1. Preparation
Do your research! On both the company and the role you are applying for before you enter the interview. If you are coming into our office for an interview but have not yet been assigned to a client, then simply put together a resume that lists your qualifications, skills and past work experience that might be relevant.
2. Dress for Success
If you are the best person for the job, then do your best to look your best. If you don’t feel like you have the right clothes, there are organizations that would love to help. You can go to your local Dress for Success chapter https://oregon.dressforsuccess.org/ or MercyCorps NW https://www.mercycorpsnw.org/ for free interview clothing.
3. Be on-time (meaning early)
If you show up on time – great. If you show up early, that shows the interviewer that you are responsible and really want the job.
4. Turn your cell off
You want to make sure that your interviewer knows that you can give them your full attention. Turn off your phone before you enter the interview. If you receive a call or text during the interview it will look extremely unprofessional.
5. Smile
A warm smile and eye contact can make the situation feel instantly comfortable and will help you relax for the interview.
6. Firm handshake
A firm handshake can show confidence. Just don’t overdo it! Injuring your interviewer usually does not go over well.
7. Body Language
Body language is essential during an interview. Sit up straight, nod while they’re talking and always keep eye contact. As soon as the interviewer recognizes you aren’t interested it is difficult to win them back over.
8. Take Notes
Write notes during the interview that you think might be useful. It also demonstrates you are fully focused on what they are saying.
9. Polished Resume
Making sure your resume is up to date is a must but don’t forget that you want to always bring extra copies. You may have emailed the resume in advance but that doesn’t mean that they will have brought copies to the room for others that may be included. You will also want to be able to refer to what you have written when asked a question. Take care to keep it clean and presentable as it shows that you take pride in your work.
10. Ask Questions
Don’t forget that you are interviewing them for this position too. You want to make sure it is a good fit for yourself as well by asking on average 3, no more than 5 well thought out questions. You can ask about benefits, hours, where the company is headed in the next year to five years, retention rate or anything else that might impact you as their employee.
Good Luck!
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