Interviewing for a Job: Steps to take during the interview

Though there are a large number of details to consider when interviewing for a job, everything from considering what to wear, how to get to the place of the interview, making time to thoroughly prepare, eat and dress, and how to best make a good first impression, giving a successful interview is far from being impossible. Much to the contrary, having a successful interview is determined mostly by the preparations of the interviewee. What you do to prepare yourself for the interview goes a long way in determining the outcome of the meeting. So even though the whole process seems a little overwhelming, there are a number of simple, preparatory steps to take in having a successful interview.

Introduce yourself.

Even though you are sure to have a number of things on your mind as you enter into the interview, introducing yourself should be top priority. Though this is a relatively simple action, it serves as your first impression to the interviewer, i.e. the person who potentially could be your new boss. Confidently entering the room and smiling as you shake the interviewer’s hand is a solid first step in making the right impression. Afterwards, wait until you are asked to be seated, instead of inadvertently taking your seat before the interviewer does; old-school manners still make a big difference in a number situations.

Body language.

After you have taken your seat, consider the way you are sitting. Even though business dress doesn’t always allow for comfort while sitting, comfort isn’t exactly the name of the game during an interview. Be sure to sit with a straight back, leaning slightly forwards toward the interviewer with your hands clasped together. In other words, not only should your facial expressions reflect attentiveness, but your body language as well.

Eye contact.

One key sign of confidence is eye contact. As the interviewer is speaking, and especially as you are speaking to the interviewer, keeping relatively strong eye contact is an effective way of relating that you are comfortable in the challenging situation of being corporately “sized up.” Eye contact is also a surefire way of letting the interviewer know that you are completely involved in the happenings of the interview, instead of nervously looking at the wall decorations or at your untied shoelace.

Take your time.

When asked a question that you may not know exactly how you wish to respond, uncomfortably hmm-ing and umm-ing isn’t the greatest thing to do. Instead, pause a moment, smile as if you are okay with the challenging question, and take a few seconds to gather your thoughts.

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