your professional abilities and achievements. If you don’t have much work experience or can’t easily identify people to be your references, consider any groups or volunteer activities you’ve been a part of. Former teachers or community leaders who can address your commitment and work ethic are strong options as well. Do not include family members and avoid listing friends.

3. Plan your schedule so that you can arrive 10–15 minutes early.

Map out your route to the interview location so you can be sure to arrive on time. Consider doing a practice run. If you’re taking public transportation, identify a backup plan if there are delays or closures. Tip: When you arrive early, use the extra minutes to observe workplace dynamics.

4. Make a great first impression.

Don’t forget the little things—shine your shoes, make sure your nails are clean and tidy, and check your clothes for holes, stains, pet hair, and loose threads. Display confident body language and a smile throughout.

5. Treat everyone you encounter with respect.

This includes people on the road and in the parking lot, security personnel, and front desk staff. Treat everyone you don’t know as though they’re the hiring manager. Even if they aren’t, your potential employer might ask for their feedback.

6. Practice good manners and body language.

Practice confident, accessible body language from the moment you enter the building. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders back. Before the interview, take a deep breath and exhale slowly to manage feelings of anxiety and encourage self-confidence. The interviewer should extend their hand first to initiate a handshake. Stand, look the person in the eye, and smile. A good handshake should be firm but not crush the other person’s fingers. For more, visit Everything You Need to Know About Job Interview Etiquette.

7. Win them over with your authenticity and positivity.

Being genuine during interview conversations can help employers easily relate to you. Showing positivity with a smile and upbeat body language can help keep the interview light and constructive.

8. Respond truthfully to the questions asked.

While it can seem tempting to embellish on your skills and accomplishments, interviewers find honesty refreshing and respectable. Focus on your key strengths and why your background makes you uniquely qualified for the position.

9. Tie your answers back to your skills and accomplishments.

With any question you answer, it is important that you tie your background to the job by providing examples of solutions and results you’ve achieved. Use every opportunity to address the requirements listed in the job description.

10. Keep your answers concise and focused.

Your time with each interviewer is limited so be mindful of rambling. Practicing your answers beforehand can help keep you focused.

11. Do not speak negatively about your previous employers.

Companies want to hire problem solvers who overcome tough situations. If you’re feeling discouraged about your current job, focus on talking about what you’ve gained from that experience and what you want to do next.