43 During the Interview

Read this chapter for valuable suggestions on body language, verbal communication skills, and etiquette for each stage of the interview.

At the Start: First Impression

Make a positive first impression!

• Be punctual.
  Arrive for your interview 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. If you feel you might be running late, be courteous and contact the interviewer to let them know; this will allow them to reschedule if it is more convenient.
• Be friendly.
  Smile and make eye contact with everyone you meet from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave.
  • If the interviewer(s) offer to shake hands, give a firm handshake.
    Since the COVID pandemic, many people no longer shake hands. Follow each person’s lead. Remember not to grip too hard or too soft. If your hands perspire when you’re nervous, keep a tissue on hand to absorb the moisture while waiting to be introduced.

During the Interview

Answer the interviewer’s questions clearly, completely, and concisely.

• Be concise.
  Long answers will make the interviewer lose interest and possibly miss the point of your answer.
• Speak with confidence and enthusiasm. Vary your tone and pitch of speech.
• Mention your portfolio and use it to give examples of your skills.
• Use STAR stories (proof stories) to answer behavioural questions.
• If you do not understand the question, politely ask the interviewer to repeat it.

At the End: Finish Strong

Finish strong and leave a lasting impression.

• Ask the one to three questions (about the job or the company) you prepared in advance (see chapter 42 for suggestions).
• Ask what the next steps in the hiring process are (if the interviewer has not yet addressed this).
• If you forgot to say something important while answering questions, you can bring it up but do not apologize for or even mention anything that did not go well. 
• Act confident, even if the interview did not go as well as you hoped.
• Thank the interviewer(s) for their time.