Interview Skills
Key Concepts To A Successful Interview
- Be enthusiastic, but be sincere – Demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the job by doing some research about the company before you go into the interview.
- Listen to the interviewer – By not being an active listener you are telling the interviewer that you don’t about the company and you may not be able to follow instructions on the job site. Take a few secondsbefore responding to a difficult question.
- Think about how you can set yourself apart from other applicants – Don’t present your qualifications in a vague manner such as “I’m a diligent worker”. You should use examples that demonstrate those qualities of being a diligent worker. Always be truthful!
- Keep the interviewer’s attention – Try not to bore your interviewer. Try to use various tones, keep eye contact with the interviewer and vary the tempo.
- Don’t place blame on or be negative about former employers – One sure way of missing out on a job opportunity is to bad mouth a former employer. If your former employment did not go well, try to focus on some positive aspect.
- Plan on arriving at the interview site at least fifteen minutes before the interview is to start.
- Greet the interviewer with a smile and handshake and wait for them to be seated before you sit. Always address the interviewer by using Mr. or Mrs. before their name.
- Always dress in a professional manner if you are applying for an office position. Casual dress is appropriate if applying for a job working outside such as landscaping.
- Do not chew gum and maintain good posture.