Best Job Interview Tips and Advice to Make

a Great Impression
 
Practice to be Perfect 
You may not know exactly what they’re going to ask you, but you do know they’ll ask
you something. Practice the delivery of your speech and improve your compute time by asking a
friend to pretend being the interviewer.
 
Don’t ask them to read from a list of questions you’ve prepared—an interview would not go that
way. Instead, ask them to come up with how their idea of an interview would go. To go a step
further, try doing it in a public place, like in a busy cafe, to really get the out-of-your-comfort-
zone feel.
 
Check Your Online Presence and Your Public Social Media Profiles  
Your social media profiles may have more available to the public than you realize or care for.
Ensure your interviewers don’t get the wrong picture by removing all negative pictures (and
other content) of you, such as sexually-suggestive pictures, political rants, hangover complaints,
and so on. for an Interview
 
Would you go on a first date without showering and slathering on some deodorant?
 
No, right?
 
Well, an interview is like a very important first date. Here are some interview tips on style and
what to wear in an interview:
 
Follow the Proper Dress Code
 
For women: Choose a solid-color pant suit with conservatively-colored shoes and shirt or blouse
to match. Avoid wearing heels and too much makeup, jewelry, and perfume. If you choose to
wear a skirt instead of the pants, pair them with light or skin-tone hosiery.
 
For men: A suit of a solid color is also recommended, especially in the most formal interviews.
However, if you feel the company is not so strict, you could pair a blazer with some slacks for a
semi-casual look. A white button-up shirt, a suit-matching tie, and black or brown loafers go well
whichever route you take. As with females, keep the jewelry and cologne to a minimum.
 
Professional attire will help make a great first impression.
 
Wear an Undershirt and Great Antiperspirant
 
Don’t let those pesky sweat glands under your arms make you look like a fool—that’s easy
enough to do, anyway.
 
Put on a tried-and-tested antiperspirant to reduce your underarm sweating. Also, wear an
undershirt so that you have one more layer to protect any wet spots from being broadcasted
publicly to the interviewer.
 
Dress to Impress
 
It probably goes without saying that you’ll want to choose from your best outfits to wear for your
all-important interview. Don’t forget to iron, and don’t use too much perfume. Polish your shoes
before leaving home. Trim your fingernails.
 
Also, as for interview dress tips, have a glance at the company’s about page, if they have one, to
see if you can get a sense of how employees might be dressed there. It might be a great way to
gauge what to wear.
 
When in Doubt, Lean Conservative
You may not be able to get a read on what the dress code is, so err on the conservative side.
Keep colors minimal and basic, instead of flashy or numerous.
 
If you really want to know what the employees wear on a day-to-day basis, consider stopping in
for a quick look-around sometime before your interview (days, not hours, before).
 
Wear a Confident Smile
 
A friendly, confident smile is of the most important things to wear to an interview. While it
won’t get them to overlook your other clothing, it will work wonders in making you look like a
perfect addition to their team.
 
 
You’re hours away from your make-or-break moment. Here’s what you need to do just before
the interview:
 
Bring Your Notes & a Copy of Your Resume
 
One of the great things about interviews is that they can be treated like an open-book test. Not
only will bringing notes help you to remember some of your answers and questions to ask them,
but you’ll look more prepared and professional when you whip out a notebook from your
briefcase before answering that tough question.
 
While you’re at it, bring 3-5 extra copies of your resume to have on hand. They probably won’t
need it, but better safe than sorry!
 
Wash (and Dry!) Your Hands
 
If you’re a nervous Nellie, like I am, you might suffer from sweaty palms (among other things)
prior to an interview. Here’s one of my favorite interview tips: don’t send the message that
you’re feeling anxious before you even sit down for your chat; wash and dry your hands, or use
an alcoholic hand sanitizer, to greet your interviewer with a confident handshake that won’t
gross them out. Also, skip that greasy hand cream!
 
Silence Your Phone
 
There’s nothing more unwelcome at an interview than an unexpected call on the interviewee’s
phone. While a ring to the desk phone of your interviewer may allow you to take a breath and
collect yourself, don’t let it be yours.
 
However, don’t turn your phone off completely—you may find it comes in handy should you
need to add a contact or appointment to your calendar.
 
Eat Something
 
Have a light meal or snack just before your appointment. Not only will this help you to avoid any
light-headed, dizzy feelings, but it will chase away those troublesome, embarrassing, and
annoying hunger growls during the silence of the interview.
 
