Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Days before the interview…

…Prepare an interview packet.

Have school certificates, résumé, letters of recommendation, a reference sheet, samples of work, or any other items that might help present your qualifications for the position.

…Know where you’re going and how to get there.

Write down the time and date of your appointment, as well as the full name, address and phone number of the company. Put this information in your wallet. Make arrangements to travel to and from this location. Get to know where the company is located and how much time you need to get there ten minutes early. Do not arrive too early because this suggests you have nothing better to do than sit in the waiting room. Anticipate the traffic, the weather, and other factors that can cause delays in the traveling time.

…Research the company.

At the very least become familiar with the proper spelling and pronunciation of the company’s and interviewers' names. Even better, research the organization before the interview. Talk to people familiar with the organization. Ask for information about the organization and for a job description when the interview is set up. Use the public library’s reference books on public and private organizations. Read company literature. Know the organization’s products, services, reputation and persons in responsible positions. This research will help you to ask intelligent questions about the company’s operations and to discuss the company’s needs along with your strengths and abilities.

…Be prepared to ask and answer questions.

Review your personal and professional qualifications. Practice asking and answering interview questions. Be prepared to answer the commonly asked questions. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, be prepared to ask questions that will help you to determine if the job is right for you.

…Review your résumé/job application.

Make sure you have it fresh in your mind because it will be fresh in the mind of the person who interviews you. Carry a completed generic application with you. This will enable you to provide information that may be required and to complete an application form if it was not done before the interview.

…Choose and set aside your interview clothing.

A general rule of thumb: Dress much the same as the company employees who work in that job do – but just a little bit better for the interview. Executives should wear business suits. White collar people should wear dress clothes. Workers should wear work clothes. Choose clothing that is more conservative in style and not overly flashy, trendy, or flamboyant. Classic colors – blues, grays, and browns are preferred. Also, it is a good idea to have more than one outfit for interviewing, if possible, so you will not have to worry in case of last minute spill or rip.

…Relax.

Maintain your psychological well-being by getting a good night’s sleep, eating well, and preparing yourself a few days in advance of the interview.

On the day of the interview…

…Double check your clothing.

Make sure that your clothes are neat, clean, and freshly pressed. Your shoes should be clean, shined, and in good condition.

…Exercise good personal hygiene practices.

Showering, brushing your teeth, and using a deodorant and mouthwash are essential to the overall appearance of the job applicant. Someone with a good appearance looks fresh, clean, and proud.

…Carry the essentials with you.

This includes note-taking utensils or devices, money and other necessities, as well as your interview packet.

When you’re in the waiting room, lobby, or reception area…

…Be patient.

People will watch to see how you are acting.

…Avoid unnecessary conversations.

…Review some interviewing tips.

Mentally go over how you will sell yourself and how you will calmly handle problem questions. If there is any information about the company in the waiting room, such as an annual report, read it so you will have more knowledge about the company.

…Treat the receptionist with respect.

Receptionists may have more influence on the decision than you think. Interviewers probably know the receptionist a lot better than you think. You can bet that the receptionist will pass along some sort of opinion about you to the interviewers, and that opinion may be crucial. If the receptionist doesn’t like your personality, you could be in trouble. Remember, the interview begins the moment you arrive at the company.

During the interview…

…Present yourself in a friendly, straightforward, and confident manner.

Cordially let the receptionist know who you are and who you wish to see. When introduced to the interviewer(s), shake hands, smile and introduce yourself. Remain standing until you are asked to be seated.

…Be yourself.

Don’t try to act cute. Don’t put on an act. This will help you relax during an interview and will cut down on stress. Don’t be a name-dropper.

…Be enthusiastic.

Show interest in the job you are seeking and in the business. Smile. Speak clearly.

…Be honest.

Tell the interviewer about your work skills, strengths and experience, including any volunteer work you have done. If you haven’t had a particular kind of experience, say so, but also indicate your willingness to learn new skills. You don’t have to embellish the truth. Simply present yourself as a positive person with skills to offer the employer.

…Practice business etiquette.

Don't place your handbag or other articles on the employer's desk.

Don't smoke, chew gum, or use a heavy fragrance. Don’t flirt with anyone in the company. Keep your interactions with others at the business level.

…Be a respectful and attentive conversationalist.

Listen to and think about each question, then answer in a clear, business-like manner. Be truthful and tell what specific skills you have. Maintain eye contact and ask open-ended questions. Don't answer the question, "What can you do?" by saying, "Anything." Keep to the point and don’t ramble, but relate your skills and experience to the job in question. Be careful not to react to questions. Avoid negative facial expressions. Involve the interviewer and show your ability to communicate well.

