1. Be on time:
The worst thing you can do in an interview is to be late. If you are late to the interview when you are trying to impress your prospective boss, then you will probably be late to work at your prospective job. Being late is disrespectful. Even if you have an excuse for being late (flat tire, late train, lost cab), there really are no good excuses. Get an alarm clock and leave yourself plenty of time to anticipate the unexpected. You should really arrive at your destination about thirty minutes early. If you are a little early, then you can reward yourself by getting a coffee at a local cafe.
2. Make sure you know the location of the interview:
This goes along with rule one above. You need to know where you are going, both literally and figuratively. Make sure you have the address and the telephone number of the person you are meeting, just in case you need last-minute instructions. Plug the address into your GPS and print out driving instructions, too. Sometimes the GPS instructions or the directions are wrong so it is good to have both. Do not rely on someone else to find the address for you, especially a taxi driver.
3. Wear the right outfit for the interview:
Try to wear an outfit that you think would fit into the work environment of your prospective company. You might even want to check the company's website to see how other employees are dressed. Look at the picture of your prospective boss to see what he or she is wearing. A nice suit or a jacket is usually a good choice for men and women. For a woman, it should fit properly but not be too tight or too revealing. If you think something may be too loud or bright, it probably is. You need to know the culture of your prospective employer. At Google or Facebook, employees dress much more casually. If you are interviewing at one of these companies, you do not want to overdress.
4. Give the right handshake:
In the era of hand sanitizers and H1N1 Influenza, some people don't like to shake hands, like Donald Trump. I still believe in a good handshake for both men and women. You have to have just enough oomph. A limp handshake is just wishy-washy and won't get anyone a job. A firm-but-not-too-firm handshake is just right. I have had people shake my hand who, I believed, were trying to hurt me so don't be a bone crusher. If you are someone who does not like to shake hands, try it anyway. However, if you really can't muster a handshake, say something witty so you can go on with a modicum of dignity. "I would like to shake your hand, but I sprained my hand." "My child is sick so I don't want to risk spreading the germs." While you are shaking hands, look the person in the eye and smile and say something pleasant like "It is nice to meet you." or "What a nice view." The most important thing is the eye contact and the smile.
5. Be careful with the jokes:
An interview is serious business, but you should still try to have fun. It is an interview not an execution. Cracking a joke can sometimes break the tension. Just make sure it is approrpiate. Your future employer does not want to hear a job that has a double entendre or is insulting to one of the people interviewing you. You have to find the right balance. Try to show your personality but don't be too outgoing. On the other hand, don't be boring and mumble in a monotone.
Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author ofHow To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awardsBest How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book AWard, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit AWard, South Florida Writers AssociationEmail: howtonegotiate@aol.comwww.marygreenwood.com
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