Ten Steps for a Better Interview

If you are planning to meet with a potential employer or client, you want to make a good impression. There are steps you can take before and during your interview to make it a better interview.

Have proper information. Be sure you have the right person, place and time. Verify your appointment to verify your information and to remind the interviewer of your appointment. Interviewers are busy interviewing many people and they can make mistakes. Be polite and understanding if they need to reschedule.

Try your best to keep your appointment. You want your interviewer to believe you are reliable. If something does occur that forces you to reschedule, try to contact the interviewer as soon as possible. If you have an emergency the same day, CALL your interviewer who may be too busy or unable to check his/her email.

Wear appropriate attire. If you are unsure what to wear to your job interview, ask the interviewer or someone who works for the company. Do not underdress, because you will appear to be sloppy or lazy. Do not overdress or you will give the impression that you are superior or that you don't belong with this company.

Find out company policy concerning body piercings and tattoos. If unsure hide or remove them. Do not overapply makeup, because you will give a bad impression. (I prefer not to explain that one further.) Wear jewelry sparingly. One earring in each ear lobe, a watch, your engagement and/or wedding ring, and a necklace is quite enough.

Appear well groomed. Have your hair cut, combed and clean. If you have no hair, put powder on your head to stop the glare. (Just kidding. My husband is bald.) Wash your body, and especially your face and hands. Fingernails should be cut and manicured. Use clear or neutral nail polish, if any. Wear clean, neatly pressed clothes.

Do not overapply fragrances. Do not use after shave, cologne, perfume or scented products, because your interviewer may be allergic or simply not like your scent. Do not drink alcohol or smoke, because they are nasty habits that make a bad impression and they smell terrible. If you have bad breath, use a mint before your interview. Do not chew gum or suck on a mint or something during your interview. That is impolite.

Get to the interview promptly. Get directions and if necessary, take a test drive to destination to be sure you can find it. Do not arrive too early and waste your time waiting. It makes the interviewer feel rushed. Do not arrive too late and interfere with the interviewer's schedule. Arrive ten minutes early, announce your arrival, then wait quietly and politely. If you have a cell phone, you can call for directions.

Introduce yourself and extend your hand for a hand shake. Try to greet your interviewer "Good afternoon, Mr. Gates" and shake his hand. Do not wipe your hand on your pants while you are with him. You can wash it after the interview. Do not sit unless he offers you a seat, or let him sit first and follow his lead. Keep your impressions to yourself and do not stare at his acne or other flaws.

Listen and answer questions. Listen to the questions and answer them promptly and politely. You should prepare a list of expected questions and answers before the interview to be ready to answer. Do not offer additional information unless it is relevant and improves your chances of getting hired. If you were in jail and he/she asks if you were, simply answer "yes". Know your rights about what are fair questions and which ones you can refuse to answer.

Thank your interviewer and shake hands. After the interview is completed, thank your interviewer, address him/her by name, and ask when and how to expect a response to the interview. Be polite and say goodbye to others you met as you leave. If immediately necessary, use the bathroom, or wait until you get home or another destination where you can smoke, relax, eat, burp or whatever you couldn't do during the interview. Please do not do this at the company in case someone sees you and tells everyone what he/she saw.

Wait patiently for a response. If you do not get a response within two weeks, then you may contact the interviewer or the company as a polite request or reminder. Politely ask "Good afternoon. I am Yvette Kuhns and I am calling regarding my interview with Mr. Gates two weeks ago. He told me he would call or email me within a week, but I did not receive his message. Could you help me? Thank you."

Do not demand, raise your voice or use sarcasm "So are you hiring me or what?!". If considered, you will decrease your chances with rudeness and impatience. Be prepared for any news, good or bad. Politely thank the person to whom you talked and go on with your life. Each interview is another life experience, so none are a waste of time. Practice makes perfect.

Yvette Kuhns, Power Pages Web Design, August 8, 2003

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