Career Tip #8: Facing the Face-to-Face Interview

Part 2 on Interviews

So you’ve made it through the phone screening, and now you’ve been invited for a face-to-face interview. Congrats! It’s time to schedule this extremely important appointment.

When asked about scheduling the interview, write down the detailed information immediately! Don’t take a chance on forgetting the details like time, day, travel directions, suite number, etc. If you enter this type of information in your phone, you’ll have the written version to help with the transfer. If, for some reason, you are unable to come on the proposed date (by the way, this takes priority over a social engagement), make sure you have other dates and times immediately available to suggest.

So many things have to be considered for an interview that it can get a bit overwhelming and only makes you more nervous. Here are some some brief pointers to think through prior to your interview:

  1. How are you going to get there? Try to do a test run at the time your interview is scheduled. If you are driving, check out the easiest routes. If you are taking public transportation, make sure you have the exact busses or trains that will get you there on time.
  2. What to wear? Always consider the type of company you’re going to be interviewing with. If you know anyone personally who works for the company, ask for their input. Men can never go wrong with a jacket and tie. Of course, if it’s a conservative business, a suit might work better. Women can certainly wear pants or a dress, just making sure each looks professional. You might be at risk for an embarrassing fall if you choose high heels, and while accessories can make or break an outfit, be careful not to overdo it.
  3. Never show up more than 10 minutes before your appointment. If you get to your destination early, find a coffee shop or a store where you can fill some time at until it’s appropriate to show up at your interview.
  4. Make sure to bring copies of your resume with you.
  5. Be polite and friendly to the receptionist and limit your fidgeting and yawning. Take it easy with drinking water or coffee.
  6. When called, walk confidently into the office where you will shake the hand of your interviewer. Make sure you shake hands confidently and fully—no limp wrists, no death grips.
  7. Smile and establish direct eye contact.

All interviews differ. Some are more formal than others. Learn to read the cues and look at the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. Research often asked questions.

 

This article is the second in a series on interviewing. Read part one here.

request information

Accessibility Toolbar