SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING SKILLS

• Avoid telephone interviews (although a good telephone conversation can earn you major points)
• Dress appropriately
• Be well groomed
• Be enthusiastic, confident, and polite
• Bring an appointment book or a PDA
• Bring a nice pen
• Bring extra copies of your resume
• Bring a printed sheet with at least 3 references
• Be on time
• Maintain good eye contact
• Be prepared. Have all necessary documentation available
• Be well-poised, centered and relaxed
• Listen to what is really being said
• Use positive wording
• Control the interview, yet don’t monopolize the conversation
• Ask specific questions and give specific answers
• Know what sets you apart from the other candidates
• Have a list of unique skills, education or attributes you can bring to this business
• Know your strengths and weaknesses and how you plan to compensate for those weaknesses
• Be prepared to discuss each item on your resume or job application
• Have at least 3 questions that you can ask the interviewer
• Prepare a response to the inevitable interview question, “Tell me about yourself”
• Look for closing signals
• Avoid discussing salary and benefits in the first interview
• Thank the interviewer when finished
• Send a thank-you letter to everyone with whom you’ve spoken