Your entire goal during an interview is to impress—if not WOW—your prospective employer. This can be accomplished either by demonstrating an incredible knowledge about his company and his industry or by projecting a calm, confident and professional image when you are invited to discuss your credentials with a staff member.
It may take a bit of practice to avoid fidgeting or shifting positions in your chair, but concentrate on sitting quietly and paying attention to what he is saying to you. Try to respond intelligently to questions and avoid “filler” words such as: “Ah/um,well/you know and like.” Other words to avoid are: ‘dude’ ‘bro’ and girlfriend’ because they do NOT belong in the vocabulary of the work place.
When you are escorted into the office, wait until your host asks you to take a seat before doing so. If you are meeting in an individual office--instead of a conference room—it becomes all the more important to behave courteously. This also goes for removing your jacket, gentlemen! The office belongs to the company rep, and you could be labeled as rude and presumptuous if you forget to ask permission.. As silly as this may sound, it is nonetheless still good form and indicates that you know your ‘place.’
Similarly, politeness dictates that you ASK whether it is OK to take notes, instead of settling in and whipping out note pad.
Instead of emphasizing the negatives of your former position, try to highlight those things you learned and how they have made you a more competent person. This is neither the time nor the place to focus on personal problems. Don’t criticize or blame others for situations that have occurred. Move on and concentrate on providing good answers to the questions you are asked. As a rule, a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer will not be sufficient: some elaboration is usually required.
Lastly, demonstrate an enthusiastic ‘can-do’ attitude, stating what competencies and abilities you can bring to the company. And, before leaving the interview room, ASK FOR THE JOB by saying something like “ We’ve talked today about a lot of things, and I am even more intrigued by the prospect of employment than I was when I walked in here. I would very much enjoy becoming a member of your team.’
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