Here is what I learned:
Wait to be seated. It is extremely awkward to sit when the employer is still up walking around. By waiting you are exhibiting courtesy and politeness.
Bring extra copies of your resume and cover letter; you never know who will be in the room interviewing you. Respectfully offer additional copies to ensure everyone has your documents.
Use your resume as a cheat sheet throughout your interview. Remember, your resume lists your work experience; your skills, evidence, and what they can do for the employer; your education; your achievements; and potentially a whole lot more. If you are puzzled by a question, briefly scan your resume to prompt your memory.
Propose returning to a question later if you are feeling stymied. Please only use this tactic once or twice at most as you could imagine the perception of the employer when your response to every other question is “may we return to this question at the end?”
Take time in the awkward silences to create a genuine answer. Employers know when you are talking for the sake of talking because you felt uncomfortable in the space between the question and your answer. The last time I conducted interviews, multiple interviewees provided me with intricate elaborate stories that never answered my question because they felt pressured by the silence. Someone who takes the time to search their memory for the best possible answer shows me that they are genuine and will be thoughtful and careful in their role, not jump the gun.
Try not to fill the void with um, ah, you know, or like in those silences that you feel are awkward. These words could be distracting the employer from the real content you want them to remember. Using these words may also demonstrate poorer oral communication skills then you actually possess. Simply speaking: be cognizant.
Bring your portfolio to evidence or support anything you state. By referring to your portfolio, you may be also demonstrating your presentation skills.
Ask questions at the end of your interview. Inquire about the company’s goals. Ask when you should expect to know the outcome. Query about what the interviewer likes about working for the company. And my fave: What does an ideal candidate look like for this position, in your opinion? Google questions to ask at an interview to discover many more. Asking questions at the end of the interview demonstrates your interest in working with the company and your interest in ensuring this is the right “fit” for the both of you. Have a minimum of three questions prepared.
Remember these tips and certainly you will be the centre of attention, and, maybe even land yourself your dream job. Happy job shopping!
