I have a job interview.........?

Question

I have a job interview wednesday, and i'm kinda nervous. Does anyone have any tips on making a good impression? and what to do and what not to do?

Thank you : )

Answer 1

First, make sure that you are dressed nicely. If it is a business casual or business environment, I would suggest a navy blue skirt or pant suit with a nice white or beige shirt underneath. Wear hose or tights and closed toed shoes. Make-up and hair should be stylish and modest. If you are a man, I would say that you should wear navy pants, a white or blue dress shirt, and a tie. Nice shoes, too - not gym shoes.

Research the company that you are interviewing with. If it is a larger company, make notes about important current events with the company. It might not come up in the interview, but it never hurts to have the information.

Bring a notebook with you. Before your interview, jot down some questions that you have for the person who is interviewing you. Ask about the responsiblilities that are involved with the position, what a normal day is like in the job, how the team dynamic is, what the hiring manager thinks that the best part of the job is, etc. I would also ask about benefits and the like within the first interview. Normally, I ask the interviewer why she called me in for an interview, what she thinks that I can bring to the team, what her requirements are, etc. ASK QUESTIONS! It shows your interest in the job.

Also, everyone is nervous while interviewing. Try to keep that in mind. I have been on both sides of the table - both the interviewer and the interviewee, and I know that sometimes giving interviews is just as stressful as going through them.

Try to put your best foot forward. Don't criticize former positions, managers, companies, etc. Be positive, but also try to be truthful.

Eye contact is a good thing also. Don't stare at the other person, but do meet eyes with them. Smile. Shake hands when you walk into the room and before leaving. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and interest. Write and send a thank you note to the interviewer - put it into the mail once you leave the interview.

Also, some say that it is good to bring two copies of your resume into an interview. You give one to the interviewer and keep one for yourself for a reference. If you are going to a group interview, find out how many people will be in the interview and bring enough copies.

Above all, just remember that they are selling you the job just as much as you are trying to get it. Smile, be confident, accentuate your skills...

Good luck to you!!!

Answer 2

You don't say what type of business you will be interviewing for, but, there are some really good suggestions already.

Being nervous is pretty normal. Take a deep breathe and put your shoulders down when you get to the building -

**Dress professionally (even if you won't be dressed that way on the job)
**Have clean hair out of your face (you might want to put it up if long)
**No gum
**Clean well manicured nails
**Not much jewelry - no dangly earrings
**Shake hands with the interviewer when meeting her/him
**Wait till they are seated and then seat yourself
**Listen more than talk - don't interupt
**Find out about the company on the internet
**Ask at least one question from your research abou the company on the internet
**Ask for the job
**Thank interviewer for their time as you shake their hand when exiting

Good luck!

Answer 3

Dress one step above the job you're going for. Example: If workplace attire is casual, wear something professional (not a suit).

Practice basic interview questions and answers, so you'll be prepared and won't have to pause and think for every answer.

Keep eye-contact.

Don't cross your arms.

Don't slouch.

Take a pen and paper to write down any questions you have, so you have something to say at the end when they ask if you have any questions.

Don't ask about salary until you've been offered a job--it's considered unprofessional.

Many interviewers ask for your biggest flaw. Make yours either neutral ("I sometimes have a hard time putting a name to a face"...no big deal.) or positive (I'm a perfectionist. I hate not finishing things. I have to do everything properly, and cannot take shortcuts.)

Be prepared to explain any gaps in your work history.

Smile! and don't give a wimpy handshake.

Last, but perhaps most importantly, just before you leave, express your desire to work for the company. "I look forward to having the opportunity to work for *fill-in-company-name*.

Don't be too nervous. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Do a little research on the company, shows you are interested.
Have a resume done, if it is your first job list the subjects you took in school, any volunteer work you did, awards won, your hobbies etc.
Arrive approximately 10 minutes early
Dress appropriately for the position(no jeans or tank tops)
Meet the interviewer with a firm handshake
Make eye contact
Mention that you have knowledge of what the company does
Don't stutter when answering questions
Don't be afraid to ask questions
State why you would like to work for the company
Find out when you will know if you got the position or not
End with a firm handshake
Good Luck

Answer 5

Prepare. Look up the company online-even if it is an entry level job at McDonald's. When they ask if you have any questions, always have a question. For example, if it was McDonald's interviewing you, ask "Have you seen a decrease in sales since you have published the calorie content of the items offered on the menu?" -- things that show you did your research. Dress nicely, close toed shoes, nice pants, business like shirt-not too much jewelry, makeup, or perfume. Be about 5 minutes early for the interview. Bring along a copy of your resume and whomever you are using for references. Make sure your references KNOW you are using them and you have their permission. At the end, ask how you will be contacted about your interview. If they ask during your interview what your weaknesses are, turn it into a positive, like "I am a stickler for being on time and that has translated well into both my personal and business life" or "I am a very detail oriented person-it drives my family crazy but then I make sure tasks are fully completed"--things like that. I hope this helps! Go get that job!

