1. Handshake:
- Mirror the handshake being offered.
- Look the person in the eye and be confident.
2. Eye contact:
- Maintain eye contact while listening attentively.
- Avoid looking around when someone is talking to you.
- Alternate looking at the interviewers eyes, mouth, and shoulders.
3. Body Language:
- Do not fidget.
- Sit up straight and lean slightly forward to show interest.
- Do not cross arms or clench fists.
- Avoid crossing your legs and keep your feet flat on the floor.
- Keep your back against the lower back of the chair.
- Do not crack your knuckles.
4. Listen:
- Especially when you are interviewing or you are new to a company it is better to listen than to talk. If you have a legitimate contribution, make it, but if not, do more listening and absorbing during the interview process.
- Listening carefully is especially important in a telephone interview, where you can't rely on body language from the interviewers.
- Pay attention to what issues or questions are important to your interviewers and think about your response before you speak.
5. Confidence:
- Practice potential interview questions with a friend so you feel prepared.
- Recite positive affirmations before the interview. Tell yourself that you are going to get the job and that you are the best person suited for the job.
- Confidence will cover up shortcomings in other areas.
- Let your individuality stand out. Try not to let nervousness over shadow your personality. Your interviewers will remember someone who is warm and shows enthusiasm.
6. Have a positive attitude:
- In all situations having a positive attitude always works. Everyone you interact with, at the workplace, should see your enthusiasm about being a part of a team and/or the organization.
- Most importantly, always leave non-work problems at home.
7. Health:
- Get a good night's sleep and be well rested the night before your interview. You should be refreshed, alert and in good spirits when meeting your interviewers.
- Eat a healthy breakfast before your interview so your stomach is not growling or taking your focus away from the interview process.
8. Phones:
- Turn off cellular phones. If you have it on silent and it starts to buzz this can be a rude distraction.
9. Questions:
- Prior to the interview, prepare a list of questions that you want to ask the interviewer. You will want to analyze the job description so that you can ask questions about the company, your position duties, and what they are looking for in a candidate.
10. Timeliness:
- Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the interview and no later than 5 minutes prior to the interview.
11. Smile:
- Smile and nod when appropriate but don't over do it.
12. Speech:
- Speak clearly and effectively.
- Don't interrupt.
- Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech.
- Match the pace and tone of the interviewer. If they are speaking slowly then mirror that in your responses.
