| 1. Come dressed for success! First impressions can make or break your interview, so make sure to be dressed in professional business attire. 2. Bring several copies of your resume, letters of recommendation, college transcripts, and references. Bring these documents with you to help speed up the interview process. 3. Be prepared to ask questions! Asking the interviewer well prepared questions will help show interest and enthusiasm. 4. Do your homework! Perform some industry and company research to prepare for the general assessments and to help you understand the organization and job better. Showing that you are invested enough in the process to do some outside research on your own time is a great indicator of dedication and a good work ethic. 5. Be yourself! Showing your personality will help the interviewer assess how you work in a team environment. Stay calm and relaxed and don't be afraid to show your personality while maintaining professional business ettiquette. 6. Don't be late! Arrive approximately 10 minutes early if possible. Making an interviewer wait for you to arrive is a deal-breaker for many organizations. 7. Be forthright about any potential "red flag" issues. It is good practice to disclose anything that could potentially hinder your eligibility for employment. Use your own judgment about what you think is important to share, but full disclosure is always best (i.e. being fired from a previous job, breaks in your employment background, criminal background, etc.). 8. Maintain eye contact. Use body language to convey confidence and interest in what the interviewer is saying. 9. Listen Carefully! Paying rapt attention to what your interviewer is saying is key to having a successful interview. This practice will help you provide clear and concise answers to their questions. 10. Thank your interviewer! Take the time to send a handwritten thank you note to your interviewer. Doing this will help you stand out and could tip the scales in your favor if hiring managers are on the fence about offering you a position. If you are absolutely unable to get to a mailbox to send a handwritten letter, make sure to send a thoughtful and sincere e-mail to your interviewer. |