What is your best job interview advice?

[cynatnite]

I'm having my first job interview in years tomorrow. I'm nervous and excited. After being out of work for so long I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much, but I can't help it. We need this job, but I worry it'll show.

Give me all you've got!

[GodlessBiker]

1. Practice by being the employer and writing out the answers you would want to hear from an applicant.

[onehandle]

2. Enthusiasm and high interest, but tempered with professionalism. Ask a lot of questions...

...about your day to day actions and responsibilities.

[superconnected]

3. Really relax, be honest, try not to look too intense.

I interviewed two people last week - both were great but the guy who was on the edge of his seat and seemed intense came off worse because of it.

If you don't know an answer - just say you don't. No big deal. I usually let stuff like that slide if I get the idea they could just go look up the answer. Personality counts more than anything in the actual interviews, I've found.

Also, if you're female, skip the perfume.

[ThomWV]

36. +1

I used to have to interview people frequently - a task I absolutely hated - and the best advice I can give is relax, be yourself, and don't try to present yourself as something you are not. A fresh honest employee who wants to learn the job is a lot more desirable than one who thinks he or she already knows everything there is to know about the job.

[FreeJoe]

53. I don't know, but...

I agree that you should be honest when you don't know an answer. What I like to do (and hear) is how I would find the answer. In fact, when conducting technical interviews, I often ask a question so insanely specific that the interviewer has no chance of knowing the answer. If they don't explain how they would find the answer, I follow up with that question. I'm usually trying to determine how they deal with the unknown - do they turn to local experts, random googling, a favorite set of websites, experimentation, documentation, etc.

[SmileyRose]

75. +1

should have read this before posting below.

I've been the interviewer and agree with all of the above.

[JuniperLea]

4. Do as much research as you can on the company!

And ask a lot of questions that show you're interested in and knowledgeable about the company.

Smile, look into the eyes of the person conducting the interview, keep your hands on top of the table or desk.


Good luck!!

[TheMuse]

24. I second this

I missed an opportunity a couple years back, and the feedback from the hiring mgr that I got was that we were both well qualified, they liked both of us, but that they were very impressed with the amount of research the other candidate put it.

Always go the extra mile with this. Know as much as you can before stepping foot in the door. And come well thought out questions that are pertinent to the company, industry, and position.

[SocialistLez]

35. Agreed! NT

[XemaSab]

52. THIS

My mom has spent the last few weeks sorting through resumes, and it's obvious that half of the people applying didn't even look at the company website.

Those are the resumes that go directly into the circular file.

[FSogol]

5. Practice thinking up answers to questions and most importantly,

believe that you are the best person for the job. Having confidence is the best quality for interviews.

HTH and good luck.

[JuniperLea]

7. That's really great adivce!

Confidence is good.

[no_hypocrisy]

12. And prepare a set of questions that you want answered.

[Whisp]

77. and practice in front of a mirror ;)

of course be punctual and super clean.

take just a second to think over your answer, don't just blunder in.

[KansDem]

6. Research the company...

Go to the public library. Ask to use the business databases. Look up the company and get as much detail as possible. Check the archives of the local paper for news articles about the company.

Check out its website: "about us," staff profiles (if any), news, etc.

Good luck!

[snooper2]

8. from what I learned last week on DU

take a bath :evilgrin:

[uncommon]

14. Bathing would be a plus - I've interviewed a few people who

should have taken that advice.

[lame54]

9. Ask about benefits but not pay...

interest in Benefits implies a long term plan

[prolesunited]

42. I don't ask about either on the first interview

unless they bring it up first. I think those questions are best handled in a follow-up interview or after they make an offer.

[daleanime]

10. Honesty....

answer questions and ask questions in a relaxed professional manner. :bounce:

[EFerrari]

11. Be interested, not interesting.

It reduces the stress of the thing and attentive usually goes over well with interviewers.

Good luck!

[Warpy]

13. First, show up sober.

After that, whether or not you get the job is largely a matter of luck.

But you knew that.

Always remember, it's the Republican economy that's at fault, not you. Be confident about your ability and candid with yourself about what you're up against.

Good luck to you, really.

[Better Today]

15. Remember to listen. When nervous or needy many people talk too much,

and don't give the interviewer time to speak fully. Take a little tablet and a pen and take notes while he/she is speaking. Jot down questions. Clearly you won't be able to write full sentences and questions, but put a word or two down so you can know what the topic is and what you want to ask or have clarified.

Oh, and leave your cell phone in your car or turn it off.

