Job Interview Tips & Interview Questions

Be on top of your game during your next job interview. Ask intelligent, thought-provoking questions and furnish important information. Dress for success, make eye contact and listen intently.

Body Language

How you sit and whether you make eye contact with your interviewer says a lot about you. If you look away from the interviewer when you talk, you may appear untrustworthy but if you stare too intently, you may come off as creepy. A slouchy appearance and posture suggest that you produce sloppy work and aren't detail oriented. On the other hand, if you sit too straight and stiff, you may come off as rigid and inflexible.

How do you find the right balance? Take a casual, professional stance when meeting with your interviewer. Sit straight but move slightly forward to appear engaging and interested in your discussion. Don't be afraid to laugh or change your posture during the interview, depending upon topics.

Look the interviewer directly in the eye and smile when you shake hands during your initial meeting. Watch your interviewer with interest as she talks and asks questions. Be sure you engage her in eye contact at least a few times while you answer questions.

Always Be Positive

Your interviewer is trying to gauge whether you will be a positive or negative influence at the company. If you had a bad experience with a former boss or company, find a way to discuss it in a positive light.

Never bash other employers or co-workers during an interview because that will immediately send a red flag. If you have to discuss a negative experience, offer as little detail as possible and find a way to explain what you learned from that experience and how it makes you a better worker today.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Demonstrate your interest in the company by doing your homework and preparing questions for the interview. Visit the company's website and read its mission statement, history and service policies. Create a few questions about its corporate future and direction; during the interview, identify a few specifics to help you formulate questions. Doing this tells the interviewer that you are not only attentive but can think on your feet and ask intelligent, spontaneous questions.

For example, many interviews cover position-specific details. Select a few details during your discussion and ask how those responsibilities impact other departments or customers at the company. Ask how departments work together on common projects. Avoid questions about getting time off, where you would sit in the company or any specifics about other employees.

References

• Interview tips
• Job interview questions
• Interview guide and tips