During the Interview

1) Meet and greet everyone

Your interview begins when you step onto the premises. You’ll want to make a good impression on everyone, not just your interviewer. The important thing to realize is that co-workers talk to each other, so your actions on anyone there will affect your chances of landing a position. Making a good impression on anyone you pass can be really effective if you’re lucky enough to meet the employer’s boss, where you’ll have a chance to really show off your prior research.

Also in this section is the all-important handshake. Make sure your hand is not sweaty or even worse - dirty. Be firm and collected, and anticipate a handshake once you meet anyone so you don’t “cross-shake” (you shake with your left and he shakes with his right or vice-versa.) Don’t brush or crush his hand with yours, shake as though you are colleagues, not as though he is better or worse than you.

2) Be personal

I’m not talking about your dirty habits, but rather your personality- remember that the interview is to learn more about you, not just to learn more about what you know. This means laughing when appropriate, smiling, being open, and not replying with just “yes” and “no.” If you’re having trouble, you can comment on the facility, the neighborhood, the weather, etc.

3) Start Over if Needed

Even the best interviewees make mistakes. If this happens, quickly apologize and start over, because it’s much better to recover by quickly owning up to your mistake and moving on rather than allowing any awkwardness to linger for the rest of the interview, or in the mind of your interviewer.

4) Ask Questions

Usually at the end of the interview you will be asked if you have any questions. Have questions. An example could be “How long will it take you to choose a candidate?” or “What is a typical day like here?” Having questions will again make you seem interested in the company and will allow you to learn something you can’t find on the website.

5) Quick Do’s and Don’ts

Do nod to show your attention
Do show plenty of eye-contact to avoid looking nervous or bored
Do sit up straight for good posture and a display of interest
Do speak up and speak slowly and clearly for obvious reasons
Do be concise and on point when speaking
Do accept a drink if one is offered
Don’t bring your own drink (especially caffeinated ones that show you aren’t awake)
Don’t interrupt when he is in the middle of a sentence
Don’t ramble about yourself (~5 consecutive sentences on your part or more)