HOW TO ACT AT

A JOB
INTERVIEW
 JOB INTERVIEW
 Job interviews are the most important part of getting
a job. The first impression towards your future boss
can impact the entire experience. Without the proper
preparation and execution, your interview could be
ruined beyond repair.
 Never be late

• Know the exact time and the place of the interview. If possible, go and check out the
workplace a day earlier, so that you know how much time it will take to get there. The
interviewer wants to know that you want this job. If you show up even one minute late, they are
going to think that you have more important things to do than be there.
 Be excited about the job

• If you seem happy and excited to work rather than depressing, dull, or sullen, it is more
likely that you will be given the job. Don't apply for a job that doesn't excite you, unless
you are desperate for money.
 Dress
Appropriately

• You want the person who is interviewing you to have a great first impression of you. If you wear
jeans, Uggs, and just your old Beatles shirt, the interviewer is going to think that you do not care
about this interview and are not serious about landing the job. If you're a girl, wear a skirt or
dress with a blazer and flats. For a man, a suit and tie is appropriate.
 Bring something new to
the equation

• Employers are always looking for people who can add something special to the company. Be
bright, charming, and intelligent because that is what everyone looks for in an employee.
 Visualize the situation

• Be confident that you passed the interview. Doing so will make you feel better and will
make you positive about it.
 Do your homework

• Find out more about the company. Read recent press releases or study their website for an
event that has happened to the company in the last few months. This way, you can talk about
the happening with your interviewer and show that you care enough about this job to look it up.
 Be prepared

• Interviewers usually ask a lot of questions about why you want the job, such as whether the
job is your first job, and about your work experience. Before the interview, try answering
some made-up questions in front of a mirror, or ask a family member to act as an
interviewer.
 Think and answer

• Take five seconds to gather all your thoughts and then answer the questions. Speak slowly, in
order to make your words concise and simple. Avoid using fillers such as "umm....and then"
and "you know?.....we can..." as fillers interrupts your speech.
Don't say anything negative about
former employees or colleagues to
the interviewer.
Improve your body language

• Make your shoulders loose and don't stare. Use your hands while
answering.
 Have a good posture and
manner while sitting

• Avoid fidgeting and slouching at your seat. Be still. Sit upright and sound
interested while at the interview.
 Have a good question to ask at
the end of the interview

• Don't just ask about the pay, the lunch breaks or hours. If you can't ask an intelligent,
researched question about the role or the company or organisation, you can try ask
how many people applied for the role and how many interviews they are holding.
Don't trail off about your
achievements

• For instance, do not start off the sentence with "when I went to Harvard law" or "after I got
almost a perfect score on my SAT". Your employers don't care. They already have what they
already need to about you. They have your resume, so don't think that they haven't done their
research too.
 Make a great lasting impression
while leaving

• Say thank you and shake hands firmly with great eye contact. Send a thank you
letter promptly after you leave.
 Do not eat

• If you are at an interview and you take out a piece of gum or even an apple without
permission from the interviewer, he or she will blow his or her top.
 Have patience

• Don't ask about the salary or any bonuses until you get the offer. Do ask about your
interviewer's card when leaving; it makes a good impression. Depart gracefully.