Interviewing Tips
Be punctual. Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early.
Be courteous and friendly to the secretary or receptionist. Astute employers often ask their opinions of job candidates.
Be straightforward. When you meet your interviewer, shake hands with a good, solid grip.
Be confident. Not cocky or cute. Be serious, but let your lighter side come through, too.
Be neat and appropriately attired. Generally, dress for the interview as you would dress on the job.
If you are interviewing in a community which is unfamiliar to you, take the time to acquaint yourself before you go for the interview. (This should be part of your interview homework.) Look through the phone book, read local newspapers, write to the Chamber of Commerce and search the internet. Find time before the interview to take a walk around town.
Be persistent. After a length of time, a week to ten days, it is appropriate to call and inquire about the status of your application. While you don't want to make a nuisance of yourself, asking about your application communicates interest.
Even the most experienced interviewee gets a little nervous. Being well prepared - knowing what you want, knowing about the organization, etc. - will help you feel less nervous. Practice interviewing with a friend, jot down answers to some of the more typical interview questions, and talk to any friends who have interviewed for professional positions.
Don't smoke or chew gum. Even if invited to do so, it can be awkward.
Don't take notes during the interview.
Determine the organization's interview process. Some organizations conduct group interviews, others will have you interview separately with several people and/or groups within the organization. Still others will conduct a brief screening interview and then call you back for a more lengthy selection interview if they are interested. Occurring more frequently now is the telephone interview which is used primarily as a screening interview to save time and costs - do not underestimate its importance and prepare for it the same as you would a one-on-one interview. Knowing the interview process will help you prepare mentally.
If your interview involves having a meal, order something easy to eat and not too expensive. Don't change your order once it has been taken and don't send the food back. The interviewer will pick up the tab and leave the tip.
After the interview, always send a thank you note to the person who interviewed you expressing your appreciation for the time he or she spent talking with you and reiterating your interest in the position.