by JENNIFER SHRYOCK
Take care of yourself
It’s the big day! I hope you were able to get a good night’s sleep, but if not, don’t fret.
- Hydrate.
- Get up early enough to eat a solid breakfast.
- Prepare a protein snack if your interview is scheduled a few hours after a meal—don’t let low blood sugar affect your interview.
- Remember: This is NOT the day to quit drinking coffee or start if you’ve never had it before, start a new exercise program, or do anything radically out of the ordinary.
- Calmly review your answers to common interview questions. Say them aloud.
- Check your appearance: Clothing pressed, shoes polished, teeth clean, hair brushed.
- Smile.
- If you drink coffee, have a small cup shortly prior to the interview.
- Bring Breath mints. I like those mini travel toothbrushes called Wisps. (Full disclosure: I am not paid to endorse this product. I just find it convenient.)
What to bring
Bring in a folder or folio in a briefcase (but ladies, leave your purse):
- Company information, maybe even a print out of relevant web pages
- Extra resumes, cover letters, references, and a copy of the application you submitted
- 10-15 questions to ask the interviewers
- Legal pad and pen
When you arrive
The interview starts when you pull into the lot.
- Arrive in a clean vehicle, drive professionally and park with skill.
- Give your appearance another check.
- Smile.
- Time your arrival so that you walk into the building 10-12 minutes prior to the scheduled interview.
- Introduce yourself at the front desk.
- Give your full name and that of your interviewer, and your interview time.
- Keep smiling.
- Show respect.
- While you wait, visualize confidence and success.
- Imagine that you will enjoy a natural rapport between you and the interviewers.
- Breathe.
When it’s time
As you go into the interview room, remember, they want to hire you!They’ve advertised for the position and they need to fill it. They’re hiring to solve a problem and they hope you will present the solution. All you have to do is show them that you will be a great fit with the company, through your skills, experience, and your character.
- Move with poise.
- Stay calm.
- Smile some more.
- Speak with confidence and conviction, and introduce yourself by stating your full name.
- Repeat their names(s) and titles.
- Offer a firm handshake.
- Did I mention to smile?
- Create eye contact (but don’t be creepy—this is relaxed).
- Ask for business cards of everyone present, if possible, or write down their names and titles so you have them for your follow-up letters.
- Sit when you’re invited to, or, if there’s no verbal invitation, after everyone else is seated.
- And…you’re off! Break a leg!
So, did it work? Check the “Work it” blog regularly for more interview details, including the right answers to common interview questions.