[snooper2]

20. do not take notes during an interview...

seriously...

I would be like, WTF are you doing..

Why are you writing crap down, can't you pay attention to what I am saying? You can't hold your questions or comments long enough in your brain? :eyes:

[Better Today]

34. I suppose it depends on the job. I wouldn't hire anyone that didn't take

some notes, but the positions I've hired for are very detail intensive. Additionally when hiring, I've always jotted notes on their applications while they speak, and as an applicant, nearly all interviewers I've seen have done the same, jotting notes as I speak or answer questions. So again, I suppose for McDonalds, perhaps not a good idea, but for technical or management positions, I think it's good idea.

[Lisa0825]

45. I have always taken notes during an interview, and find it odd when people

I interview do not! There is no way someone can remember all the details from the informational part of an interview without taking notes.

Also, it can be very helpful if interrupted, and the interviewer comes back and says, "Now, where was I"? That actually happened to me once, and he was very pleased that I could let him know exactly where we left off.

I have never known anyone in a hiring position who felt that taking notes was a negative. Of course, don't try to transcribe the whole thing, but jot down important details, and names if there are multiple people there to remember.

I'd just suggest using something professional looking, not a standard notepad.

[Evasporque]

16. Make sure you have clean genitalia...

I saw that in Woman's Day Magazine...

[superconnected]

17. What kind of job were they interviewing for?

pulled - was in response to topic.

[JustAnotherGen]

18. If the job

Is below your experience level -Say it. Don't let it be the elephant in the room.

Follow up - Email that day and follow that with a hand written one.

Your strength should be your weakness.

Think of a time in a previous position where you worked with other teams/function groups to accomplish a specific goal.

I did this _________________ which lead to an increase/decrease in this _______________________.

You managed and controlled: ____________________________

Here's a big question our company's hiring managers are asking: Speak to efficiency, how you have been efficient in a prior position or uncovered a weakness in the business, stremlined methods and procedures, etc. etc.

*****

It's one thing to say I'm a team player - it's another to show them! ;-)
It's one thing to say I like solving problems - it's antoher to show them.
It's one thing to say I can work independently - it's another to show them.
It's one thing to say I work smart and another to show it - OR - to say I may take an hour longer but here are the results you get for that extra hour: Precise, don't have to worry about the quality of my work, etc. etc.

The recent hires into my team tend to be experienced, older, and yes - they cost more or are far beyond the level of job they were hired for . . . but they also bring experience, a proven track records, a different perspective.

I'm in telecom so it tends to get younger and younger every year - but we are finding the older more experienced workers and specifically . . . from DIFFERENT industries but transferable skill sets are helping us to the rule the air. The guy who moves out her from detroit that used to be in marketing for an automanufacture that is known for luxury sedans (read Boomers and older) is a key asset as our CUSTOMERS start to grow older.


Sorry for the information overload but I want you to do well, leave nothing on the table, and show the interviewer that YOU CAN DO THE JOB! And here's how . . . ;-)

[Fire1]

28. Making your weakness your strenghth is a good one! n/t

[Mz Pip]

19. Be on time

Bring a resume with you just in case the person interviewing you doesn't have it.

Dress in a manner that is appropriate for the job. If you're a woman don't wear perfume or too much make up. I guess the same is true if you're a guy. :shrug:

Keep personal info to yourself and focus on the skills you have that would make you a good employee. In this job market with so many qualified people to choose from it's important for them to see you as knowledgeable and reliable.

[dimbear]

58. Be aware where the HR dept. is ahead of time........

Don't show up right on time somewhere only to find the interview is 15 minutes away in another building with no parking.

[Vinca]

21. Dress appropriately and act confident, even if you aren't. Good luck!

[Cyrano]

22. Don't ever say "I like to work with people."

Every interviewer has heard that a thousand times and it will make them immediately glaze over and stop listening to you.

[superconnected]

23. If you're ex-military make sure you don't look like your identity

is wrapped up in the military and I mean if you must keep talking about the marines etc. make sure you say that you're a civilian now and you've adjusted just fine. I've had a couple of guys blow job interviews because they seemed inflexible and overly attached to the marines. Weird. Still we ended up hiring formerly military people - for the non military job and they were great. Maybe they had just been out longer...?

[JBoy]

50. Kind of like not starting every sentence with "One time, at band camp...."

[Fearless]

25. If you google "job interview tips" or a similar phrase, you'll find many good ideas.

Good luck!

