Know your resume inside out and prepare extra copies to the interview (do not be skimming through it when asked a question).
Know about the company you are applying to work at and details about the job you are after.
Show up 10-15 minutes early for your scheduled interview.
Shake hands and remain standing until offered a seat. (Ladies, please develop a firm handshake).
You may be asked to begin by introducing yourself. Prepare for this in advance.
When asked questions, keep your answers concise and to the point. If you start to ramble it is a sure sign you are nervous or unprepared.
Be prepared for a provocative question designed to throw you. If this happens, be prepared to “think on your feet” and demonstrate that you can react well under pressure or in a difficult situation.
Be ready for purely factual questions. If you do not know the answer, say so and do not panic. Even if there are a number of factual questions do not try to evade them and do not invent.
Tell the interviewers when you have reached the end so not to leave them wondering whether you are going to say anything else.
If you have any particularly relevant experience, expect to be asked about it. Even if you have moved on to something else, you should still show that you have kept up to date with developments.
Ask questions about the Company and the job. In fact, many interviewers consider the “do you have any questions” part of an interview as their invitation to hear what you have to ask or say.
If it hasn’t been stated during the interview, it is ok to ask about the rate of pay, bonus structure and advancement opportunities within the company, but ask in general such as (can you tell me more about the benefits and compensation package the company offers?)
Ask what are the next steps or when the interviewer expects to have made a decision and if they will be contacting all applicants or only those who are hired. Make a point of following up via telephone 2 business days after your interview.
Before leaving thank the interviewer again for his/her time and shake hands. Smile and make eye contact as you leave.
