How To Present Yourself During An Interview

Don’t forget that you’re creating an impression from the very first smile to the final handshake.  Follow these guidelines:

• Be 15 minutes early for the interview.
• Silence your cell phone and keep it out of sight.
• Treat each person you meet in a friendly, respectful manner (i.e. if you’re rude to the receptionist, you can bet the interviewer will hear about it “through the grapevine”.
• Stand, use a firm handshake and make eye contact with each interviewer who enters the room.
• Wait until you are asked to be seated before doing so.
• Maintain a comfortable amount of eye contact during the interview, without staring.  If you are interviewed by a panel, answer the person who asked the question directly, while still making it a point to make eye contact with others on the panel.
• Express yourself clearly; use complete sentences, don’t use slang and don’t ramble.
• Be prepared to present your “elevator speech” – the short summary of who you are and the value you can bring to the organization.
• Be aware of body language.  Your tone of voice, posture, gestures, etc., all give clues about your feelings and attitudes.  Face the interviewer in an open, relaxed manner.  Nod at appropriate times to show that you are listening.
• Listen attentively and ask questions, but do not bring up salary or benefits.  Wait for the interviewer to introduce the topic; it may not come up until a job offer is made.
• Ask when you can expect to hear from them again.

For more information contact GST Michigan Works! at 800-285-WORKS.