1. Seek additional information
This will be beneficial to you during your interview as it will help you answer questions the interviewer has and stand out from candidates who are not as prepared.
- Do your research
- Visit the organization’s website to ensure that you have a clear, concise understanding of what they do
- Review the history of all departments and mission statements
- Find out as much as you can about each
- Assess the services provided and clientele served by each department
- Prepare to ask about the departments or position based the research you’ve done
- Develop a question list
- Know the location of your interview
- Stop by the location beforehand so you do not get lost the day of
2. Compare and contrast your skills to those listed in the job requirements
- Analyze the job description
- Outline the desired skills and qualifications
- Compare what the employer is seeking to your own qualifications and skills set
3. Prepare an appropriate outfit
- Conservative business attire or business casual are preferred
- Dress to impress. Your overall appearance should be neat and clean.
- Try on your outfit and make sure you’re comfortable in what you chose
- You don’t want to be constantly adjusting your clothes
- Interviewers notice these small details
- Less is more, you want to be remembered for the right reasons
- For additional tips on dressing for an interview check out Career Services’ link below:
- http://sites.laverne.edu/careers/dress-for-success/
4. The day of the interview
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early and let the receptionist know who your interview is with and the time of your interview
- Bring each of the following:
- Extra copies of your updated resume and cover letter
- A notepad and pen/pencil for note-taking
- Digital or print portfolio with samples of your work
5. Pay attention to your nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication consists of body language, eye contact, posture, and facial expressions. Remember, 93% of your overall communication is made up of nonverbal communication. Most importantly, nonverbal communication speaks volumes and speaks even before you have the chance to.
- Smile, establish eye contact and greet your interviewer with a firm handshake
- Pay attention to your posture, sit up straight
- Be aware of nervous gestures such as foot-tapping and pen clicking
- Maintain good eye contact but do not start a staring contest, while addressing all aspects of the interviewer’s question
- Avoid using slang and pause words (such as “like,” “uh,” and “um”).
6. At the end of the interview
- It’s okay to bring a list of your questions written before the interview
- Review any information not discussed or clarify a previously discussed topic – avoid asking for information that can be found on the department’s website. For example:
- How will my performance be evaluated?
- What are the opportunities for advancement?
- What are the next steps in the hiring process?
- What will my average work day look like?
- Thank your interviewer and shake their hand again