You're looking for work. You've sent countless resumes and filled out numerous applications. Today the telephone rings: Company X has called you in for the interview. Congratulations! You're one step closer to getting hired. But the interview is probably the most nerve-wracking part of the hiring process. There are many ways to make it easier, however. Preparation is the key to nailing the interview.
Research
Use the Internet, newspapers and magazines to research the company and the industry before the interview. Find out average salary range for the position. Read news reports to find out whether the company has introduced new products or services, has opened new facilities or whether it has been in financial difficulty. Create a list of questions to ask during the interview. Employers generally want to see that you are interested in the company's history and future.
Find several routes to the interview site in case of weather, construction or traffic delays. Be aware of special events nearby: A parade, convention or sporting event could affect your travel plans.
Appearance
Wear a two-piece suit if possible or conservative, "Sunday best" attire--subdued colors, skirts below the knee, shoulders covered. Hair should be neatly combed; jewelry and makeup should be understated. Cover tattoos and body piercings if possible. Wear deodorant but don't wear perfume or cologne. Clothing should be clean and free of wrinkles and tears. Carry no more than a briefcase or padded portfolio.
Documentation
Bring an extra copy of your driver's license, Social Security card, resume and references. Depending on the job, you should also bring certifications, licenses and work samples. Also bring any additional items mentioned in the job posting, during the phone call to schedule the interview or that are standard for your industry. Bring pencil or pens if skills tests are standard for your industry.
Arrival
The most important part of the job interview is to show up on time. If at all possible, arrive about 15 minutes early, this will give you enough time to park, adjust hair and clothing as needed and find the appropriate office.
Relax as much as possible and greet the interviewer with a smile and firm handshake.
Interview Format
You will likely be asked a series of question that begin easily and then progress in difficulty: "How did you hear about the position" to "Where do you expect to be in five years" to "What was the biggest challenge you've faced in your career and how did you handle it?" Answer the questions as positively and honestly as you can: "There was a change in management and while at first I did not see eye-to-eye with the new direction of the company, I tried hard to listen to their new point of view. Ultimately, however, I left the company to seek new opportunities. I did gain a lot of skills during my time there, such as...."
Your Questions
Ask the questions you created during your research and any other questions that you may have. "How many patients would I have?" "What is the usual work schedule?" "Is this position available because of growth or has someone left the company?" Always ask at least some questions to show you are interested.
Salary
Wait for the interviewer to mention salary. It is generally considered very rude for the candidate to do so first. Listen carefully to all information concerning wages and benefits as you may need to compare several offers.
Ending
Shake hands firmly with the interviewer and thank her for her time and consideration. Get her business card and send a thank-you note or email as soon as possible. Follow the interviewer's cues about when a decision will be made and contact the company if you have not learned that decision within that time.
Tips
Everything you say and do during the interview should be done to show the employer that you will be an asset to the company. Be relaxed, confident, positive and professional.
Be yourself as much as possible, light humor is fine and even encouraged. However, club attire and off-color jokes are generally not acceptable.
Warning
Do not speak negatively about past employers or coworkers.
Do not falsify information.
Always follow the interviewer's cues about following up on the status of the position. A phone call after the deadline has passed is acceptable, but more than that may get you labeled as a pest.
The interview is your chance to make a decision as well. If you do not feel that you would fit in with the company's culture or if something during the interview did not sit well with you, do not feel obligated to accept the position if offered.
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