Things to bring

Never assume that the interviewer has a copy of your information at the interview. Be prepared to carry a set of documents with you. Bring these documents in a professional portfolio, along with a pen and additional paper:

• Resumes
• Transcripts
• References
• Research notes (8-10 pages)
• Questions (based on notes)
• Samples of your previous work (if relevant)
• Letters of recommendation (if relevant)

Beginning the interview

Always make a good first impression by arriving early to the interview, giving yourself plenty of time to park and find the right location. Take traffic time into account if you are a distance away from the interview site. Silence your phone. Make sure you look neatly groomed and professional by stopping at a restroom before the interview begins to check your appearance in a mirror. If you are unsure of the dress code at an organization, call ahead and ask their HR department what the appropriate attire would be. 

When you meet the interviewer, smile and greet them with your name and a firm handshake. Take note of their name to form a more genuine connection. Make sure to check if you are pronouncing their name correctly if you are unsure, or find the name difficult for you to enunciate. Follow the interviewer’s lead and sit where he or she asks you to sit. Never place items such as your resume or portfolio on the interviewer’s desk without first asking for permission.

Be mindful of the attitude you project during the interview. Do not appear too relaxed or sloppy, but don’t be uncomfortably stiff either. Have good eye contact with the interviewer, as not to look nervous or mistrustful.

During the interview

Most interviews start with the classic, “Tell me a little about yourself.” Your answer will influence the first impression your interviewer has of you, so be sure to have a solid, rehearsed elevator pitch ready instead of a long, rambling life story. Keep your story to the point by explaining what you have done in the past that has prepared you for the job and the positive impact you have made on an organization.

Wait for your cues from the interviewer. Carefully listen to what questions are asked and make sure your responses match what your interviewer is looking for. Do not interrupt the interviewer when he or she is talking. Only begin speaking after the interviewer has finished a question or statement. Avoid telling negative stories or rambling when answering a question. When the interviewer asks you something, don’t be compelled to blurt out a response immediately. It is okay to take a breath, pause for a second, and organize your thoughts to present a coherent response.

Many interview questions can be answered using the S.T.A.R. Method.

Be honest and concise when answering. If the event did not produce desirable results, talk about what you learned, how you turned the experience into a positive, and how you will apply your experience to future situations. Make everything you talk about reflect positively on you. The S.T.A.R. Method is useful because it helps recruiters see the whole picture of the situation and lets them follow your thought process. This shows the interviewer your abilities in problem-solving, communication, reasoning, and other soft skills that are otherwise difficult to demonstrate on your resume.

Maintain enthusiasm throughout the interview, remember what questions were asked and how you responded, and be prepared to ask thoughtful questions. It is better to steer clear of salary discussions in the screening interview. If salary questions are asked during the job interview, try to avoid the topic by saying, “My focus was mostly on interview preparation. I don’t have sufficient information to understand appropriate salary yet,” and dodge the question. Then ask, “Is it fine if we discuss salary after the interview?”

Ending the interview

Remember to close the sale. For a screening interview, you want to get an answer from the interviewer as to what actions will take place next and when they should occur. If the interviewer doesn’t provide the details on who will contact you and within what time frame, take the initiative and ask on your own. If you have a strong interest in the employer, make that clear to the interviewer in your closing remarks. Let them know that you want the job. 

As the conversation wraps up, request a business card from the interviewer and ask them if you can call or email for additional questions and follow-up on your application status. The business card is important because it will provide a correct spelling of the interviewer’s name, title, and mailing address.

After the interview is over, take some time to sit down, reflect on the conversation, and make detailed notes on what you discussed with the recruiter. Write down all the questions you were asked and your responses. Reflection is beneficial for you as you grow your interviewing skills; sometimes interviewers will ask you questions you tripped up on in the past to see if you have improved. Your notes will also provide great reminders while you write thank-you notes.

Send a thank-you email or short business letter to your interviewer with the correct spelling of his or her name and title within 24 hours of the meeting. Thank them for the time they spent talking with you, referencing something during the interview that excited you. Consider sending a physical hand-written note within 48 hours of the meeting to build a memorable impression.