Job Interview Tips

Interviewing Tips Can Help Knoxville Job Seekers

The following interviewing tips are general suggestions that you can use for any interview.

• Practice Interviewing – Prepare interview questions in advance such as “Why should I hire you?” and “What is your biggest weakness?” Tough questions can throw you off guard unless you are prepared for them.
• Learn about the company – The information you gather before the interview will be important when it comes to asking questions and being prepared for questions they may ask. This also shows that you are very interested in the company and not just finding a job.
• Be on time – You should always show up to an interview 15 minutes early. Plan your trip carefully to make sure you will not be stuck in traffic or other unplanned events.
• Get directions and plan your route – Don’t let dead ends or wrong directions keep you from being at your interview on time. Drive the route beforehand if it is unfamiliar to you.
• Dress appropriately – When in doubt, wear a suit, which is almost always appropriate to wear to an interview.
• Turn your phone, pager and other electronic devices off.
• Bring supplies – extra resume copies, work samples, references, etc., when applicable.
• Shake hands – A firm handshake is professional and can say a lot about the person being interviewed.
• Make eye contact – Eye contact shows interest and confidence.
• Speak clearly – Sometimes when people are anxious they speak faster or mumble. Be sure to speak clearly and confidently.
• Look interested – Don’t allow your mind to drift, stay attentive. Don’t rethink your answers or try to plan your next answers. Stay with the interviewer.
• Stay positive – Avoid making negative remarks or complaining. Employers want positive, enthusiastic employees.
• Ask questions – Your preparation prior to the interview will be helpful with this. Understand the company you are interviewing with and prepare some questions ahead of time. Make sure your questions are important to you and your decisions without sounding too pushy.
• Send a thank you – You should always follow up an interview with a thank you within 24 hours.