After you walk out of the office, your interviewer will probably rate you under such headings as: appearance, speech/communication skills, attitude, personality, intelligence, job related experience, etc.
If you follow these suggestions you will be more likely to secure a good score-and the job.

1. Walk in briskly, and introduce yourself with a smile. Say "Good morning, Mr. Burns. I am Jessica Watson." If you have an appointment for four o'clock, be there when the clock strikes four or 2-5 minutes earlier, but not more. If you have no appointment, you may have to persuade a secretary or a receptionist to let you see the employer.

2. State at once the purpose of your coming. "I wish to apply for the job of junior camp counselor which you advertised in the newspaper, or "Mr. McKean suggested that I apply for the job of the secretary receptionist."

3. Don't sit down until invited. Unless the employer extends his hand, don't offer to shake hands.

4. Sit up straight. Don't edge up to your hearer while you talk.

5. Be modest but self-confident. Park your nervousness and mannerisms outside. Don't open and close your bag, fuss with your hair or clothes, or fidget. Don't smooth your hair, clear your throat, look at the floor or out of the window, play with a pencil, or wriggle.

6. Look your interviewer straight in the eye. Listen sharply. Never interrupt.

7. Answer questions frankly and fully, but don't talk too much.

8. Never chew gum during an interview.

9. Speak distinctly and earnestly, and keep your voice pitched low.

10. Avoid slang and wisecracks.

11. If you are asked to fill out a written application, fill accurately and neatly every blank that applies to you. Be brief, spell and punctuate correctly. Your application will be considered an example of how you work.

12. Emphasize you skills and experience. Avoid making apologetic or negative statements like "I don't suppose you could use a beginner." Express eagerness to work and learn. Don't appeal to the employer's sense of pity"I need the job to keep me in school."

13. At the end of the interview stand up, thank the interviewer, and leave promptly.

Learn more about this author, Mark Wellber.
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