Step Five Interview: During

The moment has arrived: Your interview is starting. It's your chance to shine. To shine your brightest, though, review these suggestions before you walk through the door!

When You Enter

The interview begins when you arrive at the building.

• Be pleasant to the receptionist / secretary.
  
  
• Introduce yourself to the interviewer using your first and last name.
  
  
• Make eye contact and shake hands firmly.
  
  
• Say you are pleased to be there.
  
  
• Sit down only after you're invited to do so.
  
  
• Take out your notebook and pen.
  
  
• Wait for the interviewer to talk first.
  
  
• Address the interviewer(s) by name.
  
  
• Comment on the office environment and / or the interviewers' interests.

Making Your Case

Explain why you're the best person for the job.

• Don't expect your application or résumé to do your selling for you.
  
  
• Focus on what you can do for the company and this individual, not vice versa.
  
  
• Explain how your skills will help.
  
  
• Speak firmly and loudly enough to be heard.
  
  
• Never answer with just a "yes" or "no."
  
  
• Show off the research you've done on the company.
  
  
• Tell stories using the CAR format (challenge, action, results) when asked about your experience. (See Résumé Achievement Statements for more information.)
  
  
• Show items from your career portfolio. Draw a picture if you communicate better that way.
  
  
• Show an interest in the organization, not just the specific job duties you may be assigned.

Assessing the Situation

Remember to evaluate the interviewer and the surroundings. Do you like what you see and feel? You're an equal partner in this discussion!

• Treat the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. Listen, respond and ask questions.
  
  
• Stick to the questions you planned (see Your Questions).
  
  
• Follow career expert Don Monaco's advice to "Act like a consultant not an applicant. Think of yourself in problem-solving mode, in partnership with your interviewer."

The Right Attitude

Your attitude should show that you want the job!

• Show an eagerness to work.
  
  
• Be positive — don't say anything negative and don't act desperate.
  
  
• Be energetic — don't slump, yawn, smoke, chew or look bored.
  
  
• Stay cool-headed — keep your temper.
  
  
• Stay calm — don't fidget or be overly-loud!
  
  
• Be real — don't be fake or overly flattering.
  
  
• Be serious — don't tell jokes.
  
  
• Be professional — use your best manners.