Few things in life are as stressful as being interviewed for a job. You rarely know what questions are going to be asked of you or precisely which qualities the interviewer is looking for. Additionally, if you're in the position of needing the job, that additional stress helps to make the process of interviewing daunting.
Best Foot Forward
As the old TV commercial said, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Thus, personal clothing selection is vital. Although the hiring manager may not be looking for a model right out of GQ or Cosmo magazines, your appearance will tell the prospective employer a lot. For women, a pantsuit or business-appropriate skirt and blouse are usually advisable. Men should almost always wear a tie. Even when applying for a blue collar job, it never hurts to give the impression you're serious about wanting the job.
Grooming
Like your clothing, your personal grooming may not have any direct relationship with your ability to do the job, but it can affect your chances of getting it. Poor grooming tells the interviewer you may be unenthusiastic about the job or unmotivated in general. Men should always shave the morning of the interview. Beards and mustaches are fine, but they should be well-manicured. Women who wear makeup should keep it low-key and conservative.
Greeting
Along with your personal appearance, how you greet the interviewer upon meeting factors into the first impression you make. Make immediate eye contact and maintain it. Approach with a warm smile, not a smirk or a deadpan expression, and be the first to extend your arm for a customary handshake. Men should offer a firm grip without trying to inflict pain. Women may offer a more feminine grip, but both genders should always avoid giving the "dead fish" grip; a limp, sagging hand is a no-no.
The Q&A
The question and answer portion, of course, is the meat of the interview process. Brainstorm in advance about what sorts of questions you can expect, and formulate appropriate answers.
Never badmouth previous employers or jobs, as doing so makes you look petty. Always accentuate the positives of your previous experiences, both in terms of your skills and past accomplishments. Come up with ideas to improve the company. Such suggestions will show that you've been thinking about the job and will establish that you'll take initiative.
Following Up
Though not as important as the first impression or the interview, a professional follow-up tells the employer one final time that you are seriously interested in the job. There's no need to write a novel; a simple email thanking the interviewer for her time will suffice. A thank you card will have the same effect and adds a personal touch. It never hurts to keep your name in the mind of the person making the hire.
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