CAREER TOOLBOX

Interviewing Techniques
Submitted by Elizabeth Buckeridge, President
Fortune Personnel Consultants 

First impressions are often lasting impressions.  As an interviewee, you want the overall impression you leave to be a great impression.  Some techniques that can help you achieve this are: 

• Dress conservatively.  Men should wear a suit or jacket and dress pants, light shirt, tie, but no jewelry.  Women should wear a suit or dress and jacket, pantyhose and subtle jewelry.

• Shake hands firmly.

• Maintain eye contact.

• Verbally expand on achievements listed on the resume.

• Arrive at the proper time—definitely not late, and not real early.

• Be enthusiastic—show your interest in the position.

• Always bring extra resumes.

• Ask questions. 

• You can take notes, (ask the interviewer if s/he minds).

• Restrain your sense of humor as it might not be the interviewer’s style.

• End by summarizing your key strengths related to the position and why you want the job. 

After the interview, follow up by writing a letter.  You should have already asked during the interview for each person’s card or written down their name and position if they did not have a card.  Send a letter to each of the people you met, briefly stating how well you can fit into the company’s culture, why you are the right candidate for the position and your level of interest.  If the decision is to be made real soon, you can fax or email this letter. 

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