[MichiganVote]

26. Smile and make eyecontact

[Fire1]

27. Have answers ready for key questions you know they'll ask:

Why did you leave your last job/position?
What have you been doing since then? (Make it work related in some way, if at all possible).
Why do you think you're the best candidate for this job/position?

I don't know if you're over 50 but if so, don't say anything to indicate you're not up to snuff. Such as.......Well, I'm not the man or woman I used to be.

Don't arrive too early but early enough that you won't be late.
Firm hand shake and a smile.

MOST IMPORTANT!! SEND A FOLLOW-UP "THANK YOU" LETTER!!! Immediately, after the interview.

GOOD LUCK and best wishes!!

[cynatnite]

29. Everyone, thank you so much....

I'm taking all the advice to heart. I'll be ready for anything.

[prolesunited]

41. Good luck

Don't let your nerves get the best of you. You can't approach it as if your whole life is riding on it, even if it is. Still trying to figure out how to do that after bombing my last one as I get more desperate.

[buczak]

30. Interview the company.

Remember, You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you.

Even if you're are desperate for a job, find out as much about the position as possible. If you ask detail questions with follow ups, the interviewer will find out if you are a good candidate and you'll find out much about the position. Plus it'll give you a chance to show up your knowledge and problem analysis skills.

I interview many candidates for jobs and if I think they are interested in the position as oppose to trying to sell themselves, then I know I have a good candidate.

You may also discover that the position isn't right for you and you shouldn't take the position.

[raccoon]

66. It may not be right for you--but if they offer it, and you're desperate--well.

BTDT.

I know that doesn't help the OP, and I hope he doesn't find himself in the position of having to take a real sucky job out of desperation.

[CLANG]

31. Don't fart until you get outside after the interview

[Silent3]

32. Avoid use of the word "scumbag"

Tell your imaginary friends they have to stay home. If they follow you into the interview anyway, don't talk to them, especially don't argue with them or look annoyed by your efforts to ignore them.

[Sparkly]

33. Act confident.

If that's difficult, try to imagine someone you admire who carries themselves with confidence (not arrogance) and emulate -- almost imitate -- them. Borrow their poise.

There's also some good advice at about.com: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/interviewguide.htm

Good luck! :hi:

Edit: Have some good questions for them, about the job or the company, and frame everything about what YOU can do for THEM.

[DailyGrind51]

37. Have a friend or relative interview you as if it was the actual interview.

[LostInAnomie]

38. Be related to at least half the people interviewing you.

Either that, or be currently having an affair with them.

[Joe Fields]

39. Smile, firm handshake, look the interviewer in the eyes and be sincere.

Don't be the least bit phony and don't offer any information not asked for by the interviewer.

[truedelphi]

40. Make sure that you demonstrate some knowledge of the company that you are interviewing for.

And also, allow yourself some control in the interview process.

If nothing that they ask you about allows you to demonstrate your strengths, don't feel shy.

Simply say, "I was hoping you'd ask me (Fill in the blank,) so that I could brag a little about how well I do (Fill in the Blank.)

Don't forget to be warm and human. If you get to one of the top executive's offices and they mention the flowers in the room are from their greenhouse, feel free to praise the flowers.

Or if the top executive has photos of Little Leaguers all around, comment on that.

In this economy, you need to stand out a little from the crowd, so being observant of whom they are can be a big step forward.

Remember just because someone is a Big Shot in a firm, doesn't mean they enjoy or aren't put off by the interview process.

[taught_me_patience]

57. Great advice

You must show that you've done research on the company. Not doing so shows a lack of effort.

[prolesunited]

43. Think of some questions you want to ask them about the job

Not about benefits or salary, but things like what challenges the company is facing, description of workplace culture, what the interviewer has enjoyed about working there.

[Lisa0825]

44. Speaking as an HR person.... the #1 piece of advice is to try to be relaxed.... but

the two "extras" that can make the most impression on an interviewer are:

1) Showing knowledge and interest in the company by asking at least ONE question at the end of the interview that is deeper than "when will you be deciding" or "what are the benefits like"? Make it something about the history of the company or the goals or a recent accomplishment or something you have read about, for example.
2) SEND A THANK YOU NOTE! Despite many people typically giving this advice, you would be surprised to know that barely ANYONE actually does it! And all things being equal (or close), it can really make you stand out from a crowd! Email thank-yous are OK, and can even be preferred if you know that a decision is to be made right away, but if you know you have a few days or more, a hand-written thank you card makes a great impression!

