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Job Interview Skills
You never get a second chance to create a first impression. You
must look and act the part before they will offer you the job. Take
care to present a professional image, one that merits respect.
How to Look
• Dress professionally and appropriately for the job. Men should wear
a suit, shirt and tie. Women should wear a pant suit or dress, making
sure clothing is modest. Your clothes must be neat, clean and freshly
pressed. Don’t forget to shine your shoes.
• Avoid excessive jewelry, excessive make-up or extremes of fashion.
• Cleanliness of appearance and personal hygiene are a must. Be
careful of strong perfumes or colognes.
How to Act
• Allow time for travel, parking and walking. Check in five to ten
minutes early. Be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet at the
interview. Employers may ask receptionists about their impressions of
you.
• Offer a friendly greeting; extend a firm handshake.
• Maintain eye-to-eye contact.
• Address the interviewer as Mr. or Ms. unless they ask you to call
them by their first name.
• Sit up straight in your chair or on the edge of your seat. You
should be formal, but don’t be afraid to be comfortable and relaxed.
• Be friendly, smile, use your hands, add humor. Act relaxed but don’t
dominate the conversation.
• Have a positive attitude. Say positive things about yourself and
others.
• Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions.
What to Avoid
• Don’t sit down until you are invited to.
• Never chew gum.
• Avoid nervous habits. Don’t tap your pen, drum your fingers, or rock
in the chair. Also, avoid the repetition of slang words.
• Don’t over-answer questions or overstate your abilities and
accomplishments.
• Don’t bring anyone with you to the interview. If you must, have them
wait outside.
Common Interview Mistakes
1. Forgetting to turn off all electronics, i.e. cell phones, pagers,
etc.
2. Making weaknesses seem positive. Interviewers typically ask this
question to find out more about you and how you improve things in your
own life, not to hear you spin the question in the opposite direction.
Be clear about how you are improving your skills in whatever weakness
you choose.
3. Not asking questions. Most interviewers are impressed when you
prove that you researched the company and position you are applying
for.
4. Don't talk forever. Research indicates that you have the
interviewer's attention for roughly 30-60 seconds per answer.
5. Being arrogant instead of confident.
6. Not dressing appropriately, slouching, and not making eye contact.
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