Answer 6

Make sure you talk, but not too much. The same goes with smiling. If you do too much of either one, employers may think you're crazy. Dress professional, regardless of what position you are going for. You will only be taken as seriously as you dress... Take a copy of your resume and references. Offer a copy of your resume shortly after they ask you to have a seat and you can offer references either at the same time or upon your exiting the interview. When they give you an opportunity to ask questions, ask something! It shows you care about the company/position and that you may have done some research on the company. Thank them for the opportunity and then make a graceful exit.

Answer 7

Project a positive self-image. Stand up straight. Smile. Make eye contact. Listen. Never let them see you sweat, it may be their job, but you know something they don't know. You know you. If they ask you something and you don't understand the question, or why they might be asking, smile and say "I don't understand the question, would you clarify that for me?" You are the salesman. You are the product. You are there to sell your product. Wear a suit. Even if they are into so-called "business casual". Preferably skirt suit, if you choose to wear a pants ensemble, wear a really nice "girly" blouse or top with a nice necklace and earrings, smaller than what you might wear for casual outings. No more than one bracelet! Wear nice shoes or dressy sandals, nothing casual on your feet either. Try to throw some red in there. It's a great color and it catches people's attention and it projects confidence and friendliness from you. If you have really long nails cut/file them down for this interview and go with red or a neutral color or American or French manicure. Carry a small purse and a portfolio or small brief case, where you will take a copy of your resume, and a copy of your resume for yourself that you will use to fill out their application if they request that you do so before the interview, (make notes on your copy for dates of employment with your previous, your starting and current salary for each job) and separate list of references with their contact information, take two forms of ID, just in case. Don't let your nerves keep you up the night before, go to bed so you can be rested. Be at least 15 mins early. And draw that to the receptionist attention: "Hi, I'm Cinderella, I have an appointment with the Fairy Godmother, I'm a little early, my appointment is at 2:00." Watch her look at the clock when you say that! LOL. Select a seat where you can see everything and they all can see you. When you see people walking around, take a second to acknowledge them, smile and say "hi", you never know who you may encounter while waiting for your interviewer. People talk and if you are there looking good, smelling good (light and airly fragrance, nothing spicey or heavy) and smiling, the word will get around. Interviews are all about will you, and can you fit in with "the team". If you do not leave your celly in the car, turn it off, not vibrate, turn it off while you are there and don't touch it. Act as if you have no idea what a cellphone is. If they don't have you fill out an app, look around for some of the company magazines or newletters and pick up something that is related to the company and read it. Do not be afraid to shake hands firmly. When your interviewer extends his or her hand, reach for it but look directly into their eyes, smile and say "hi" and call their name Mr./Ms. Jones and say to them how nice it is to meet them (or finally meet them if you have spoken on the phone or exchanged emails) do not let go of their hand until you have said that! I would not tell you anything wrong or anything I haven't done. I've been on both sides of the desk hiring and seeking to be hired. I have done all of the above, most recently in May for a high profile media position. I got the job. I start on Wednesday! Don't be nervous, just smile and breathe. And enjoy the process. Think positive! Best Wishes.

Answer 8

One of the best things to remember is that YOU'RE interviewing THEM too. Just because you apply for a job doesn't mean you necessarily want to take it. Ask questions about the company, and give confident answers. Don't worry if you take a moment to actually think about a question.

Answer 9

When I go on interviews one thing that I think of to make myself less nervous is:
This is your chance to interview your potential boss.. Go in there with your head up and you do the interviewing... If you don't like the person then you won't want to work there.

Answer 10

Look at the person in the eyes, but most of all repeat the question asked than answer it. It shows that you are listening and that you are aware of things if you can not answer the question let them know don't try to sound smart, they see a lot of people and they will know if you are full of it. So just smile be confident as if you are the only person applying and answer quick and to the point.

Good luck