So, you have landed an interview for a seemingly wonderful job! Now what? Successful interviewing will be essential in order for you to lock in an offer. Here are some tips and strategies for effective interviewing from preparation through delivery. Let’s start with an overview of the keys to positive interviewing.
Learn and Practice
Knowing as much as possible about the company can make your interview more interactive and could be just what you need to get ahead in a competitive job market.
Next, practice answering typical interview questions so you’ll be prepared and comfortable during the actual interview. Plan on what you are going to wear ahead of time. Also, make sure you know where you’re going and give yourself plenty of time so you can arrive ahead of schedule.
Interviewing Help
Need more help? Review our interviewing section. Many of today’s recruiters have adopted behavioral interviewing as their preferred method of screening candidates. Learn how to prepare for this common interviewing approach by reviewing Behavioral Based Interviewing.
Employer Research
Gathering background information on employers is crucial element for successful interview preparation. Review prospective employers web sites, especially the About This Company section and don’t be afraid to request details on the position you are interviewing.
Mistakes! Want to avoid some of the typical interviewing blunders? Review How to Remedy Interview Blunders from the Wall Street Journal.
Money! Money! Money! Visit our Salary Center for salary survey information in a broad array of fields. This data will provide you with the information you need to discuss salary offers. You’ll also find tips for successful handling those salary negotiations.
Practice Makes Perfect (or at least leads to improvement). See if you can schedule a mock interview. Your local State Employment Services offices may be able to help with a practice interview. Or practice with a friend and tape your responses so you can replay the interview and see how well you did. Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background and qualifications for the position. Finally, try and relax!
Interview Etiquette
Interviews are often stressful – even for job seekers who have interviewed many times. Interviewing can be even more stressful when you are expected to eat and talk at the same time. One of the reasons employers take job candidates out to lunch or dinner is to evaluate their social skills and to see if they can handle themselves gracefully under pressure.
Dining with a prospective employee allows employers to review your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your table manners, in a more relaxed (for them) environment. Table manners do matter. Good manners may give you the edge over another candidate, so, take some time to brush up your dining etiquette skills.
Interview Dining Tips:
- Are you really nervous? Check out the restaurant ahead of time. That way you’ll know exactly what’s on the menu, what you might want to order and where the rest rooms are located.
- Be polite. Remember to say “please” and “thank you” to your server as well as to your host.
- Is the table full of utensils? My British grandmother taught me an easy way to remember what to use when. Start at the outside and work your way in. Your salad fork will be on the far left, your entree fork will be next to it. Your dessert spoon and fork will be above your plate.
- Liquids are on the right, solids on the left. For example, your water glass will be on the right and your bread plate will be on the left.
- Put your napkin on your lap once everyone is seated.
- Remember what your mother spent years telling you – keep your elbows off the table, sit up straight, and don’t talk with your mouth full!
During the Meal:
- Don’t order messy food – pasta with lots of sauce, chicken with bones, ribs, big sandwiches, and whole lobsters are all dangerous.
- Don’t order the most expensive entree on the menu.
- Do order food that is easy to cut into bite-size pieces.
- The polite way to eat soup is to spoon it away from you. There’s less chance of spilling in your lap that way too!
- Break your dinner roll into small pieces and eat it a piece at a time.
- If you need to leave the table, put your napkin on the seat or the arm of your chair.
- When you’ve finished eating, move your knife and fork to the “four o’clock” position so the server knows you’re done.
- Remember to try and relax, listen, and participate in the conversation.
To Drink or Not to Drink:
- It’s wise not to drink alcohol during an interview. Interviewing is tough enough without adding alcohol to the mix.
After the Meal:
- Put your napkin on the table next to your plate.
- Let the prospective employer pick up the tab. The person who invited you will expect to pay both the bill and the tip.
- Remember to say “thank you.” Consider also following-up with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.
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