The Job Interview

You've finally landed an interview, now what?

The interview is your chance to make a great impression in the eyes of the employer. Often, it’s how you behave and what you say during the interview that will make or break your career opportunity with the company you are visiting. Follow this guide to make sure you’re well prepared!

Taking Good Notes

Succeeding at an interview means taking good notes before, during, and after the actual meeting. Before an interview, make sure you have the correct information regarding times, dates, and locations. Also make sure you know the name of the person you are interviewing with so you can ask for them by name.

During the interview, ask if it’s okay to write down any important information you discuss with your interviewer. Most hiring managers will be perfectly fine with it, and many will be impressed by your enthusiasm. Don’t spend the entire interview writing out the conversation word for word; instead jot down important points that are worth remembering.

Dress for Success

An employee is a reflection of the company they work for. If you want to make a good impression and allow the interviewer to visualize the possibility of you working at the company, it’s important to dress appropriately for the interview. At a professional interview, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Make an effort to pick out the appropriate outfit based on the position and company you are applying for. A well-dressed candidate tells the interviewer that you are capable of handling yourself in a professional manner.

Traveling to the Interview

Even if you are familiar with the location of the interview, it is important to allow yourself to arrive 10-15 minutes before the start of the interview. Planning for this extra 10-15 minutes will give you a protective cushion if some unforeseen circumstances (traffic, weather) arise and cause delays. If you get there on time, use the 10-15 minutes to mentally prepare yourself. Make sure to turn off your cell phone, straighten out your hair and clothes, and take some relaxing deep breaths.

The Interview

Once the interviewer arrives, stand and greet them with a warm smile and a firm handshake. Stay relaxed and be ready to answer a variety of different questions about yourself and your experiences. When a question is asked, take a few moments to consider your response before you begin to speak. Make sure you talk in a clear, confident voice and respond with concise and accurate answers. Avoid rambling or bringing up irrelevant information.

20 Potential Job Interview Questions

Finishing the Interview

If you feel the interview went well and you are interested in the position, ask for it, or ask for another interview. It may seem like a bold decision, but employers generally admire confidence from their prospective employees. You may say something similar to:

"Mr. [Hiring Manager], thanks for speaking with me today. I'm very impressed by your company and I’ve enjoyed our conversation. Is there anything that will prohibit us from moving forward to the next step?"

After the Interview

Before you leave the interview, thank the hiring manager and ask for a business card. Find out when you can expect to hear from them and if there is any way for you to follow-up. Once you leave, consider the questions that were asked and evaluate your responses to them. Although you may not feel great about your answers to some questions, this period of reflection will be a valuable learning process that will help prepare you for future interviews. Make sure you send the hiring manager a hand-written thank-you letter expressing your gratitude for the opportunity. This simple gesture can have a lasting impact in the mind of the interviewer.