10 Things You MUST Have on an Interview
Interviewing can be a stressful process. You’ve waited this long to hear back and now its your time to shine. The key to a good interview is being prepared. Here are a few items to remember to bring on your big day.
- A good attitude Even if your nerves are eating you alive, try not to let it show. Be confident, charming and optimistic. This is your chance to show them who you are beyond your resume and cover letter. On paper they were already impressed with you, show them you ARE the person for the job, not just someone who can use Thesaurus.com to find other words for “hard worker” and “efficient”
- A smile and a good handshake Sweaty palms can’t always be helped but a good firm handshake and an enthusiastic smile will go a long way. Make strong eye contact and remember what your mother said, repeat the interviewer’s name to remember it better.
- Copies of your resume and references You may not be the only one being interviewed that day, and you’d be surprised how often the interviewer has misplaced yours. So be prepared with a few copies of both your resume and references.
- Knowledge of the position and the company A strong knowledge of the position means that you can tell them how you are right for it based on your skills and experience. Having a background knowledge of the company shows interest and a desire to work for that company. Another tip, research the field the job is in to see if there were any recent events or articles that pertain to it to bring up in the interview.
- Breath mints! Need I say more?
- Questions for the interviewer Inevitably, near the end of every interview they will ask you, “so do you have any questions?’ Always have a few prepared. If the ones you had already thought of come up during the interview, when they ask if you have any questions, reiterate the ones you had and they had been already answered.
- A notebook and a working pen The excitement and/or nervousness of the interview might interfere with your memory. Write down the answers your questions, questions that develop through the interview or important tips the interview may offer you.
- Directions to the location Check directions the night before to make sure you are familiar with the area. If not, make sure to give yourself plenty of time in case you get lost or turned around.
- A full stomach Short of Salt N’ Pepa’s “Shoop” playing unexpectedly as your ringtone during an interview, a loud growling stomach can be just as big as an interruption. If you are too nervous to eat a big breakfast, a protein bar will get you through.
- A mirror Hey, its your first impression right?
What other essentials do you think are important to bring on a job interview? Photo Credit: the half-blood prince Photo Credit: Malakh Kelevra