Be yourself. Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experiences and skills. Be professional, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

Be poised. Pay attention to your nonverbal behavior. Look the interviewer in the eye, sit up straight with both feet on the floor, control nervous habits, don’t giggle or play with your hair, and smile as you are greeted.

Listen carefully. You need to remember what you learn about the job, and it is important to answer the questions that were asked.

Be honest. An interview gives the employer a chance to get to know you. While you do want to market yourself to the employer—answer each question with an honest response.

Be positive. Employers do not want to hear excuses or bad feelings about a negative experience. If you are asked about a low grade or a weakness in your background, don’t be defensive. Focus instead on briefly stating the facts and what you learned from the experience. Never say anything negative about past experiences, employers, or courses and professors.

Be enthusiastic. If you are genuinely interested in the job, tell the interviewer. One of the best ways to show you are interested in a job is to demonstrate that you have researched the organization prior to the interview. You can also show interest by asking questions about the job, the organization, and its services and products. The best way to impress an employer is to ask questions that build upon your interview discussion. This shows you are interested and paying close attention to the interviewer. Prepare a few questions in advance, but an insightful comment based on your conversation can make an even stronger statement. At the end of an interview, it is appropriate for you to ask when you may expect to hear from the employer. As the interview is coming to a close, make sure you tell the interviewer that you are very interested. For example, you might say, “I really enjoyed our interview and I want you to know that I am genuinely interested in becoming a part of your team!”

Don’t be afraid of short pauses. You may need a few seconds to formulate an answer. The interviewer may need time to formulate an appropriate question. It is not necessary to fill up every second with conversation.

Employers are looking for:
 Communication skills—the ability to think on your feet, formulate ideas, and relate
them in a succinct manner.
 Trustworthiness, responsibility, dependability.
 Leadership skills, managing, and directing people.
 Management of resources.
 Computer savvy.
 Knowledge of business and organizational management.
 Teamwork experience.
 Diligence and adaptability

Save discussion of salary for later. Find out as much as you can before the interview about the salary levels for the position you are seeking. Do not bring up the issue of salary during the first interview. If the interviewer asks about your salary expectations, give only a general answer, such as that your expectations seem to be within, or close to their range. Don’t talk about your salary expectations until the offer is made. That is the best time to negotiate, when they offer the position, before you accept the offer.

Closing the Interview Eventually the employer will probably say, “Do you have any questions?” This is your cue that the interview is moving to the wrap-up stage. Always ask questions. This demonstrates your research and interest in the job. If you want to add information or emphasize a point made earlier, you can do that, too. This last impression is as important as the first impression and will add to the substance discussed during the information exchange. Reiterate your interest in the position, as you leave the interview, be sure to thank the employer (verbally) and the interviewers know that you want the job. Determine appropriate follow-up – Ask, “How may I follow up with you?” Get business cards from interviewers – “May I please have your business card in case I have more questions?” and be sure to write thank-you notes within 24 hours! It can make a difference between choosing you & the candidate who forgot.