Arrive Early
 
Don’t aim for getting there on time. There are so many things that could go wrong, according to
Murphy’s Law. You may not find the right building or room, or traffic might befall you. You
might need to use the restroom. Being late would surely sabotage your interview
success. Double-check the interview location and aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before.
 
One of my favorite, personal interviewing tips is to arrive maybe 30-45 minutes early and
position yourself at a nearby cafe. This way, you’ll all but eliminate circumstances that prevent
you from arriving on time, and you can do a quick cram with your notes while having a tea.
 
Be Nice to Everyone
 
Sure, you’re going to put on a friendly face for the interviewer, why wouldn’t you? But, as soon
as you enter the building, prepare to encounter each and every employee you meet with just the
same attitude and countenance. From receptionist to office manager to your future teammates,
that charm could warrant a compliment about you to the ones in charge with your fate’s decision,
and it could make all the difference!
 
Below, you’ll see a list of the best interview tips and tricks for outperforming your competition
during your time in the hot seat. Here’s how to behave in an interview:
 

Pay Attention to What They Say and Take Notes

 
Just before your interview starts, pull out that notebook (remember the one with your cheat
sheet?) and take some notes. You’ll look like a diligent candidate, you won’t have to ask them to
repeat much, and you’ll have any questions and answers handy for when that time comes.
  
Don’t Trash Talk
 
Savvy interviewers may ask you, “what was the worst part about your last job?” This is because
the reply you give here will answer a slew of other unasked questions about your personality,
behavior, loyalty, and more.
 
Don’t speak ill about your former company or coworkers, at least not in a direct way.
Interviewers get turned off when you opt for the low road. Keep your wits about you as you
answer this loaded question, and tiptoe around saying the very worst:
 
WRONG
“I worked with completely daft imbeciles.”
RIGHT
“I had some coworkers with whom I struggled to maintain a productive coexistence.”
 
Or, wrap a criticism in a blanket of compliment:
 
RIGHT
“I really liked my former colleagues, but if I’m to name one area in which they could improve, I guess I’d hav
say that I'd enjoy working at a place with a more diverse company culture.”
 Don’t Let Them Dwell on the Past
 
If you feel that the interviewer is spending too much time concerned with some old position,
explain to them how it helped get you to where you are today, and how it would help you in the
future. Frame these as learning experiences that remain useful to you.
 
Use Examples
 
Similar to showing quantifiable achievements when starting your resume, you’ll want to give
examples with results that can be measured and which are relevant. When given the opportunity,
explain to them how their current requirements would be handled expertly should you be given
the role:
 
“From the job description, I understand you are looking for someone who can take your
outreach team to the next level. During my time with ABC, I performed a similar task, with
excellent results…”
 
Control Your Body Language
 
Sure, you’re talking with your mouth during your interview, but your gestures, posture, and body
language speak inaudible volumes. Maintain a good posture, with your back straight and your
head held high. Avoid putting your nervousness on display too apparently by keeping your legs
and arms still. Try not to fidget and play with something in your hands, and don’t chew on your
lips.
 
 
Respectfully Avoid Illegal Inquiries

 
Once in a while, you may get a question that may be insensitive in one way or another, like about
your origin or age. Most of the time, the interviewer doesn’t mean to offend and their interest is
genuine and for small talk.
 
Try to keep your composure as you steer the question back on track. If you don’t want to answer
their question, simply answer with something like:
 
“I’m confident that I’ll be able to meet the demands required of me and excel in my role.”
Interview Questions Right
 
Want specific advice? Well, as career coaches, we know very well what interviewers are likely
to ask you, so use this chapter of mock interview questions as a cheat sheet to make sure you
reply with what they want to hear.
 
"What Are Your Strengths?”
 
The employer isn’t looking to see how much you can bench, but rather what skills you bring to
the company’s table. Focus on your best skills and achievements, and make sure that they are
relevant to the company. Show and prove that you'll be a good fit. 
 
"What Is Your Greatest Weakness?"
 
Unlike the strengths question, the employer here wants to see how you answer more
than what you answer.
 
"Why Should We Hire You?"
 
This can be a stumper, if not thought out before the interview. However, if you prepare, it can
turn into a golden opportunity to give a winning elevator speech. Summarize your best points,
and try not to feel uncomfortable by being overly modest.
 
"Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?"
At first glance, this question seems like a piece of cake, right? But there are obstacles,
particularly if you didn’t have an amicable parting-of-ways with your last organization. Don’t
say anything that will make the company question whether that same situation could make a
second appearance.
 
