To effectively perform in an interview:
- Make sure to dress clean, smart and formal.
- Be spontaneous when giving answers to interview questions. While it is important to prepare ahead of time, you do not want your answers to sound scripted.
- Be confident, and try not to appear nervous or shy. If you have got this far, the organization is interested in you.
- Be the first person to say ‘hello’ and extend your hand when you meet your interviewer.
- Bring your file, notebook or dossier. Do not spread it out on the desk or table, but let it be seen by the interviewer.
- Do not be presumptious, and do not refer to ‘we’ as if you were a part of the organization already.
- If given the opportunity to ask questions, ask one or two at the most. Make them simple and have them ready. Do not pull out a long list.
- Watch for non-verbal cues.
- Make good, consistent eye contact.
- Lean forward, look interested, nod when the interviewer is speaking to you and be enthusiastic.
- Ask for clarification of any question that you do not understand.
- Don’t be critical of a previous employer or person. It will not make you an attractive candidate.
- Do not bring up salary requirements or ask about compensation in the initial interviews for any given opportunity unless the interviewer brings it up first.