by Todd Pheifer

Created on: May 15, 2009

The job interview can be a nerve-wracking time for the applicant, particular since it can make the difference in the acquisition or loss of a new vocational opportunity. Interviewing is in many ways a science but it is also an art form as there are various techniques to employ while navigating the conversation. Therefore, here are a few important job interview tips.

Be on time

The first thing to remember is that people have to be on time. Nothing will start off an interview badly like being late. The applicant should be eager to make a good first impression, which means that they absolutely cannot show up late to the interview. If they must budget extra time in order to be punctual, then that must be done.

Look sharp

In general terms, people should look nice for an interview. Depending on the setting there may be a variety of outfits that can be worn. However, people should be dressed, pressed, and properly groomed. Again, organizations will make judgments based on how someone looks and presents him or herself. A "look" may not truly capture the essence of an individual, but it does say something about how serious the applicant takes the interview.

Be attentive

The applicant needs to pay attention during the interview. They need to listen with keen interest when the interviewer is talking and they need to make sure that they understand what is being asked. In addition, they should pay attention to things like non-verbal cues, so that they have a sense of when they are talking too long or when an interview doesn't necessarily like the answer being given.

Eye contact

The interview is an opportunity to make a connection with a person. That means that people have to be diligent and deliberate about maintaining eye contact with every person that is interviewing them. Too often, people get nervous and they end up staring at the wall, floor, or ceiling. Granted, people do have to make their eye contact feel genuine, so that they avoid locking eyes with someone in a staring-contest sort of way. Sometimes eye contact is one of those things that have to be practiced over time.

Interview them

Finally, people have to be ready to interview the organization. Whether they care about certain things is irrelevant. By having some questions ready, they show the interviewer that they are "bought in" to the job and that they are interested in the organization. When the applicant has no questions, the organization may not know if they are truly interested in the position of the company.

Overall, interviews are something that should planned and prepared for so that people aren't shocked by the experience. Sometimes it is helpful for people to practice certain interview questions and even ask acquaintances to conduct a "mock" interview so that they can get some feedback on their performance. That way people can be prepared for the interview and make sure that they impress the organization and put themselves in a good position to get the job.

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