“Tell Me About Yourself”
 
This interview question is not as broad as it sounds. Hiring managers don't care where you were
born and raised, what your favorite sport is, and so on. Rather, they’d like an answer back that is
relevant to them. Think of what you might answer were this asked of you during a first date.
 
“Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
 
For the love of Barbara, don’t dare say something like, “because I need work.” No, what
interviewers are really asking here is for compliments. Convey your enthusiasm about their
company. Show that you're not interviewing for a job only because there are no better options at
the moment.
 
“Describe Your Current Job Responsibilities”

Relevance is key here. Don’t tell them everything you did, because not all of it will be significant
to this new company. Curate a list of tasks that are the most relevant, and speak about those. This
is why preparation is so important!
 
“What is Your Management Style?”
 
Before you skip over this question thinking it doesn’t pertain to you, think again. You could get
this question no matter the position you’re applying for, as the hiring manager uses your answer
to gauge your leadership prospects and potential. Give a brief success story about a time you
managed a project or team.
 
“Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

Most people don’t have a defined plan as to where they’d like to be in 5 years, but this question
is asked by employers more so they can understand a vague idea. They want to hear that they’re
part of your future and if your long-term career goals align with the company. Skype &
Phone Inter 
Speak Clearly

Have a glass of water handy to keep your throat from getting dry. Enunciate to be sure that your
answers are clearly understood.
 
Interviews can be terrifying events for even the most confident among us. And if you’re prone to
anxiety and nervousness anyway, awaiting the interview feels like having an imminent execution
date.
 
But relax a bit. Here are some helpful interviewing tips for anxiety and nervousness that will see
you through your big day with confidence and calm.
 
Avoid Coffee
 
You’ll likely be nervous and jittery enough as it is, and that’s before arriving at your interview.
Don’t let your daily caffeine ritual cause you more suffering. Skip the coffee until after the
interview.
 
However, if you need it to feel alert, or if, like me, you need it to avoid a withdrawal migraine,
opt for a tea. Tea has a lower caffeine content (usually), and a cuppa has even been shown
to reduce stress after consumption.
 
Skip the Alcohol

Yes, interviewers are mean, scary monsters, but don’t take a shot of vodka right before to help
steel your nerves—potential employers will smell it on your breath, most likely, and that could
ruin any chances you may have had. If you really fear a panic attack at your upcoming interview,
consider consulting your doctor about taking a prescription such as Xanax.
 
Get More Interviews!
 
At first, this may sound counterintuitive—how would being given more stressful situations help
lower your anxiety?
 
Well, interviews are stressful not just because it’s a formal meeting where you’re in the spotlight,
but also because it plays a life-changing role. If you have more interviews lined up, at least
you’ll reduce the stress which comes from feeling like you only have one shot to get it right.
 
Just Breathe

When all else fails, and you still feel nervous, try deep breathing. Taking slow, deep lungfuls of
air often helps reduce nervousness and stress, whether you are interviewing or in another
anxiety-inducing situation.
 
Try this 4-Square technique:
 
 Breathe in slowly while counting to 4
 Hold that breath in while counting to 4
 Release slowly, counting to 4
 Count to 4 with lungs deflated before repeatingthe Interview
Hey! Where do you think you’re going? Just because you’ve made it through the interview
doesn’t mean the fun has ended.
 
Don’t worry—our interview tips don’t stop there either. This is what you need to do after the
interview:
 
Show Your Appreciation
 
Send a thank you note after the interview within 24 hours. Not only is this a cordial gesture, but
it also serves to remind them that you are waiting for their response. Craft your perfect letter of
thanks—express appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position.
 
Give Them Some Space
 
Don’t go all stalker-like obsessive on them. After following up and still not receiving an answer,
just consider it a loss and move on. How much follow up is too much. 
So—
 
Now you know all key intreview dos. Let's take a closer look on the interview don'ts.
 
Avoid Being Impolite
CareerBuilder reports that the following mistakes will kill your chances of landing a job:
 Candidate answers a cell phone or text during the interview
 Candidate appears arrogant or entitled
 Candidate dresses inappropriately
 Candidate appears to have a lack of accountability
 
Remember You Speak With Your Body, Too
 
Employers don’t like candidates:
 Failing to make eye contact
 Failing to smile
 Playing with something on the table
 Fidgeting too much in their seats
 Crossing their arms over their chests
 Having bad posture
 Playing with their hair or touching their faces
 Having a weak handshake
 Using too many hand gestures
 Having a handshake that was too strong
 
Don't Lie in a Job Interview
 
Being caught lying about something destroys even the best first impression (the same rule
applies to your resume, too!).