You never get a second chance to create a first impression.
You must look and act the part before they will offer you the
job. Take care to present a professional image, one that merits
respect.
How to Look
• Dress professionally and appropriately for the job. Men
should wear a suit, shirt and tie. Women should wear a pant suit
or dress, making sure clothing is modest. Your clothes must be
neat, clean and freshly pressed. Don’t forget to shine your
shoes.
• Avoid excessive jewelry, excessive make-up or extremes
of fashion.
• Cleanliness of appearance and personal hygiene are a must.
Be careful of strong perfumes or colognes.
How to Act
• Allow time for travel, parking and walking. Check in five
to ten minutes early. Be friendly and courteous to everyone you
meet at the interview. Employers may ask receptionists about their
impressions of you.
• Offer a friendly greeting; extend a firm handshake.
• Maintain eye-to-eye contact.
• Address the interviewer as Mr. or Ms. unless they ask you
to call them by their first name.
• Sit up straight in your chair or on the edge of your seat.
You should be formal, but don’t be afraid to be comfortable
and relaxed.
• Be friendly, smile, use your hands, add humor. Act relaxed
but don’t dominate the conversation.
• Have a positive attitude. Say positive things about yourself
and others.
• Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions.
What to Avoid
• Don’t sit down until you are invited to.
• Never chew gum.
• Avoid nervous habits. Don’t tap your pen, drum your
fingers, or rock in the chair. Also, avoid the repetition of slang
words.
• Don’t over-answer questions or overstate your abilities
and accomplishments.
• Don’t bring anyone with you to the interview. If you
must, have them wait outside.