Ask intelligent and appropriate questions about the company and the job duties. Don’t interrupt.

…Be diplomatic.

Don't complain, say anything negative, or argue. Don't gossip and refrain from telling jokes. Use proper grammar and avoid slang such as "ok" or "yeah."

…Keep your part of the conversation focused.

Answer questions with more than a yes or no, but keep answers under 60 seconds. Don’t ramble. State why you are the best qualified candidate for the job, why you're interested in the position, and why they should hire you. Express willingness and desire to work hard. Show that you like and get along well with people. Express your interest in the job at the end of the interview- if you are interested.

…Remain flexible and open-minded.

…Let the employer lead into conversations about benefits.

Your focus on these items can be a “turn-off.” Don’t be afraid, however, to ask questions about things that you really need to know. When discussing salary: Be flexible- avoid naming a specific salary. If you’re too high, you risk not getting the job. If you’re too low, you undersell yourself. Answer questions on salary requirements with responses such as, “I’m interested in the job as a career opportunity, so I’m negotiable on the starting salary.” Negotiate, but don’t sell yourself short.

At the conclusion of an interview…

…Thank the interviewer and reaffirm your interest.

Before you leave, thank the interviewer for the interview and reaffirm your interest and qualifications for the job with a cordial closing remark: "Thank you for the opportunity to talk with you. I believe the job would be a good match to my skills. When will I be contacted with your decision?" Do not say, "Thank you. I'll wait for your call." You will not sit home and wait! You are looking for a job. Tell them that.

…Find out what the employer's time frame is for hiring, so you know where you stand and when to check back.

When you are about to leave, say: "I appreciate your getting back to me. As I will be job hunting and on other interviews, however, I'd like to get back to you in case you cannot reach me. Would Thursday or Friday of next week be good?" (They answer "Thursday.") "Is morning or afternoon more convenient?" (They answer "afternoon.") "Fine, then if you are unable to reach me, I will be calling you on Thursday, July 31, at 2 p.m. Thank you again."

…Obtain the correct spelling of the interviewer's name and a business card if possible.

…Thank the interviewer even if no position is offered to you.

If the interviewer does not offer you a job or say when you will hear about it, ask when you can call to find out about the decision.

If the interviewer indicates that he/she does not have a position for you, say, "Thank you for your time." Ask if they can recommend other employers who might be able to use your services. Write the information down in your notebook.

…Write down any pertinent information or job leads.

If the interviewer asks you to call or return for another interview, make a written note of the time, date and place.

Days after the interview…

…Evaluate your performance.

When you leave the employer's office, immediately review how your interview went. Make a list of specific ways you can improve your next interview. Practice makes perfect, and the more you interview, the better you will get. Ask yourself the following questions:

What questions did the interviewer ask?
What did I say that seemed interesting to the employer?
Did I present my qualifications/skills/abilities well?
Did I learn what I needed to know about the job?
Did I talk too much or too little?
Did I overlook any important qualifications?
Was I nervous? Was I too relaxed?
Was I too aggressive or too passive?
Was I dressed appropriately?
Did I learn all I needed to know about the job?
Did I talk about negative things (my physical disabilities, lack of experience, injury, personal problems, etc.)?
Did I get some kind of commitment from the employer?
Did I effectively close the interview?

…Write a thank-you letter

As soon as you get home, write a thank-you letter to the interviewer. Use plain stationary and type the letter, if possible. Thank the interviewer for the meeting. Review your background and briefly explain how your experience can compliment the requirements of the position. Stress accomplishments. Include a topic of discussion from the interview in your letter. This will enable the employer to remember you specifically. You may also want to include any key information that you had forgotten to bring up during the interview. Reemphasize your interest in the position. Indicate your intent to follow up the letter with a telephone call to determine if and when the interviewer wishes to see you again. Even if no position was available, you should still send a thank-you letter. They may refer you to someone else for an interview.

…Mail the thank-you letter that day.

You now have successfully put your name in front of the employer several times: on your application, on your résumé, during your interview and in your thank-you letter. You will also be calling the employer as scheduled. The employer will remember you and be impressed by your enthusiasm for the job.

Good Luck!

Don’t give up if you don’t get a job immediately. Keep trying. Look upon each interview as a learning experience that can help you land the job you want.

For more information, consult reference materials at your public library or from the Government Printing Office.

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