Employment Expertise: Brushing up on your interview etiquette

Interviews are opportunities to showcase your personality and skills. How well you present yourself and your experience can determine if you land the job or not. Even though interviewing can be intimidating and stressful, here are some tips you can use to prepare and interview with confidence:

Be prepared

Many employers have mask requirements. If your interview is in-person, ask the interviewer if there are any COVID-19 safety requirements. Consider keeping a mask with you just in case.

Arrive early

Arrive 15 minutes early to calm any nervousness. Take this time to review materials, such as your resume and the job description, and how your past experiences might help you succeed in this role.

Remove distractions

If you are interviewing virtually or over the phone, be comfortable with the technology/software you will be using. Test it the day before to ensure everything is working. Choose a quiet room where you will not be interrupted.

Be professional

Whether you are interviewing in-person or virtually, dress professionally. Wearing clothes that make you feel confident will help you stay focused. Avoid speaking negatively about previous employers. Focus on what you learned and how you grew from the experience.

Communicate engagement

Use nonverbal communication, such as nodding and eye contact, to show you are interested. Turn your body toward the interviewer to demonstrate that you are listening.

Speak clearly

Speak slower than usual and enunciate clearly. Take a moment before answering questions to reflect on what information the interviewer is seeking and provide a relevant response.

Relax and be yourself

Do not be afraid to engage with the interviewer. Be genuine. Let your personality and skills stand out. The interviewer needs to determine if you are a good fit for the company culture. Relax and maintain a professional demeanor to convey confidence and make a memorable first impression on hiring managers.

— Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works. Learn more about how they can help by visiting westmiworks.org or your local service center.