1. Dress Your Best
Many organizations are dropping the formal code but it is still recommended that you dress up for an interview. A young man should wear a tie, and women should wear a skirt or matching suit with pants and a tailored blouse. If you really feel that the formal look is not for you, go for semi casuals at the very least.
2. Study the Organization
Find out important facts and anecdotal details about the organization you are researching. It is expected that you know something about a company before you walk in their door.
3. Speak Articulately
Practice with a friend when you are preparing for an interview. Answer questions briefly and keep the discussions to the point. Try not to talk too much or fly off on tangents that may get you into trouble, by revealing undesirable facts.
4. Plan for Typical Questions
Many interviewers use standard interview texts to develop a list of questions. They include things like, where you see yourself in five years and what did you want to be when you were a child or what makes you the best candidate for this job. Be prepared for questions like these. The other common approach is to ask you to tell the interviewer about yourself. You need to memorize a brief sales pitch encompassing your education and experience.
5. Know Yourself
When you have a chance to practice with a friend, be sure to ask her to give you constructive feedback. Listen and learn. Most people know if they stutter, stammer or repeat themselves. Practice and insight from others will help you avoid these pitfalls. If you become momentarily stumped by a question, take a deep breath, smile and ask for a moment to think. If you still cannot find the answer in your head, go back to it later. And it is okay to say you don’t know the answer. Honesty will earn you a few points.
6. The Almighty Dos
Be on time. Ensure that you are clean and groomed – hair, nails, make up, shoes – and that your clothes are laundered and pressed. Please avoid the grunge look.
7. The Definitive Don’ts
Don’t chew gum or put anything in your mouth. If you are extremely nervous, you can accept water if offered during the interview, but nothing else. Avoid freaky and funky dressing or showing too much skin or using any profanity during the interview.
8. Follow-Up after the Interview
Sending a “thank you” letter to each of the people you meet with is by far the best way to reinforce a good interview or elevate you above those with similar backgrounds who did not send a note.