<p> Be sure your appearance is neat and attractive—hair combed, clean clothes, appropriate attire, etc. Don’t wear blue jeans… Don’t wear gaudy jewelry or short skirts. Think “Professional Attire”!</p><p> Arrive on time—maybe 5 to 10 minutes early. Do not be late! If you have an emergency and can’t make it, call. (But, don’t have one!)</p><p> Shake hands, smile and make eye contact with the interviewer. Firm handshakes communicate confidence. Wait to be asked to be seated.</p><p> Maintain eye contact as much as possible during the interview but remember— it’s not a stare down. Be attentive. Do not look at your watch, out the window, etc. Your interviewer has your undivided attention.</p><p> Listen carefully to questions—BE INTERESTED! Think before you answer. Ask clarifying questions if you are unsure what the interviewer is asking.</p><p> When answering, look at the interviewer and speak clearly and directly. Don’t mumble or ramble on. Give complete answers—not just one-word answers. Don’t chew gum.</p><p> Watch your posture and body language. Sit straight; don’t cross your legs, bounce or swing them. Sit still!</p><p> Be ready to tell them something about yourself—hobbies, interests, family, school, clubs you belong to, activities, sports, books you’ve read, etc. Know and be able to tell your strengths and your weaknesses. With each weakness, be able to tell how you’re working to improve in that area. Never be perfect! (Egomaniac!)</p><p> Be ready to answer questions about why you’d like to be hired as an employee for this company. What talents or abilities do you have that would benefit this organization? What do you want to learn from working there? Do some research and learn something about the company—that is always impressive.</p><p> Ask at least one good question about the position you are applying for. Don’t ask, “How many days off do I get?” or “When is my first vacation?” Shows you aren’t into working… Not a good impression!</p><p> At the end of the interview, shake hands and thank the interviewer. Send a thank you note immediately to the interviewer and again emphasize how much you’d like to be part of their team.</p>