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Interview Tips

Today, many companies conduct initial phone interviews to help determine the best qualified candidates for job opportunities. Given this, it is important to make a great impression that leads you to an in-person interview and one step closer to landing the job. Download a copy of Interview Tips.

The following are some tips for what you want to do and what you want to avoid during phone interviews and those conducted in person:

• Phone Interview - Do's
• Phone Interview - Don'ts
• In-person Interview - Do's
• In-person Interview - Don'ts

Phone Interview - Do's

• Prepare for the interview by compiling a list of your strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments and answers to typical questions.
• Have your resume in front of you to refer to when speaking about your work experience.
• Have a pen and paper available to take notes.
• Be in a quiet place alone—turn off the radio, television and any other background noise that might be distracting.
• Take a moment to think about the question, and, then, respond speaking slowly and clearly.
• Smile during the phone interview to project a positive tone in your voice and your image.
• Send a thank-you note after the phone interview to reiterate your interest in the position.

Phone Interview - Don'ts

• Smoke, eat or chew gum or candy during the interview.
• Ramble—make sure that your answers are direct and to the point.
• Interrupt the interviewer when he or she is speaking.

In-person Interview - Do's

• Prepare for the interview by researching the company and the people with whom you will be meeting.
• Practice responding to typical interview questions and relating your answers to the company.
• Be familiar with the job description, and focus on the competencies of the job when answering questions.
• Dress appropriately for the job—when in doubt, wear a suit.
• Bring several copies (including extra copies) of your resume with you to the interview.
• Arrive 15 minutes early to become relaxed and complete any forms, if necessary.
• Know where you are going ahead of time and consider doing a test run.
• Stay calm and take a few moments to think about the question before responding.
• Ask for clarification if you are not sure what is being asked.
• Always send a thank-you note to each person with whom you have interviewed to reiterate your interest in the position.

In-person Interview - Don'ts

• Provide too much information—keep your answers short and to the point; however, make sure to fully answer the questions.
• Bad-mouth former employers.