Interviewing Basics- Part 2

Our last blog advised you on pre-interview preparation. You’ve followed our advice, and the big day is finally here. Now what? Read on and you’ll be sure to ace your interview.

Impress the gatekeeper. “Who’s the gatekeeper?” you ask. This is the person you meet initially -- usually the receptionist or the assistant to the person with whom you are interviewing. These individuals hold much more power than may be apparent and they can hold sway over whether you will be hired. Since they observe you before the “real interview” they may report on how you acted and how you treated them. Were you rude or nice? What did you do while you were waiting? Did you sit calmly, or were you talking loudly on your cell phone? Your interview starts long before you think it does.

Don’t be a bag lady. Going into an interview, don’t be weighed down with stuff. You want to appear polished and ready, not overloaded with an overcoat, umbrella, briefcase and purse. Stash any extra gear in the waiting area, and only carry a sleek folio with a writing tablet and a copy of your resume tucked inside as you enter the interview. And, by the way, hold it in your left hand -- your right hand will be ready for the all-important handshake.

A firm handshake. A handshake says a lot about a person, so be certain yours is executed perfectly. Always be standing, establish eye contact and smile when shaking hands. As you extend your hand, keep your thumb pointing up (not to the side) and get web to web contact (the web is the skin joining your index finger and thumb) in order to get full firm palm contact.

Eye contact is critical. The idea of making prolonged eye contact makes some people extremely nervous. But eye contact signifies confidence, and the lack of it during an interview will make you seem inattentive and disinterested. If you’re being interviewed by a panel of people, find the individual that makes you the least anxious and keep coming back to that person. This does NOT mean to ignore the other people. Make sure you still make eye contact with each person for a few seconds. Also, try looking at a facial feature other than the eyes. The nose, eyebrows, and cheekbones are all close enough to the eyes that looking at them won’t give away the fact that you aren’t looking directly into the eyes. Don’t, however, look at the mouth area, as this comes across as too personal.

Be prepared for the “easiest” questions. We’ll save actual interview content tips for a future blog, but let’s address the one question that few people are prepared for --“Tell me about yourself.” Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong. This question needs to be prepared. Anyone who assumes they can wing this “softball” will end up floundering in the interview. Take 2 to 3 minutes to talk about who you are right now, who you’ve been in the past, and who you’ll be in the future (all regarding your professional self, of course). Work on perfecting this short “commercial” and you not only exhibit great confidence, but you will be off to a great start in any interview. Here’s another “easy” question that people flub -- “Why do you want this position?” Prepare a compelling response that shows passion.

Don’t slouch. Unless you’re standing while having an interview, you need to work on your posture. Sit up straight. Remember, you won’t get respect if your back’s not erect! Ladies, instead of crossing your legs, lock your knees and tuck your ankles under your chair. Lean slightly forward to show your interest, and let your hands lay loosely in your lap. Guys, don’t hitch your ankle upon your opposite knee - this is far too casual for an interview scenario.

Don’t interrupt. A combination of nerves and an over-enthusiasm to give a fast answer leads many people to make a common and serious mistake in their interview -- they interrupt the interviewer. Interrupting is an irritating habit in regular situations, and in the interview it’s particularly risky. The assumption is that everyone is on their best behavior during the interview process, so if you interrupt then, how much worse might you be in “real life?” Resist the urge to jump in with your answers until you are sure the interviewer is ready. Focus on listening intently and watching the body language cues that indicate it’s your turn.

We hoped you enjoyed our tips for performing well in the interview. Good Luck!