Interview Tips

You've researched your companies, sent a resume, received a recruiter's call, and now you're scheduled for an interview. While you might be exhausted from all of the work up until this point, the interview is just the beginning of the real work.

It is critical to be prepared, professional, and poised for each and every meeting with your potential employer. That being said, not every interview will lead to your dream job. Take these meetings as an opportunity to learn about companies, introduce yourself to new people, and gain insight to what your really want out of a new position.

We try and prepare our candidates for any interview with a few interview guidelines for Interview Dress, Preparation, Etiquette, and Follow-up.

Interview Dress

It is important to dress in a way that matches the dress code of your potential employer. Consult an employer's dress code online or ask advice from a colleague or friend.

Women –

  • Wear a conservative, well-fitted suit with either pants or a knee-length hemline
  • Dress your hair in a conservative fashion back off of your face
  • Wear dark-colored, unscuffed, close-toed, low-heeled shoes
  • Do your makeup in a natural fashion with clear or neutral nail polish and little or no perfume
  • Wear stockings or hose regardless of the weather
  • Keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum – less is more

Men –

  • Wear a conservative, well-fitted suit with a clean, crisp button-down shirt and tie.
    • If you hate to iron and want to save on dry-cleaning bills, try wrinkle-free shirts. (e.g. Arrow, Van Heusen, Jos. A. Banks, JC Penney, Brooks Brothers, Lands End, Target)
  • Dress your hair in a conservative fashion with light hair products
  • Wear dark, unscuffed, dress shoes
  • Clean and trim your fingernails
  • Skip any cologne or aftershave
  • Leave any jewelry or accessories at home

Interview Preparation

An interview is a presentation to the client of yourself, your skills, your interests and how they will match with the particular position. Without preparation, it is challenging to give a convincing argument about why you are the best fit for the job. 

  • Research the company and position thoroughly on the internet
  • Research the skills required for the job description
  • Write down the key points about you and how they contribute to the position
  • Create a list of solid, engaging questions
  • Practice an interview with a friend or family to collect your thoughts and gain confidence in your presentation
  • Plan your commute: Print directions, gauge the worst-case scenario commute time and plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Practice the commute a day or two before if you are unfamiliar with the area 

Interview Etiquette

It is important to maintain your professionalism and poise at all times in your potential employer's office. Acting professionally will often have more of an impact on a lasting impression than what's on your resume.

  • Arrive on time, but no more than 15 minutes before your interview
  • Introduce yourself to everyone with confidence, respect and poise from the doorman to the receptionist. You want as many people as possible to put in a good word for you.
  • Greet your interviewer by standing up, making eye contact and extending a healthy handshake with a firm wrist.
  • Maintain your posture and eye contact throughout the interview
  • Speak positively and professionally of all situations and do not tell bad or personal stories even if your interviewer asks for dirt
  • Listen to each question and statement of the interviewer and stop before you answer to craft a thoughtful response
  • Review your questions and pick one geared towards your discussion or the work interests of your interviewer. Do not discuss salary and benefits - we'll have that information for you.
  • Ask for the business card of each interviewer and mentor so you remember their names for thank you notes
  • Close the interview with a thank you and express your interest in the opportunity and company 

Interview Follow-up

1. Write thank you notes:

  • Write thank you notes to each person with whom you interviewed regardless of your interest in the position. A good impression here may help you in the future. The person you meet or work with today may be a future boss or ally.
  • Thank them for their time, mention something positive you like about the company and express your interest in the position
  • Maintain your professionalism and keep the note short and concise

2. Review the meeting and think of ways you can improve for the next interview.