[cynatnite]

63. I think I have an idea of what question I'm going to ask...

I will definitely send a note. I expect it to take at least a few days for interviews.

Thank you for the great advice. This is very important to me. It's not just a job for me. This is a career.

[Old Troop]

46. Study the company in detail. Be knowledgeable about their corporate

culture. Be enthusiastic.

[cilla4progress]

47. Be prepared to respond about your

WEAKNESSES, as well as your strengths (that question caught me off guard in a recent interview)!

Good luck!

[Tuesday_Morning]

48. I read about a study where

the applicant listened 50% of the time and talked 50% boosted their chance of getting the job.

good luck!

[JBoy]

49. Don't be afraid to take a few seconds to think of the answer to a question.

It will let you organize your thoughts a bit, makes you appear more relaxed, and shows you're making the effort to provide the best possible answer.

And don't eat garlic the night before.

[Chemical Bill]

51. Tell them you want the job.

It's amazing how many applicants I see who come in and equivocate.

Bill

[XemaSab]

54. Bring sneakers

so that you're not wearing your dress shoes on the beach when you have the "gull ID" portion of the interview. :P

(Just me? OK. :D )

[mike r]

55. Turn off the phone

or leave it in the car.

And don't order spaghetti or meat balls if they take you out to lunch.

[taught_me_patience]

56. Practice practice practice

and be yourself. Employers can smell phonies from a mile away.

[Jade Fox]

59. If it a small company.....

that was started by the people who are interviewing you, ask a lot of questions and show real interest in the company. In those situations the owners have usually put tons of time and energy into their business, and they are emotionally invested in it. They want to talk about it. Also, try to look like someone who can pick up the ball and run with it without a lot of babysiting, cause that is likely what they need.

Don't make jokes, but laugh at the interviewer's jokes. A bit of a double standard here, but the interviewer is likely just trying to help you relax. They don't want to see your comedy routine, or start thinking you're not serious.

For my money, the more you show real interest in this particular job, the better. Take charge of the interview if you've got some dullards interviewing you, especially towards the end. Interviews are generally in three parts:
1)generic questions related to the job 2)specific questions about your resume' 3)your questions/free for all.

Good luck!

[jberryhill]

60. Bring a sharp knife and show them you are willing to bleed

Always impressive.

[Generic Brad]

61. Make eye contact

Smile. And let the employer know what you can do for them because, unfortunately they have no interest in what they can do for you.

[greatauntoftriplets]

62. I think that you have been given excellent advice in this thread.

I can do no more than wish you the best of luck.

[BreweryYardRat]

64. Thanks for posting this thread.

I'm also trying to prep for interviews, and the advice here has been very helpful.

[2Design]

65. Timely advice - I had interview Thursday - been a long time n/t

[2Design]

73. Had my interview today - done - now wait and see - 10 people in one room

incredible - just depends on other candidates and whether they shine brighter

[NHDemProg]

67. If I may be so bold...

How did it go? Any advice? I'm trying to move up, and I know that I won't get many chances to impress.

[Dude_CalmDown]

68. Specific Examples of what you state qualifies you.

-Come up with answers to questions you may be asked and have specific examples and numbers if possible of being a problem solver or having excellent communication skills or of projects that you've led or been a part of that saved however much money. Prepare your arguments about yourself.

-Come up with specific examples and good lines to elaborate on things you say about yourself in your resume.

I once heard that the best way to not be nervous when public speaking is to know what it is you're talking about inside and out. I think this also applies for a job interview. Know your arguments about yourself and why you'd be the best candidate for this job absolutely inside and out. Also, get a good night sleep and eat a good breakfast to make sure your brain is as sharp as possible.

GOOD LUCK!!!

[KG]

69. beg.

[LanternWaste]

70. Be polite and respectful...

Be polite and respectful, dress both clean and professional, look the interviewer in the eye, speak using as little slang or street as possible,, and a use a firm, two-pump hand shake before and after the interview.

Other than the last one, these will get any possible employee coming into my office a much better chance.

[WinkyDink]

71. Be rich enough not to care.

[rucky]

72. If they ask you "what's your biggest weakness?"

don't give a straight answer.

[SmileyRose]

74. They are hiring a person, not a skill set.

You were invited because you obviously meet the skill requirements. They just want to know who you are and will you fit in. They know it's tough out there. They know everyone who applied is desperate. Now it's just about chemistry. I know it's hard but relax, be yourself.

[slackmaster]

76. If you are on a phone interview, DO NOT FLUSH THE TOILET!

HTH