15 quick Interview Tips

  1. Arrive between 10-15 minutes early to an in-person interview; join virtual interviews 5 minutes before the start time.
  2. Bring copies of your resume, a pen, and paper to write on. Portfolios or work samples should be accesible digitally.
  3. Dress professionally; view this resource for tips and examples here.
  4. Remember to take a deep breath and relax.
  5. Sit comfortably without slouching and look confident and enthusiastic. Avoid fidgeting and make eye contact.
  6. Be focused, yet friendly and personable. Use humor only when appropriate.
  7. Feel free to ask for clarification or a few minutes to think before answering questions.
  8. Take time to formulate your answers before you speak.
  9. Avoid simple “yes” and “no” answers.
  10. Keep your answers between 30 seconds to two minutes. Avoid long rambling responses.
  11. Do not speak negatively of past employers or experiences.
  12. Remain honest throughout the interview.
  13. Be prepared with 2-4 questions to ask the interviewer about the job and/or employer.
  14. Send a thank you email within 24 hours of the interview to the main point of contact/interviewer. Ask for business cards or contact info at the end of the interview to make this easier.
  15. Ask for next steps in the process at the conclusion of the interview so you know when to expect to hear back from the employer.
By Zoey Reynolds
Zoey Reynolds