10 Interviewing Tips We Can All Learn From

With the unemployment rate among young people at a much higher than normal level, the job interview process becomes so much more important.  Even seasoned job seekers may need a little brushing up too.

Business etiquette expert and author Barbara Pachter gives the following 10 tips for young job seekers who are new to the interviewing world, but these tips are a good reminder for all of us.

“By following these 10 guidelines, young people can alleviate a lot of the jitters commonly associated with interviewing,” writes Pachter.

Think of Positive Examples

While a young person may not have the exact experience of the industry, they can think of specifics in their life to draw from. Pachter gives the examples of how to lead to a good discussion such as dealing with unhappy customers from part time jobs or dealing with difficult people such as teachers or peers from school teams or clubs. She stresses to always be positive about the situation to show how you came out stronger.

Do a Practice Run

Try practicing for the interview with a friend or family member.  This helps works the kinks out like “um” and “like” and helps crystallize your examples better. Be open to feedback, especially if you are practicing with someone who has been in the job market in the past  – their own experiences can be great examples for you. Alternatively, you could hire a coach to help you get prepared.

Research the Company

Coming to the interview with knowledge of the company’s history, direction and the executives’ experience can really show that you cared enough and that you have a real interest in the company. Pachter says to visit the company’s website and to “like” their Facebook page. If you can, try to talk to people who work there to get a better sense about it.

Find a Nice Suit

Pachter says it’s always better to wear a suit, even if the dress code is more casual. The exception to that is if they tell you what to wear, do that. Whatever you wear, it should be clean and wrinkle-free.

Form to the Appropriate Work Environment

Pachter says pink hair, tattoos and piercings may be good for college but not necessarily for the office.  Cover your “individuality” if possible, turn off your cell phone and do not chew gum.

Shake hands – twice

When you meet someone, shake hands and make eye contact. Shake hands with everyone in the room when you arrive and when you are finished.

Convey Your Enthusiasm

Smiling, eye contact and controlling nervous habits help show your energy and interest in the position. People with the skills but who lack enthusiasm won’t be as attractive to an employer as someone who really seems to be interested.

Prepare Some Questions

Most likely, the interviewer will ask for questions so have a couple of them ready. Also, at the end, you can ask if they think your skills line up with what they are looking for – that’s called a close. I personally hired salespeople because they tried to close me in the interview and I thought that was a great tactic for that position.

Send a Thank You Note

Always send a thank you note for their time. Pachter says email thank yous are ok. I personally like to handwrite them but, either way, this cannot be overlooked and must be sent promptly after the interview.

Try to Learn Something From Each Interview

Debrief either by yourself or with someone about what you did right, what you can do better and think about the questions you were asked. Did you answer the best way or could you improve for next time?

Learn more tips and ideas from Pachter’s most recent book GREET! EAT! TWEET! 52 Business Etiquette Postings to Avoid Pitfalls & Boost Your Career, and find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pachtertraining.

Marijo Tinlin is the editor in chief of Family First, one of the oldest family-oriented websites on the internet. She is also the author of the new book “How to Raise an American Patriot, Making it Okay for Our Kids to Be Proud to Be American” available at www.raisinganamericanpatriot.com.