Interview Tips

The keys to making a good impression

• Always offer your hand.
  Your handshake should be firm. Make sure that you meet web to web and do not use crushing pressure.
• Do not sit until asked to do so.
  After shaking hands and introducing yourself, remain standing until the interviewer indicates for you to sit down.
• Once seated...
  Slightly lean forward toward the interviewer; this shows attentiveness and that you are interested. Never lean on the desk and if you lean too far forward this may make the interviewer uncomfortable. If all else fails sit straight and upright in a neutral position.
• Ladies:
  Do not cross your legs. Sit in an S position with your hips to one side, knees to the other and feet pulled back to the same side as the hip. Cross your legs at the ankles.
• Gentlemen:
  Keep your legs facing forward with the dominant foot flat on the floor and the front of the other foot touching the ground.
• Make eye contact.
  Keep the conversation as natural as possible. Do not avoid eye contact
• What to do with your hands.
  Use your hands naturally to emphasis a point. Do not cover your mouth or use your hands in nervous habits such as: playing with your hands, jewelry twirling hair. If not using in conversation lays hand in your lap or on arm rests.
• Prepare for questions asked and to ask questions.
• Practice answering questions that ask you to summarize yourself. Work on being brief and concise but not leave out the question.
• Come up with questions to ask the interviewer; this reinforces your interest in the position. The best questions regard the job and the company.
• Example questions:
  • Is this a new or replacement job?
  • To whom does this position report?
  • What are the plans for this company in the future?
  • How would someone with my qualifications if into the plan?
• Contact information
  Before leaving give the interviewer your card and collect their card.
• Follow-up
  Follow-up with the interviewer within the next 24 hours. A fax, e-mail, or phone call to express your gratitude for their time, restating your interest in the position, and a statement of your ability to do the job will be sufficient.