If you arrive exactly at the time your interview is scheduled to start, you are late. Instead, give yourself time to travel, park and find your location. Once you arrive, you may be able to find a quiet, safe location which no interruptions, where you can practice your “Pitch” or go over any notes you may have.
What to Bring
- Extra copies of your resume & cover letter. You may be interviewing with people who have not seen your resume
- Notepad or professional binder & pen
- Reference list. This is a list of 3-5 people you have worked with in the past who can vouch for you professionally. This should be printed on professional resume paper and formatted the same way you formatted your résumé and cover letter.
How to Greet the Interviewer
Always use bring your best attitude and be courteous. Be kind to the person sitting behind the reception desk. You never know who they actually are and you don’t want to come across as rude or arrogant. May times, the interviewer will always ask the receptionist how the interviewee behaved while they were in the waiting room, so always be on your best behavior. Address the interviewer by name, whenever possible, but be genuine. If they have a name such as Robert, for example, don’t assume it is okay to call them Bob.
Your handshake should be firm and never limp. Studies show that those who have sweaty or sloppy handshakes typically don’t get the job. If you know you are prone to shaking with a sweaty hand, spray deodorant on your palm before you go into the interview and it may help combat that problem. Practice before hand so you are confident that it will work.
Interview Etiquette
Now that you are in with the interviewer, you want to make sure you turn off and put away your cell phone and any tablets you might have. You should never place anything on their desk without asking.
While speaking with them, always maintain positive eye contact and smile when appropriate. Practice talking with your friends ahead of your interview, and be aware of where you look when talking. The rule of thumb is to look at their eyes, or forehead, for ten seconds while they are talking, look away to think, and then look back. Be aware when you are talking to your family, friends, and teachers, and get familiar with how it feels. This will prepare you and help you feel confident as the big day approaches.
Practice body-language before you arrive. Don’t slouch, wince, or mirror negative body-language. Sit up straight and for men, you want to have both feet on the floor. For women, you want to cross your legs at your ankles. Never cross your legs at your thighs. Also, it is best to have your hands placed on the table or desk, if it is reachable and appropriate. By sitting on your hands, or having them hidden, it sends a subliminal message that you have something to hide or that you aren’t confident. Finally, practice smiling in the mirror so you are sure you come across as genuine and honest. You do not need to smile continuously during the interview. You want to be natural but practice this so you feel confident in doing so.
Click here for a complete interview checklist
