Work Dish

Like it or not, the job interview is your best chance to show your employer why they should hire you, and the interviewer’s decision could be made in the first five minutes. If you don’t get a call-back but are qualified for the job, it might be because you didn’t follow one of these essential job-interview tips.

1. 1. Look the part. Unless you’re interviewing for something very exceptional (like, say, a clown company), the keyword here is “professional.” If you’re a guy, this means at the least a collared shirt and slacksfor a woman, a nice skirt or trousers along with blouse or jacket is appropriate. Pick an outfit that you feel comfortable in, but that conveys your desire for the job.
2. 2. Practice with another person. Going over broad questions in your head is a good tactic, but practicing with someone else can be even more informative. If this person has a good idea of how job interviews work, they will try to see how much information you can give in the shortest amount of time. Practicing responding to follow-up questions is also a good way for you to avoid surprises.
3. 3. Use professional body language. Your desire for the job should come out through the way you carry yourself. You want to look relaxed, but not to the point of slouching or falling out of your seat. If you’re not meeting the interviewer’s eyes, it may look like you have something to hide, or are too nervous to handle the responsibilities of the job. Keep your feet on the ground and your hands crossed in front of you.
4. 4. Don’t come empty-handed. Every professional interview should be treated as information for when you get the job. That means you should have a professional notepad to record anything you learnand make sure you use it. You should also have a copy of your resume and application, references, and transcripts (if necessary).