SEVEN  WAYS TO MAKE  A  GOOD INTERVIEW 

 IMPRESSION............

Before the interview begins, job-seekers must make an interpersonal connection with the interviewer. The basics of a firm handshake and a warm, I’m-happy-to-be-here expression set the tone.

Now onward with tips on how preparation can make your initial impression a good one:

1.   Be on time. As one CFO recently said, “If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re late.” If you’re even a minute or two late, that reflects poorly on you. Get specific directions, especially if you have to navigate an unfamiliar building. Plan to arrive early, but not too early. Bursting into an office at 9:40 for a 10:00 interview shows a lack a concern for your interviewer’s schedule. Instead, get to the site early, use a mirror to check for any grooming emergencies, and rehearse a few of your answers.

2.   Be enthusiastic, but not over the top. It’s important to show genuine interest in the job and in the questions asked, but don’t be three-cups-of-coffee maniacal. Maintain an amiable, even-keel demeanor.

3.   Practice, practice, practice. In the days before your interview, go over questions you expect to be asked. Then, out loud, answer those questions. Best Method is role-playing with a friend or significant other so that they can provide feedback on your answers. If you’re having trouble with a practice answer, write out or type your responses, then practice those words. Two questions to be sure to practice answering: Why are you interested in this job? Why are you looking to leave your current job?

4.   Print copies of your resume and other materials the night before. If you’ve been given a list of people you’ll be talking to, email materials in advance. It is an easy way to make sure you don’t run out of copies, and it gives your interviewers prep time as well.

5.   Don’t eat garlic fries, or a box of chocolate , before the interview. But eat something; you’ll need the energy. No matter what you choose to eat, stopping to check your teeth is probably a good idea. It’ll also help you practice another skill you’ll need to make a good impression: Smiling.

6.   Watch your language. This should go without saying, but apparently some people get excited telling a story, and they might drop a no-no word in there. Bad move, especially before a hiring manager has had time to form an opinion.

7.   Be prepared with your own questions. This will show you’ve done research and that you’re thinking seriously about the job. If an interviewer asks a job candidate, “Do you have any questions?” and the answer is a casual, “Nope, I’m good,” then, no, that’s not good. “If I hear that, I’m pretty close then to saying the interview is over,”.

                                       ................ ALL THE BEST