Interviewing can be a nerve-wracking experience, but giving an impressive interview is essential to landing a job. Here are some “must-know” tips for interviews that will help any interviewee to put their best foot forward.

1. Bring extra copies of your resume.

Some interviewees assume that the interviewer already has a copy of their resume. However, often the individual in charge of reviewing resumes is not the same person conducting the interviews. Your resume may have been lost or misplaced. Or, you may find yourself being interviewed by two or more people and they would each like a copy of your resume for reference. To be prepared for anything—and to show that you are a go-getter who always thinks ahead—keep several extra copies of your resume on hand and carry them to interviews in a nice planner or notebook. It can also be useful to have copies of writing samples, transcripts, letters of recommendation from former employers, and a list of references on hand.

2. Be professional.

This applies to both your behavior and your appearance. Even if you know that the job you hope to obtain will allow casual dress, professional attire is best for an interview to demonstrate that you take the position and the employer seriously. Similarly, although pleasant conversation with an interviewer is a good idea, don’t allow yourself to become too informal. Aside from shaking hands, you should not touch the interviewer when you speak. Avoid asking about their personal lives, or making a lot of jokes. Employers want to hire people who can maintain a professional demeanor and be an excellent representative of the company.

3. Have a firm, dry handshake.

If your hands tend to perspire or grow cold when nervous, try slipping your right hand into a pocket or warming it on your thigh while you are waiting for the interview to begin. When you meet the interviewer, shake hands, smile, and look them in the eye. Your handshake should be firm but not bone-crushing. This conveys confidence, a trait all employers seek.

4. Don’t advertise your weaknesses.

One of the greatest mistakes an interviewee can make is to apologize for certain weaknesses during an interview. If an interviewee is feeling inadequate they may say things like, “I know I don’t have a lot of experience, but…” Don’t do this. Instead, emphasize your strengths when answering questions.

5. Maintain eye contact.

Don’t stare down your interviewer, but remember to look them in the face when answering questions. If you choose to take some notes during your interview, remember to glance up from your notes to make eye contact frequently.

6. Thank the interviewer.

Always thank an interviewer for their time, both in person and by way of a follow-up letter. When you leave the interview, shake the interviewer’s hand, thank them for their time, and tell them you look forward to hearing from them. When you get home, immediately write a thank-you letter and mail it within 24 hours so they will receive it while you are still fresh in their mind.

7. Follow up.

If you have not heard from the potential employer within a couple of weeks, call the interviewer to inquire politely whether a decision has been made. Be warm but do not take up too much time. Additional follow-up calls may be necessary ever couple of weeks to remain in the mind of the interviewer, but do not call more frequently than every two weeks or you will become a pest.

Interviews can be daunting, but with a polished and professional interview, you can increase your chances of landing the job you want and pursuing the career of your choice.



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