Interview Impressions

It doesn’t matter how great your resume is if you can’t sell yourself in an interview.  The interview is what will ultimately get you the job – it seals the deal and, for better or worse, first impressions will either make or break you.

Do Your Homework

You need to be thoroughly prepared for each and every interview. Pretend that you’re not going in for an interview but you’re going in for work that day – what do you know?  Check out the company website, learn about their policies, read the company’s history, figure out who the big names are. If you walk into an interview and you can recite specific details about that company, their policies, their executive board, etc., then your interviewer is going to be undoubtedly impressed.

And yes, some interviewers do ask questions like this. Sometimes they’ll put you on the spot – and make you take aptitude tests, sometimes there will be riddles, you may literally have to jump through hoops The best jobs are often hurdled with the hardest interviews for a reason. Be prepared for anything. Worst case scenario, you feel so confident going into the interview that you shine like a man who knows he can’t fail, and that alone very well may get you the job.

Note: Just because you’ve studied hard doesn’t mean that you need to offer this information.  Learn as much as you can and ready yourself to utilize absolutely zero of it.  If you’re offered a position then fantastic, you’ve already got the leg up.  If you don’t then discard the information and prepare for the next interview.

Ask Good Questions

There is a time in most good interviews where you’ll be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. If you sit there and smugly answer, “no sir” then get ready for a quick wave to the door. You need to prepare questions and not just any questions (”How much am I going to make?” isn’t going to cut it), but good ones.

What are good questions? Well, it’s always going to be different so I’ll nod to the section above – do your homework. Somewhere in your research you’ll probably come across things you don’t know, wish you knew, should know – and these will be good ideas for questions for the interviewer. Do not under any circumstances take this as an opportunity to ask questions that are to be saved for after you’ve received an offer. “How big will my office be?” or “Is my secretary going to be hot?” aren’t going to work here.

A good question will not only exercise some knowledge of their company, but will make you look good as well. Here’s an example:

“In previous positions, I’ve been responsible for market research as well as extensive product testing at home. Does this position allow me the flexibility to exercise those areas of expertise?”

Dress The Part

Don’t wear a tuxedo.  Ever.  I’m not sure why some people link the words ‘interview’ with ‘tux rental,’ but just don’t.  You need to dress professionally, but more importantly – you want to fit in. Business-casual can be acceptable for some positions but I would recommend a full, formal suit for most anything outside of an interview at your local head shop.  For females, I don’t always recommend a pant-suit but it’s imperative to remember not to dress provocatively – at all.

It’s mainly important to just not over-dress or under-dress.  Consider the position you’re applying for and make the call yourself.  Just don’t wear a tux, seriously.

Don’t Get Comfortable

Believe it or not, interviewers like it when applicants are nervous.  For the exact same reason that a girl might think it’s cute when a guy fumbles and makes himself look nervous on a first date, that exact same impression is expected and almost appealing in a first interview.  “You should be nervous,” they think.  “This is a big job and I’m an important, intimidating person – who wouldn’t tremble while they shake my hand?”

Yes, occasionally things might move toward talk of sports or conversation that is more casual – but steer clear of this as much as you can without making it too obvious.  I once lost out on an job because I offered up in an interview that I was a fan of the “wrong” football team.  I know it’s silly but people get emotional when it comes to sports, politics, anything that has to do with personal choice – remember, you want to make a good first impression.  Save the pleasantries for after you’ve been deemed indispensable.

Follow these words of wisdom and you’re sure to make a stunning first impression on your next interview.  Treat your interview as the ‘boss’ level of any game, it’s the last step toward achieving your goal and it’s also the hardest.  You need to be prepared, you’ll need all the ammo you can get.

Good luck!