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Avoid dressing casually for a job interview. Smart-casual may increasingly be typical work attire; however, professional attire is the most appropriate business attire for job interviews.
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If you're uncertain about how to dress for the interview, you can ask the hiring manager what the dress code is at the workplace and use that as your guide for your interview outfit. If you don't get a response from the hiring manager, it's better to dress too formally than to underdress for an interview. Regardless of what you choose to wear, ensure the clothes are clean and aren't wrinkled.
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It would help if you avoided approaching your interview with a "wing-it" attitude. To make a good impression on the interviewer, you can prepare for your interview a few days before the appointment. View the organization's website, press releases, and social media accounts to research it before the interview. You should also review your resume and practice potential interview questions.
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Preparing for your interview ahead of time can help you arrive for the appointment feeling confident and ready to answer the interviewer's questions. Your preparation should include planning your route and leaving enough time to deal with any delays you encounter during your commute.
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Many interviewers will ask why you're considering leaving your current job. Responding that you don't like a manager or the company can make the interviewer question your motivation for applying for the position and your attitude.
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You don't want to be critical of your current employer or colleagues. Your response can include saying that you are looking for a new challenge or want to be a part of a smaller or larger organization. Speaking negatively about your colleagues may make the interviewer wonder what you might say about them in a similar situation.
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When an interviewer asks you a question, don't be afraid to take a few seconds to think about the question before answering. Avoid going on tangents or not answering the interviewer's question.
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Try to speak at an average speed and avoid mumbling. If the interviewer has to ask you to repeat yourself more than once, you should be mindful of your delivery and pace. You can practice with a friend, family member, or colleague, using a recording app on your phone to hear how you sound in your responses.
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If you have a habit of checking your phone constantly, you can eliminate the temptation to use your phone during an interview by leaving it in your car. If you commute to the interview via transit or any kind, put your phone on silent and put it away before the interview.
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Keeping your phone out of sight is critical, so it doesn't tempt you to check your messages or other notifications. Talking and texting during an interview can be seen by an interviewer as disruptive and rude. It sends a message to the hiring manager that you don't consider the discussion a priority.
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You don't want interviewers to think that you haven't done any research or don't want to learn anything about the position or the company, so you should come to the interview with questions. Employers want to measure your interest level in the job, so you should show up to the interview with questions you've prepared.
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You can ask questions about the role, the team you'd be working with if chosen as the successful candidate, or something you learned while researching the organization. Write the questions down or print them and bring them to the interview, so you don't forget what you want to ask.
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It can make an excellent first impression when you exhibit an added level of engagement with the questions you ask. The answers you receive can help you better understand the job and determine if it's the right fit for you. When you get to the conclusion of your interview, expect the hiring manager to ask if you have any questions.
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Even if the interviewer has answered most of your questions, you don't want to tell them you don't have any. Stay away from questions you can find the answers to in your research. You also don't want to ask questions about paid time off or whether you got the job.
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Showing up to your job interview with messy hair or a bit of your lunch on your shirt won't send a good first impression. Instead, take the time to style your hair and ensure your clothes and accessories are clean and your overall appearance is neat.