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Career Articles and Job Search Advice

Successful Interviewing

Your goal in the interview is to sell yourself for the position. Here are some tips:

  • Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
  • Greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If not, ask the person to repeat it.
  • Project energy and enthusiasm. Smile and shake hands firmly.
  • Wait until you're offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright and look alert at all times. Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately.
  • Look the interviewer in the eye.
  • Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the responsibilities so you can focus your responses on your background, skills and accomplishments related to the position.
  • Be sincere and truthful while communicating your specific professional achievements that relate to the opening.

What to Avoid in an Interview

The interviewer will be assessing your negative as well as positive qualities. Here are negative factors frequently identified during interviews which most often lead to rejection of a candidate:

  • Unprofessional appearance.
  • Overbearing, overaggressive or arrogant behavior.
  • Lack of interest and enthusiasm; passivity or indifference.
  • Lack of confidence and poise; nervousness.
  • Overemphasis on compensation.
  • Evasiveness; making excuses for unfavorable factors in work history
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