Be sure to have a strong handshake!
Regardless of how much experience and educational background you have, you still need to make a positive impression in your interview. This is where the human resources department and your potential employer make their decision on whether or not you would make a good fit with the organization. The interviewers are looking for posed, well-dressed and well-spoken individuals who show the maturity and responsibility for the job. Preparation is key for presenting oneself well in an interview.
Instructions
1. Practice your nonverbal skills in front of the mirror before going to the job interview. It is important how you communicate with the interviewers on both a verbal and nonverbal level. Give the interviewer a strong hand shake when first being introduced. Always look the interviewers in the eye when you listen and talk to them. Sit up straight in your chair and keep your legs and arms uncrossed. When the interviewer says something that interests you, lean forward and demonstrate your interest. Always keep a pleasant expression on your face. Keep the tone of your voice in the middle range, without showing extremes of volume or expression.
2. Do your homework. Learn all that you can about the company, its products or services, and employees before being interviewed. You will show your interest as well as ask more astute questions. Make a list of questions and points you want to make and bring along a notebook to take notes. Talk in clear and easy-to-understand sentences without slang or jargon. Watch the interviewer's face to make sure that your comments have been understood. Repeat what you said in a different way if you feel there is some communication difficulty. Request feedback. Ask the interviewer if he has any questions after discussing some project in depth, for example. Similarly, If you do not understand what the interviewer has said, paraphrase it and say it back to them: "Oh, do you mean...." Even if the interviewer makes jokes, do not respond with another joke. You can laugh and make a positive comment to show your sense of humor, but be careful of telling stories. Don't know the answer to a question? Just say you have not considered that yet and you would like to get back to them with an answer after thinking about it.
3. Prepare for a telephone interview as much if not more than one in person. Nonverbal language cannot be seen over the phone, so everything relies on your tone of voice and quality of questions and responses. Do not interrupt when someone is talking. When asked a question, pause a couple of seconds before answering. Dress well for this interview, as well. It gets you in the right frame of mind. Try not to answer with a one word "yes" or "no." When someone is saying something, say "I see" or "I understand," since no one can see you shaking your head. Be sure that you make all your points. At the end of the discussion, review some of the points that were made about the job and your qualifications to meet them. End on a positive note regarding the next steps to take and thank the interviewer for their time.
4. Send an email to the interviewer as soon as you can after the interview. Explain why you are the right person for the job and why you would like to work for the company. Repeat some of your strong points and even include some new information if you have additional thoughts since the interview. If you are not interested, say that you appreciate their time, but this is not the right fit for you. When other positions are open, you hope that you will be considered. If you are asked back for a second interview, do not return empty handed. Bring in some new ideas or examples of your work that pertain specifically to what you would be doing. You need to be remembered and stand out from all the other candidates.
5. If you receive a letter or call saying that you did not receive the job, follow up with a thank you note, or call yourself. You never want to burn bridges. When you like the company and people you meet, be sure to ask to be put on the list for future jobs.
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