Find the Perfect Job: Job Interview Tips and Tricks to Get Hired

• Go to their website and look at their “About Us” section, “Our Company” section, or “Our History” section. Learn all you can.
• On major search engines you should update your resume every 30 days. Some good websites to research companies include:

• You can go to your local library, a bookstore with a coffee shop, or the state Department of Labor for more resources.
• Some good books to check out would be:

Dun & Bradstreet’s Million Dollar Directory (pull from Amazon)

Standard and Poor’s Register of Corporations

Mergent’s Industrial Review

Thomas Register of American Manufacturers

Ward’s Business Directory

• If you are interested in more than one company, you may want to have clear notes on each company you apply with. You could create a “Company Research Worksheet.”

On your “Company Research Worksheet,” include:

1. What is their product or service?
2. What do their financial statements look like? (Business volume, net worth, profit and loss, etc.)
3. Who are their competitors?
4. What is their history and future?
5. Where are they located? (Headquarters, branch offices, overseas, etc.)
6. What are the head contact names? (Department leads, human resource manager, etc.)
7. Have they been in the news lately, or can you find any articles on them?

• As early in the interview as you can, ask for a complete description of what the position entails. An example of how to do this is “I have a number of accomplishments I would like to share with you, but I want to make the most of our interview time and talk directly about your needs. To help me do so, could you please tell me more about the most important duties of this position? All I currently know about the position is <what you know>.”
• After uncovering what they are looking for, describe how your past experience proves you are qualified. Give specific examples of your achievements. Show you are a perfect match for what you are looking for.
• Know the facts on the company and what they are looking for.
• If you have done your research, as you interview, talk about the company and its products or services. This is very impressive to them.
• Show how you can help the company achieve its mission.
• Describe past responsibilities that relate to the position and your past achievements.

• Act very enthusiastic about the position. Be happy, and give off a positive impression. Always make eye contact.
• If necessary, call prior to the interview to get verbal directions.
• Get a good night’s sleep, and make sure you are well rested and on time for the interview in the morning.
• Answer questions clearly and concisely. Don’t get long winded or go into personal details that are just not appropriate to discuss.
• Make sure your cell phone is turned off.
• Have a positive good attitude and smile at all times!

Speak clearly, professionally, and not too fast, as though you were anxious. Do not ramble

• Ask for a business card at the end of the interview (or several if it is a panel interview) so that you can send a thank you or follow-up letter later.
• Have your clothing pressed and ready to go the night before the interview.
• Be pleasant, friendly, and businesslike to every employee you meet at the company.
• Be yourself with natural gestures and movements.
• Make sure your car is cleaned inside and out.

Wear low heels (one inch).

Wear hose and a skirt if possible.

Do not wear a low cut blouse.

Be slightly overdressed.

A business suit should be knee length or longer with the color of black, blue, brown, or gray.

Make up should be conservative.

Long hair should be pulled up to look more professional.

Jewelry should be appropriate and not draw too much attention.

Carry a briefcase or professional portfolio. If you must carry a purse, make it small and tasteful.

Hair should be clean and conventionally styled.

Clean, shorter nail length with light or clear polish, if any.

Carry a briefcase or professional portfolio

Clothing, jewelry, or cologne should not be distracting

Hair should be clean, trimmed, and conventional.

Tattoos should be covered.

Trim and clean fingernails.

Make sure facial hair is trimmed and neat looking.

• Don’t talk about religion, money, medical problems, things that are stressful, politics, pay, or negativity about your past jobs.
• Don’t be confrontational.
• Don’t ramble. Answer each question with a few sentences.
• Don’t wear distracting clothing, jewelry, make up, perfume, or nail polish.
• Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
• Try not to fidget, chew gum, wear flashy jewelry, wear a lot of perfume, tap you knee, or anything else that may indicate you are nervous.
• Don’t cross your arms or use negative body language.
• Don’t exaggerate or brag, but be sure to stress your qualifications, experience, training, and education.

• Don’t keep the volume on your phone on. Turn it off! And do not play on it or check it!

• Aim for clarity and honesty. Be positive.
• Walk tall with good posture, be confident, smile, make eye contact, and present a firm handshake.
• Be very kind to the secretary, and try to be memorable. Say, “Hello <name>! I’m <your name>, and I’m here for an interview with <interview’s name>.”
• Always thank the interviewer for their time, send a follow up thank you note, and find out if the position has been filled if you haven’t heard anything in a week or so.

• When waiting for the interview, practice your sample questions and answers. Make sure you have them fresh in your mind.
• Watch your manners with other workers in the company and the others who are waiting for an interview.
• While waiting for your interview, don’t take medicine, drink soda, eat, or read an inappropriate book.

• Bring a notebook and take as many notes as you can. Bring plenty of blue or black pens. Carrying it all in a briefcase or portfolio is most professional.
• Bring notes in your notepad listing your resume details, the organization’s details, the job description, and a list of the questions you plan to ask. Ask questions showing that you have researched their company. Impress them. Have your top skills listed in case you draw a blank during the interview.
• If you are going to more than one interview in a day or if you interview is far away, take an iced watercooler. You don’t want to have a dry mouth during the interview.
• Make sure you bring a copy of your references to them, and offer it to them whether they ask for it or not.
• Bring a copy of your transcripts and offer them to the potential employer.

• Carry a briefcase with your papers and portfolio in it. Avoid carrying a bulky purse along with it.
• Make sure you bring plenty of copies of your resume, and have one laid out for yourself so that you can view it when answering questions. Offer another copy of your resume to the interviewer so that you can address questions and point out your best achievements.

• Be prepared! Keep in mind your first impression will come across in the first 30 seconds.
• Be sure you show them you know something about their company by making comments about it and asking intelligent questions. Show you are interested in their company and why.
• Make sure you have an answer to the questions they may ask. Show them how you can benefit them with your skills, talents, and contribute to the success of their company.
• If they give you the silent treatment, ask if there is anything you can do to help fill in your past experiences or skills.

• Take some breathing or relaxation exercises before your interview in order to ease your nervousness.
• If they ask if you can start right away, ask if you can have a day to think it over and consult your mentors about the decision.
• The color you wear can tell a company something about you. Red means assertive; blue means trustworthy; black represents authority; and gray is diplomatic.
• As soon as you leave the interview, write down names, numbers, instructions, questions, and any other notes. You don’t want to forget these important items.
• Always send a thank you note to your interviewer, reminding him or her about what was said, who you are, and what went well in the interview.
• A week after the interview, follow up with the company to see if they have made their decision or if there is anything else you can provide them to help them make their decision (references, transcripts, etc.)