Going on an interview itself can be scary at times. But so many go into an interview with the wrong mindset, or the wrong attitude. Please understand you could be overqualified on paper and still not get the job, because when you go to an interview you now have to sell yourself and this is where people do fall short.
- Proper Attire (Dress for Success). Please understand it does not matter the kind of job you are interviewing for, you need to be dressed as if you are going on an interview and not going to hang out with friends. I believe this is where so many make the mistake of thinking that there is no need to dress in business-like attire because this is not how you dress for work. Well, guess what? You are not yet working there, you trying to get the job to work there, so until then, you dress like you understand that that interviewer holds your future in their hands.
- Be Polite. The minute you walk into the building and the first person you meet who greets you, be polite, use please and thank you and when you do finally meet the person who is conducting the interview, you shake their hands and you also use please and thank you. Do not use their first name unless you were told to.
- Speak Clearly You want them to understand you when you speak, not having to ask you to repeat yourself more than once. So please none of that street slang or whatever else you call it, this person is not your friend so please do not go off into one of those babbling-like talks. And whatever you do, please I urge you, leave the like at the door, unless it is necessary to use that word do not.
- Make Eye Contact. You want to keep eye contact with the person interviewing you, whenever they are addressing you,or you are responding. It shows that you are interested in what they are saying and that you are engaged.
- Body Language. You must watch your body language, it speaks volumes So no slouching in the chair, no hand on the face, you know that sort of thing. Believe it or not your body language also helps with the way you speak. If you are slouching, you will speak just as that. Sit up straight while you do number 4, It shows interest.
- Cell Phone. Turn your cell phone off and keep it out of the way. You do not want your cell phone ringing while in the middle of an interview, or a notification going off. And you definitely do not want to be tempted to flip up and look at it. (How Rude)
- Research the Company So You Can Be Engaging.
This will help you to have a conversation with your interviewer, you know the part where they ask if you have any questions. Now you not only get to engage with him/her, but you get to show them you have a genuine interest in that company.
