Job Interview Why is the Interview Important?

Having reviewed your resume, the company (that you are interested in) has just notified you that you will be coming in for an interview.

The interview is a means by which a company gets to know the individual better, analyze his/her analytical/problem-solving skills as well as to see if your personality would mesh well with the corporate culture of that enterprise. This is all done in a very short time span, usually less than 30 minutes. This interview process is very important as it the vehicle by which you make an impression of yourself to the prospective employer.

The thought of an interview creates this uneasy feeling for a lot of people. Here are some tips and suggestions as to how best prepare, act and make a favorable impression during the interview.

Interview Presentation

That first initial contact during the interview is crucial. Although few words may be exchanged, a rapport develops. You want that rapport to be as positive as possible. Here are some tips that will help you to be as presentable as possible during the interview.

• Punctuality is Essential

This is fundamentally important. Be absolutely punctual for your interview. Be on the safe side and leave early. You never know when an accident on the road may occur, or when the subway inconveniently has mechanical problems. You cannot make an excuse if you are late. So leave an extra 15 minutes early so that you have a couple of minutes to compose yourself in the waiting room and go in relaxed. Even if you arrive on location half an hour early, grab a coffee, walk around and relax. You would like to enter the office and reception area approximately 10 minutes early.

• Dress Code

Dress for an interview is important. Dress for the job. If you are interviewing at a tattoo parlor – you are aware that a suit is not necessary. If you are, however, interviewing in the financial world, dress conservatively. Even if it is for an industry such as advertising, where they are more relaxed about the dress code – go in for your interview in proper, suitable clothes. You will never be penalized for overdressing (no bowtie or prom dress though). A proper and neat appearance for an interview is essential.

• Know all the Facts

Make sure you know the proper name of the interviewer and its pronunciation. You don't want to embarrass yourself by mispronouncing it during the interview. If you have to, call up the company a few days ahead for them to spell the person’s name and ask them for the proper pronunciation.

• No Limp Handshake

As useless as this may sound – have a firm handshake. Many people’s impression of others is grounded on that first handshake. A limp loose handshake is not liked. Don't break their hand with brute force, but a good solid handshake says a lot about a person.

• Eye Contact is Key

Eye contact during the interview is fundamental. People with shifty eyes who look everywhere but at the person may make him uncomfortable. Proper eye contact is just a sign of respect that you are paying attention to them and you are interested in the conversation. Make sure if your interview is in front of a panel of people to address all of them with your eyes. Even if only one individual is doing the asking, they are all there to evaluate you. You want to make sure that you make them all feel as if they are a part of the interview process.

• Sit Down when Asked to Sit

As you are invited into the interviewer’s office wait until he/she asks you to have a seat before making yourself comfortable. This is just the more polite thing to do.

• Come Equipped

Bring a notebook and a pen to the interview. If you are to take notes, you don't want to have to ask for paper and a pen. Have it handy and somewhere with easy access. You do not want to have to take your briefcase apart in front of the interviewer frantically searching for your favorite pen.

• Carry your Resume with You