TOP 10 Interview Tips

Whether you're a manager or not, consider the following checklist the next time an interview is about to commence. As an interviewee, these actions might give you a competitive edge. As an interviewer, they might help set your standards on how you rate potential candidates.

1. Be punctual. If necessary, drive to the interview location the day before to ensure you know how to get there.
2. Prepare for the interview. Research the company and its products and services, and make sure you know the company's correct name. Stating the wrong name probably won't earn you a second interview.
3. Relax and be yourself. So many times, people stress over a job interview. Your best bet is to be the best, professional version of yourself, and look at an interview as an adventure. You are likely to learn something new and useful, even if you aren't the right person for the job.
4. Smile and be friendly. An interview is not the time to be shy. A warm smile goes a long way toward establishing a good first impression and rapport with the interviewer.
5. Use a firm handshake and direct eye contact. A limp handshake or lack of eye contact can make you appear ill-at-ease and possibly less than honest.
6. Bring copies of your resume and portfolio. Interviewers don't always have a copy of your resume available and you will seem ultra-prepared if you have extras. A leather portfolio containing samples of your work is also impressive. Of course, the type of job you are applying for dictates what goes in your portfolio.
7. Look the part. You want your potential employer to be able to visualize you in the role. Good grooming and professional appearance are important. Even if you know the office is typically business casual, a well-fitting suit makes an excellent first impression.
8. Ask questions. Make sure you have prepared a few questions ahead of time. Typically, interviewers gauge your interest in the position by whether you ask questions.
9. Bring a planner or pad of paper and a pen. This way, you can take notes or even write down your questions if you tend to get nervous.
10. Write a thank-you note. Make sure you get business cards from every person who interviews you and send a handwritten note to each one. Make sure you spell their names correctly. So few people write thank-you notes that this alone will create a positive impression.

The Ten Worst Job Interview Questions Ever

#10 - What interests you about our company?

“Um, I heard you were hiring?”

#9 - Have you ever brought a lawsuit against an employer?

You can’t ask about this or age, race, health/marital/personal/family issues, and arrests, among other things. You have a choice of responses to this one. You can use the old, boring “I don’t think that’s an appropriate question” line, or you can allow the interviewer to save face with something like “No, but I’m always open to new experiences”.

#8 - Why did you take the pen from me?

In this one, the interviewer picks up a pen and holds it out halfway between herself and the applicant, and then silently waits for a response. Eventually the person will ask “what are you doing”, or, more often, take the pen. I would recommend: “When I saw you holding out the pen, I knew what you were doing. Taking it was the fastest way to get the heck out of here. Good day!” If you want to stick around, you can always grab the pen with your thumb and forefinger just above the interviewer’s (ala the old sandlot baseball method for deciding who gets to bat first) and wait for her next move.

#7 - Can you work under pressure?

Who is going to say no? You could answer “I’ve been tested to 12 ft-lbs per square inch”, or if you can completely change the tenor of the conversation with “If I don’t get this job I’ll lose my house, my wife, and the eight third-world children I’ve been supporting will be doomed to starvation. How’m I doing so far?”

#6 - If you were a ‘Lost’ character, which one would you be?

Applicant: “Jack” Interviewer: (Raises eyebrow) “Jack?” Applicant: (Pauses and gazes upward as if in deep thought, and then looks interviewer directly in the eye) “Definitely. Jack. But what does that have to do with being an Accounts Payable Clerk 1?” This is a variant of the old “If you were an animal, which one would you be?” question. If asked that question, you might want to go with Sasquatch, noting that “I read that they are telepathic, and that would make this interview go a lot easier!”

#5 - How do you define sexual harrassment?

“You nailed it! Nice one.” Or if you’re ready to leave “Come closer and I’ll show you.”

#4 - What is the airspeed of an unladen swallow?

Upon further consideration, this could be a valid “team fit” question in certain technical disciplines.

#3 - Do you ever abuse alcohol or drugs?

“I didn’t realize I had to choose”, or the more tactful “You do realize that the people who test body fluid samples are part of the Teamster’s union? They don’t like people cutting in on their territory.”

#2 - What is your biggest weakness?

This question got serious consideration for the top spot, but it’s only the second most likely question to pop up in an interview. All the interviewing tactics books tell you to develop a response that actually demonstrates a strength. Don’t dignify an awful question with a thoughtful response. First, startle the interviewer by saying “I have two”, and then continue with “one, I have an aversion to kryptonite but it doesn’t normally affect my work, and two, you really don’t want me to work overtime during a full moon. Seriously.” You’ll be doing the parting handshake in no time.

#1 - Where do you see yourself in five years?

Possibly a Trifecta if family issues will effect your career planning! Undoubtedly you have either already heard it or you will in an upcoming interview. Depending upon how fast you want to get out of there you can go with: “In mirrors and on YouTube. Unless I’m undead; then only on YouTube.” Or the ever-popular: “Asking you this question as you ‘reinterview for your position’ “ (don’t forget the menacing air quotes). Rubbing your hands together and cackling works nicely, too.

Top Ten Worst Answers to an Interview Question

Q: Why do you want to work here?

12. Career Services told me that "student" isn't a real profession.

11. The name of your firm reminds me of my dear, recently departed dog, Bartholomew.

10. Apparently utilities and credit card companies expect me to pay them money. I mean, when did that start?!?!

9. I've always wanted to be a lawyer. In fact, my first toy was a gavel. I used to run around hitting the other kids with it yelling "Order in the court!!!"

8. Because you'll let me bring in my pet weasel, Rodney, and keep him in the bottom drawer of my desk. Your name is Rodney, too? You don't say!

7. Why do you think I want to work here?

6. Because your firm doesn't have a billable hours requirement. What? You do? Crap.

5. My anger management therapist told me I should put down the chainsaw and get a real job.

4. I need to make money fast to pay off some gambling debts. If that doesn't happen soon, I'm going to need handicap access.

3. I hear that on Fridays, clothing is optional.

2. Have you seen your secretaries???

1. Because I need a job, you moron!!!