How to Handle Yourself in an Interview
Job seekers face a difficult challenge, particularly in a down economy. Competition is high for the best jobs, and acing a job interview is only slightly less difficult than getting your foot in the door. Iowa's College Student Aid Commission says that "flexibility, enthusiasm, honesty, friendliness, optimism, self-confidence and a 'can-do' approach" are the most important things that you can convey in an interview.
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Instructions
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1
Research the company before the interview. You should know who the president and CEO is, who the company's biggest competitors are and how much the company grosses annually.
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2
Prepare to answer difficult questions such as "Tell me about yourself" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Try to tailor your answers to the job you are interviewing for. Work Coach Cafe uses the example of an unsavory relative. If you do not want your prospective employer digging more into why you are responsible for putting your uncle in prison, do not bring it up. If you are interviewing for a law enforcement position, however, that could make a very appropriate highlight to your background.
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3
Show up to the job interview on time. Act confidently and stay professional at all times. Put your nerves aside when you enter an interview and never let them see you sweat. Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact and remain positive, authoritative and enthusiastic.
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4
Practice proper etiquette. Remember all of those things your mother taught you, and use "please," "thank you" and "you're welcome" as appropriate. Stand whenever someone enters or leaves the room as a courtesy, and offer a handshake to anyone the interviewer introduces you to. If you must sneeze or cough, turn your head, cover your mouth and say "excuse me" when done.
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5
Answer questions honestly, as lying is a surefire way to ensure that you do not get the job. Employers are able to verify information about education and employment, so do not attempt to hide or exaggerate anything about them. If there is something negative in your background and the question comes up, answer it head-on, putting a positive spin on it as appropriate. If you were fired from a previous job, for instance, let the interviewer know what happened, stressing that you took it as a learning experience and it has made you a better employee.
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6
Convey some of the knowledge you gained in Step 1 during the interview. If the company recently launched a new product or advertising campaign, comment on it so the interviewer will know you have done your homework.
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Talk about your past employers in a positive light, even if you were unhappy with a company or its management. Speaking badly of an old boss or co-worker will inevitably lead the interviewer to wonder what you would say about him or his company once you left his employ.
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Send a follow-up thank-you note after you leave.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring a portfolio with you that contains examples of past work, if appropriate, extra copies of your resume and any awards or recommendation letters that you may have.
References
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