Interview Tips

Here are some tips that will help you to get off to the right start:

Dress professionally in conservative business attire. 
If the office is casual, a sport jacket and tie for men and a nice dress or tailored separates for women are usually appropriate.

Good grooming is crucial. 
Your hair should be neat, your face shaven, and your fingernails clean.  Women should keep make-up to a minimum.

Remove sunglasses before entering the interview venue.

Be on time, or arrive early.
Be sure to leave extra time for traffic and for unexpected emergencies.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to and from appointments scheduled before or
after an interview.

Don’t park at a meter.

Go unaccompanied to your interview; don’t bring your children or spouse.

Make sure to use the restroom before you go to an interview.

Don’t smoke for at least 2 hours before an interview.

Don’t chew gum during the interview.  

Write down the spelling of the interviewer’s name.
This will be helpful in sending your thank-you note.

Don’t ask to use the phone during your interview.

Don’t handle anything on the interviewer’s desk.

Don’t read anything that may be exposed on the desk.

Maintain eye contact.
This shows that you are interested and engaged.

Listen attentively. 
Don’t make your interviewer repeat himself.

Don’t be a name dropper.

Apply fragrance sparingly or not at all. 
Turn off your cell phone.
 
Avoid discussing salary in your resume or during an interview.

Don’t inquire about vacations, bonuses, perks, etc.

Don’t check your watch during the interview.

Don’t use sarcasm; it can come across as negative.

Always speak positively about others, particularly employers and work experiences.

Don’t discuss personal issues.

Be yourself. 
Trying to win over your interviewer by altering your personality comes across as insincere.

If you are asked to fill out an application or a form, writing “See resume” is never acceptable.

Don’t base your decision on the job title.

Only consider relocation if it is to a place where your family would like to live.

Leave once you have said goodbye.  The interviewer’s time is valuable.