Job Tips for College Grads
Part VI

Ace the Interview

It's one of the most popular career topics, but no one can really tell you exactly what to say. Interviews are just too up-close and personal for that. The best we career advisors can do, is to give you some idea of the typical questions to expect, and how to kind of, sort of, answer them. While there are canned interview questions, there are few canned answers.

But, to put you at ease, it's been my experience that many interviewers really don't know how to interview. Most are managers and supervisors who have never been trained in the techniques. It's obvious that many don't even prepare in advance, probably because they don't have time or just don't think of it. This makes it easier for you to take control of the interview, if you've prepared. (About three years ago, one of the managers on an interview tag-team bragged to me about his accomplishments, as I, in effect, interviewed him. I got the job!) Typically, the unprepared will ask questions centering around your résumé, because it's all they have to go on. They'll stare at your résumé for few seconds, ask a question, stare at your résumé some more, and ask another question. Memorize your résumé, goals and accomplishments well.

You might also interview with one or more of your future coworkers. Regardless of the questions they ask, what most really want to know is how well you'll fit into the team, and if they should feel threatened by you. Be eager enough to show that you are a good team player, but not so eager as to appear to be a back-stabbing ladder climber!

While it's important to impress managers, supervisors and coworkers, you may also have to impress the company HR representatives. In most cases, they are trained to ask very specific and personal questions, like what salary you expect. They are also the people who will conduct or arrange a background check on you. They may have the final say.

Remember, it's a two-way street. It's the employer's chance to judge you, but it's also very much your chance to judge the employer. In fact, if you handle yourself well and ask the right questions, you'll put the interviewer in the position of selling the company to you. If this happens, you're probably doing well.

One last piece of advice before I turn you over to the interview experts: Attire, body language and manners count, big time. You may think I'm being just a tad cynical in my advice below, but crazy stuff really does happen during interviews!

• Arrange and carry your paperwork in a nice briefcase or portfolio. This makes you look organized and professional.
• Dress appropriately. Even if you know that the company dress is casual (typical these days), dress up anyway. It shows professionalism and respect. But, dress conservatively. While facial jewelry, "Goth" attire, purple-streaked hair and liver-colored lipstick are cool for hanging out in espresso cafés and music stores, they are not yet for interviewing in the corporate environment. Hey, call me conventional, but get the job first!
• Don't wear strong perfume or cologne, as your interviewer may not like your choice. It's best to have no smell at all! A few minutes before the interview, a little breath spray may not hurt, but don't wreak of it.
• Smile, offer a handshake immediately, and say something like, "I'm pleased to meet you." or "I've been looking forward to meeting you." Be sincere, not phony or cool. Put the home-boy greetings and other contemporary coolness on a back burner. "Dude! What up?" is best shared with your friends, not corporate interviewers!
• During and after the handshake, read the mood. If the interviewer is formal, then you probably should be, too. If the interviewer is casual, then follow along, but remain courteous and professional. Don't like put your feet up on the desk or anything!
• Wait to be told to take a seat or ask if it's okay, then say thank you. This shows manners.
• If it's possible without making a commotion, scoot your chair close to the interviewer's desk or take the chair closet to the desk, like you're ready to dive right in. This shows confidence. But, don't invade the interviewer's personal space (a perimeter of about two feet by US standards).
• Sit properly, and if you don't know what to do with your hands, keep them folded in your lap. This is another indication of manners. Don't cross your arms over your chest, as it subliminally demonstrates a closed mind to some. (Ask any juror-selection expert.)
• Even trained interviewers are regular people like you, so they'll expect you to be a little nervous sitting in the hot seat and all. But, avoid obvious signs like fidgeting.
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Don't stare or you may make the interviewer uncomfortable. But, don't look away too often, either. To some, it indicates that you are lying or lacking confidence.
• Definitely don't chew gum, smoke or squeeze a pimple!

Be prepared to attend two or three interviews at the same company. If you're called back for a second or third interview, it means that they're interested in you. But, they're also narrowing the competition, so keep up the good work!

CareerCity has an impressive collection of interviewing tips. Some are promos for books, but free nevertheless. Follow up, negotiating, benefits, attire, and more are included. Below, I've linked you to resources that supplement it. For these and more, see Interview Advice. Be sure to scroll down this page to Follow Up, too.

The Big Question
Be ready when they say, "Tell me about yourself..." By Diane Stafford, Kansas City Star.

But Enough About Me. . .
Become the interviewer with questions about the company, job opportunity and interviewer. Lots of other tips too, from Tech-Engine.

The Hot Seat
A wacky, but educational, virtual interview from Kaplan, a company that specializes in test preparation, admissions and career services. Lots of free, entertaining career advice, too.

How to Behave in a Behavior-Based Interview
From JobWeb, tips for getting through one of the toughest types of interviews. Includes sample questions and other advice, too.

Illegal Interview Questions
Why interviewers should not ask you these questions and what to do about it. From the Pomona College Office of Career Development.

Interview Tips
U.S. News Online presents 15 topics by career advisors Dan Nagy, Tom Fernandez and Dori Coffey. Includes rare topics, such as what to order if invited to lunch. Audio clips, too. Download the RealPlayer for free.

Interviewing Bloopers
What not to do during an interview, from DiversiLink.

Virtual Interview
Practice online to ace the interview, at StudentCenter.Com. Get immediate feedback for each, randomly-generated question you answer.

Follow Up

After interviewing, immediately send a thank you letter to each of your interviewers. For a short feature, and links to advice and samples, see "Writing a Thank-You Letter." For links only, see Writing Letters.

I hope you've found this series to be helpful. Thanks for reading it, and good luck!

Part I • Part II • Part III • Part IV • Part V • Part VI

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