By Sandy Flippo, SPHR A job interview can be nerve-wracking and intimidating. The best way to ace the interview is to relax, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to talk. But make sure your talk stays on the subject, shows your expertise, and stays inline with the questions asked. The job interview is not the place to make friends, expand your social circle, complain about previous employers, or confess your sins. Be comfortable with the interviewer, but don’t get too friendly. Often during an interview, as the candidate becomes more comfortable, there is a tendency to elaborate on subjects and give information that would be better off unsaid. If asked about why you are leaving a position, leave any sarcasm or negative remarks about your boss out of the response. And it is unnecessary to mention that you plan to sue them as soon as you get a new job. Employers are not allowed to ask you about your marital status, if you are pregnant, or about your sexual preferences. So take a clue from that—they can’t ask, so don’t bother telling. This is information that could sway them in making decisions about employing you—so that is why it is best they do not know. Here are some tips for a successful interview:
- Review the job posting and match your skills and abilities to what they are looking for in a qualified candidate. During the interview, when possible, bring the conversation back to emphasizing these skills and abilities, and what you can offer the employer.
- Wear your superman suit. Choose an outfit for interviews which is business-appropriate, looks professional, and makes you feel like you can conquer the world.
- Map out the route, and even take a dry-run to make sure you don’t get lost.
- Arrive 20 minutes early, but don’t enter right away. Relax for a bit, then go into the office 5-10 minutes early. Arriving too early may give the interviewer the impression that you do not have consideration for his/her time and being late is a no-no.
- While you are in the parking lot, the hall and lobby, remember that your actions there are part of the interview. You don’t know who may be watching and getting a first impression.
Follow these tips, and don’t get too personal during the interview. Exposing your baggage may talk you out of a job. Keep to the point, on subject, and focus on what you have to offer. You don’t want the interviewer to walk away thinking, “Way too much information!”
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